Maybe that's what we look for in the people we love, the spark of unhappiness we think we know how to extinguish

Maybe that's what we look for in the people we love, the spark of unhappiness we think we know how to extinguish

Tom Perrotta is a master at exploring the complexities of human relationships and the inner workings of the human psyche. In his novels, he delves deep into the emotional turmoil and struggles that people face in their everyday lives. One of the recurring themes in Perrotta's work is the idea that we are drawn to certain people because we believe we can fix or save them from their unhappiness.

In his novel "The Leftovers," Perrotta examines the aftermath of a mysterious event in which a large portion of the world's population suddenly disappears. The characters in the novel are left grappling with feelings of loss, confusion, and despair. In this world of uncertainty and grief, the characters are drawn to each other in search of solace and comfort. They cling to each other in the hopes of finding some semblance of happiness amidst the chaos.

The quote, "Maybe that's what we look for in the people we love, the spark of unhappiness we think we know how to extinguish," perfectly encapsulates the central theme of Perrotta's work. We are often drawn to people who are struggling or unhappy because we believe that we have the power to make them happy. We see their pain as a challenge that we can overcome, a puzzle that we can solve. In our desire to fix others, we may overlook our own flaws and insecurities, projecting our own need for validation onto them.

Perrotta's characters are flawed and complex, grappling with their own inner demons and insecurities. They seek out relationships in the hopes of finding happiness and fulfillment, only to realize that true happiness comes from within. The spark of unhappiness that we see in others is often a reflection of our own inner turmoil, a reminder that we are all struggling to find our place in the world.