Fluency In English

Monday, 2 June 2025

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

"The Fault in Our Stars" is a young adult novel by John Green, published in 2012. It tells a poignant and often humorous story of two teenagers with cancer who fall in lov

Here's a summary of the complete story:

The novel is narrated by Hazel Grace Lancaster, a witty and intelligent sixteen-year-old living with stage IV thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. She carries an oxygen tank and is constantly aware of her impending mortality. Her parents, concerned about her isolation and depression, urge her to attend a cancer support group in the "Literal Heart of Jesus" at a local church.

Reluctantly, Hazel attends and there meets Augustus Waters, a charming and handsome seventeen-year-old who lost a leg to osteosarcoma but is now in remission. Augustus is immediately smitten with Hazel and uses his undeniable charisma to break down her initial resistance. They quickly bond over their shared experiences with cancer, their love for cynical humor, and their unique perspectives on life and death.

Augustus reveals his greatest fear is oblivion, of being forgotten, while Hazel is more concerned about the pain her death will cause her parents. Augustus is a fan of a video game adaptation of a book, and he introduces Hazel to his favorite book, "An Imperial Affliction," a novel about a young cancer patient named Anna. Hazel, in turn, introduces him to her own obsession: "An Imperial Affliction," an unfinished novel by the reclusive and enigmatic author, Peter Van Houten, who lives in Amsterdam.

Both teenagers are deeply affected by the book's abrupt ending, which leaves many questions unanswered. Augustus, using his "wish" from a cancer charity (which he previously used to visit Disneyland), arranges for him, Hazel, and Hazel's mother to travel to Amsterdam to meet Peter Van Houten, hoping to get answers about Anna's fate.

The trip to Amsterdam is a bittersweet experience. While there, Hazel and Augustus finally confess their deep love for each other, sharing a magical and intimate evening. However, their meeting with Peter Van Houten is a crushing disappointment. He turns out to be a cruel, alcoholic, and bitter man who offers no real answers and mocks their hopes. His assistant, Lidewij Vliegenthart, is appalled by his behavior and later takes them to Anne Frank's house, a moving and significant experience for them both.

Upon their return to Indianapolis, Augustus reveals devastating news: his cancer has returned aggressively and spread throughout his body. His condition deteriorates rapidly. Hazel stays by his side, witnessing his physical decline and the immense pain he endures, which challenges her own views on suffering and love.

In one of their final moments, Augustus asks Hazel and their mutual friend, Isaac (who is blind due to eye cancer), to deliver eulogies for him at a "pre-funeral," a poignant and humorous way to confront his impending death. He dies eight days later.

At Augustus's actual funeral, Peter Van Houten unexpectedly appears. He tells Hazel that Anna in his novel was inspired by his own daughter, who died of cancer. He also reveals that Augustus had written something for Hazel before he died.

Hazel later discovers that Augustus had sent an unread letter to Peter Van Houten, asking him to help write a eulogy for Hazel after her inevitable death. In this letter, Augustus expresses his profound love for Hazel and his acceptance of the "fault in their stars" – the unavoidable cruelties of their illnesses. He concludes that despite the pain and the limited time they had, their love was true and meaningful, affirming that some infinities are bigger than others, and he wouldn't trade their brief time together for anything.

The novel ends with Hazel finding peace and acceptance, understanding that while love entails loss, it is ultimately worth the pain. She finds solace in Augustus's words and the enduring impact of their love story.