The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - review Jul 22nd 2013, 14:00
'Chbosky somehow manages to transport you to that truck, with Charlie, Sam and Patrick, driving through that magical tunnel, feeling infinite as they did in that moment, when music and friendships were all they had'
This deeply affecting novel is set in the years of 1991-92 by a male freshman "Charlie" who is writing letters to an anonymous person. Although he is not the nerd of the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years and as a result socially awkward - he is a wallflower. Stuck in the middle of trying to live life and to run away from it. His one friend, Michael, committed suicide at the end of the last year and so he is truly alone. That is until he meets brother and sister duo Patrick and Sam - then he begins to come out of his habit of watching life to participate in it.
Charlie's journey of self-discovery is by no means an easy, loud or cheesy one. It is in many ways a very simple book as it chronicles through the mundane life of an average teenage boy. He experiences drugs; his first kiss; first girlfriend; first car drive: yet all these normal things seem somehow more significant when they happen to him. He over-thinks, over-analyses and - like many of us - finds it difficult to integrate in the uncharted territory of adapting from childhood to adulthood.
Charlie realises that there is a whole other bigger, better life awaiting him. All one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. The book makes many pop culture references to books, films and music from the early 90s in America, including Rocky Horror Picture Show, To Kill a Mockingbird and Asleep by The Smiths. Born in England in the late 90s, most of these references were alien to me, however Chbosky somehow manages to transport you to that truck, with Charlie, Sam and Patrick, driving through that magical tunnel, feeling infinite as they did in that moment, when music and friendships were all they had.
The Perks of being a Wallflower is an acquired taste and, at times, it is very hard to digest. There are many themes which will be very difficult and inappropriate for younger audiences. However, it is one of those coming-of-age novels that you must read at least once in your life. This novel helped me through some very difficult times with its poignant, reflective and painfully honest tone. It is a true masterpiece.
Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!
YOUR COMMENT
