A review by kariiowo
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A short, poignant children’s novel that poses existential questions that we all ponder: If you got offered immortality, would you take it? Would it be a good thing if this secret was discovered for us all to take like pigs to slop? (As one of the characters so eloquently put it). I love questions like these, books that feel like late night discussions with loved ones.

Let’s imagine it and think on it judiciously. If I had immortality it would mean having infinite time to pursue hobbies at a whim, learn any language, travel anywhere, do things like skydiving without any visible or latent fears, read every single book on my radar, complete sketchbook upon sketchbook worth of art showcasing the same areas that feel like home to me throughout the ages as, of course, the world continues to spin even when you’re not. My dogs could be immortal (now, that out of them all would be my biggest dream, I wouldn’t care for anything else).. but would it be cruelty taking away the choice of the animal all for my own selfish gain?

But how about the downsides? Watching your loved ones grow old and pass or one debatably worse is seeing them stuck in this curse alongside yourself. You’d be unable to stay at one set place for a long time due to suspicions which means keeping friends and jobs would be impossible without questions. Time would speed up: 10 years feeling like 1, hobbies and passions no longer feel fulfilling. You’d still have to make money which I think people seem to cast aside in their thoughts as immorality is true wealth to some, they forget about actually making a living. And the obvious Boredom, depression, etc. 

This novel showcases both sides wonderfully and I found Winnie a fun character to follow along with and I wholeheartedly agreed with her actions! I appreciated how the Tucks are not extraordinarily, they are simple people with a life altering shared experience. However, can we discuss the fact that she’s 10 and the 17 year old boy has feelings for her? Oh, don’t worry! Did I say 17? I meant to say that he’s actually 104. 😐 I understand that it’s to show how desperate he is for some companionship as there’s no one else who knows the secret but that makes it all the more disgusting. Had to knock off a star for the alone, disappointing especially as it’s literature for children. 

“She was running away after all, but she was not alone. Closing the gate on her oldest fears as she had closed the gate of her own fenced yard, she discovered the wings she’d always wished she had.”

“But dying’s part of the wheel, right there next to being born. You can’t pick out the pieces you like and leave the rest. Being part of the whole thing, that’s the blessing.”