Narrow Gate

It is a profound book. It was painful to read at first and not very understandable, but I felt very emotional after reading it. The protagonists in the story live in the invisible door they have built for themselves. They are torn back and forth by love and faith, and their souls are struggling between ideals and reality. The author wants to tell us: true freedom is not outside the narrow door or the wide door, but lies in the courage to face the inner contradictions and find the true self in the tearing.

Gide uses delicate psychological descriptions and multi-perspective narratives of diaries, letters, and memories to enable readers to peel off the truth bit by bit from fragmented information: criticizing the suppression of human nature by religious dogma, and revealing how idealism can turn into a trap of self-destruction. Alyssa's "sacred pursuit" is actually a spiritual shackles, using alienated religious beliefs to escape emotions. The conflict between love and faith points directly to the eternal dilemma of mankind, while Jerome is too idealistic and timid. This also gives a realistic warning: be wary of the dangers of perfectionism and self-exaltation, and call for finding a balance between human nature and faith. This is a religious and philosophical fable that hurts the soul. It is suitable for those who ask about the meaning of life, but read it carefully - it does not provide answers, it only reveals the truth.

The book "The Narrow Gate" allowed me to see Alyssa's inner struggles and contradictions. Her painful choice between faith and desire made me feel heartbroken. The descriptions in the book are very detailed, such as "The small valley is filled with mist, and the sky above the woods a little further away is dyed golden." It made me feel as if I was actually there. The author's writing is concise and profound, which made me feel Alyssa's loneliness and helplessness. Her words "Am I really willing to make sacrifices?" Made me think. This is a book worth reading, it will give you more insights into life.

Well written, I give this book full marks for the youthfulness of boys and girls. The emotions that are subtle and difficult to express are all described vividly. The relationship between Alyssa and Jerome is pure Platonic love, but this kind of love is valuable in any era, but it is difficult for this kind of love to withstand the scrutiny of time.

An excellent and in-depth book, thought-provoking and engaging. It seems that every reader is someone who Alyssa embraces and pushes away, conflicted, angry, and hateful because of love. "Although I hate everything around Alyssa that turned Alyssa into this", they also love Alyssa and herself who have firm beliefs. Feeling helpless, I sought solace and wrote this book in grief. "It is said that it took ten years to write and was edited many times." Pursuing the truth makes people miserable, and attaining the Tao becomes an immortal and will be passed down to the world forever. I think this is extremely sad. At least I cannot reach such a state. I would rather sink into the secular world for decades than painfully pursue an alternative "eternal life". --This is what I understand, the eternal life that the narrow door leads to.