PS I Love You

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PS I love you is a 2004 novel by the Irish writer Cecelia Ahern . The book topped the bestseller lists in Germany , Ireland , the United Kingdom , the Netherlands and the United States .

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After many happy years with her husband Gerry, Holly, a young woman from Dublin, suddenly receives news that her husband has a malignant brain tumor. From then on, the two of them see their lives from a completely different perspective. During this time, Holly tries to make Gerry's life as beautiful as possible and does everything for him.

After half a year Gerry finally dies, at the same time Holly falls into severe depression. She is desperate, no longer sees any meaning in her life and has to torment herself every day to get up in the morning. Her family and friends try unsuccessfully to support them as best they can. One day, Holly's mother calls and mentions that she had several letters with her that she had found. They are addressed to Holly and she should pick them up.

At some point she struggles to leave the house and visits her mother. Holly's name is on the packet of letters. There are ten letters tied together - all from Gerry. Apparently he had written it just before he died. The first letter contains a briefing. A passage from it: “My dearest Holly, I do not know where and when you will read this letter, I just hope that you are well, that you are healthy and happy. You once told me that you can't go on living alone. You can, holly. You are strong and brave and you will get through this. We had a wonderful time together and you were ... You were my life. I don't regret a day. (...) "

The other ten letters were intended for a month each, from March to December, which she should open. At the end of every letter there is always “PS I love you.” Holly follows the instructions and keeps Gerry alive in her heart for this time. Every time she looks forward to the following letter, which contains a new task or surprise asked by Gerry. Holly receives a trip to Lanzarote for her and her two friends Sharon and Denise.

Holly meets Daniel during one of her assignments. The two become friends and spend a lot of time together, which improves Holly's mood. She moves away from the attitude that her counterpart must show understanding for Holly because Gerry's death was a severe blow. Doing things that she always did with Gerry, like the annual Christmas party, continues to be difficult for her. At the Christmas party, Daniel explains to Holly that he would like to be with her and that she should think about whether she is ready for a relationship. After much thought, Holly finds that she is not ready for a new relationship and that she misses her husband too much. Nevertheless, she finds new courage to face new tasks and to live her life again.

Significance in the book market

When ZDF voted for the most popular book among Germans in 2004, PS Ich liebe Dich was ranked 84th. In a reader survey launched by ARD in April 2006 , the book was ranked 8th among favorite books.

filming

The film version of the book was shown in US cinemas on December 21, 2007 and in German cinemas since January 17, 2008. Directed by Richard LaGravenese , Hilary Swank plays Holly, Gerard Butler , Lisa Kudrow , Harry Connick Jr. also play in other roles . , Gina Gershon , Jeffrey Dean Morgan , Kathy Bates and James Marsters .

However, the book and the film differ in many ways, both in terms of the plot itself, as well as people and places.

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