Discovering the True Meaning of Life: Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

Personal Rating:

Does it really take death for change to happen? Does it really take death for us to know what’s important in this life? As for Wallace, it’s definitely yes when he sees his own funeral and comes across a reaper who accompanies him to Charon’s Crossing Tea and Treats.

He encounters a ferryman named Hugo, who helps departed people accept their death and cross to the whispering door in their own will. Being in the first stage of grief, Wallace wants to go back to his repetitive lifestyle. But when evidence shows that he is dead, Wallace decides to stay because of fear of the unknown. While the story revolves around the afterlife, it can be read by anyone as its concept is religious-free.

The serene nature of the places in the book perfectly mirrors the usual knowledge of the people as to where the departed people go. The way the author describes each side of Charon’s Crossing Tea and Treats is very specific that it feels like you are literally in there. But a place will not be utterly peaceful unless the people around you make you feel that you belong. The characters around Wallace impeccably depict this while helping him to discover his inner goodness by using their unique way of showing confidence, humility, patience, and sacrifice, which we can be inspired to. Also, their vulnerability to each other will make us realize that we can also receive comfort from the people we are helping.

Since the protagonist is not being rushed to enter the Whispering Door, the story’s pacing is slow. However, that curiosity will hit you as to when his Big Aha moment and the pages go on like peeling an onion until Wallace’s true feelings about his death reveal. Most pages of the book will possibly not bring any reaction to the readers as the conflicts in the story are not that stressful, making this book fit for those who are looking for something to read without the need to analyze. Still, some pages are funny and romantic, making this book proves once again (just like any other story) “Love conquers all.” And even though the story is fiction, we can also learn a new concept, particularly about mental health disorders.

This book will make us realize that people may always base their decision on what they know even though they don’t believe in that particular knowledge. Just like how Wallace does not seem to believe in religion, he is still afraid that what he did in his life do not merit a place in heaven, which may lead us to take an important lesson that Wallace learns “It’s not always about the things you’ve done or the mistakes you’ve made. It’s about the people and what we’re willing to do for one another. The sacrifices we make.”

This science fiction, fantasy romance is for adults who want to escape from our fast-paced world while learning to live a good life. You don’t need to travel; just read TJ Klune’s another vacation vibe novel. A four out of five stars.

Ma. Jessica Balio is a lesson seeker and revolutionist who loves to sing and dance alone in her room. She believes that any kind of art is life-sustaining and can solve issues of human nature.