The Days I Loved You Most (add on): Discussion Thread

[Trisha]

Unforgettable and utterly romantic, The Days I Loved You Most is a heart-wrenching, life-affirming novel that asks, How much would you sacrifice for the one you love?

In the summer of 1941, on the New England shores where they were raised, Evelyn and Joseph fell in love. Now, more than sixty years later, with a lifetime between them, they have gathered their three grown children to share the staggering news: she has received a tragic diagnosis, and he cannot live without her. So in one year’s time, they will end their lives on their own terms.

As the couple comes to grips with their fate, they retrace their past—the joys and regrets, the laughter and the sorrow—that brought them to this moment. They embark on a journey to live out their greatest dreams and to comfort and connect with each of their children before they're gone. But as their final days draw closer, they must confront the stark reality of what they are about to do, and make peace with the legacy they will leave behind for their family.

Spanning the twentieth century from World War II to 9/11 and beyond, The Days I Loved You Most is a timeless tale of unwavering devotion -- a moving tribute to the enduring power of love and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and beauty to be found.

[Vicki]

Stopped at Six Joseph 1944 / 23%

(view spoiler)[I love the history of Joseph and Evelyn. I was so sad though that they plan to commit suicide together. I can't imaging how their kids feel. I guess there's always hope so I get why they don't want their parents to follow through with their plans. My husband's mother died from Parkinson's and it's not a pretty decline and the quality of life just continues to get worse and worse. I understand why Evelyn wants to die on her own terms but honestly I don't agree.

I love how youthful and in love they were in their younger days. It would be so hard to say goodbye to a loved one. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Stopped at Eighteen Evelyn May 1970 72%

I spent 6 hours on the road yesterday driving 2 of my daughters, 2 granddaughters and my daughter's girlfriend to the airport, took their car back to their house, then had to drive to my house so I got home really late. I wasn't able to stop (I was listening to audio during the drive back) and make comments so that's why I'm at 72%.

(view spoiler)[I don't know what to comment on except one thing that stuck out to me how Evelyn's daughter wanted what her parents had SO BADLY that there was no way she could live up to it. Violent wanted to divorce her husband because of losing the sparkle, blah blah blah and she knew she wouldn't die for him like her mom and dad would die for each other. Then she was shocked to hear her mother tell about how SHE was in her younger days of marriage, how she was with the kids (or not), and Violet was so surprised that her parents went through such rough times.

I thought it was a pretty good conversation that reminded me how most couples go through bad times, growing pains if you will, and some people just can't wait a minute but they dump everything they've had rather than work on it. I've been through divorce, so I'm not saying anything bad about other's who've divorced. But sometimes I hear about someone being married a month, 6 months, a year etc. and they just can't handle seemingly anything! (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Stopped at Twenty-Three Evelyn April 2002

(view spoiler)[How awful to live for years wondering if your spouse cheated on you! She definitely should've told him about the incident. That happened to me when I just only 20-21 and had 1 child. My good friend's husband tried to kiss me and when I put him in his place he said he thought I felt the same way. I was SHOCKED!! I told my husband right away. I had NO idea why he thought that. All I could think of was that it was a good excuse to come on to me...ugh

OMG that scene with Jane and how she went back home. Her parents had no idea about Rain...that brought me to tears. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Finished (forgot to post!)

I really liked this one a lot. Some sad parts for me, but I love the family dynamics in it. (view spoiler)[And boy did he love her!!!! So sweet! (hide spoiler)]