The Wish – Nicholas Sparks (2021)

The Wish by Nicholas Sparks, published in 2021, is a poignant tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of Christmas, the story intertwines past and present as Maggie Dawes, a renowned travel photographer facing terminal illness, reflects on a life-changing summer in 1995 on Ocracoke Island.

Plot Summary

On a chilly December evening in 2019, Maggie Dawes, a renowned travel photographer, finds herself reflecting on her life from the confines of her Manhattan gallery. At thirty-seven, she is facing the stark reality of stage IV melanoma, her once-ceaseless wanderlust curtailed by the harsh truths of her diagnosis. Her days are divided between overseeing her gallery, connecting with her young assistant Mark Price, and pondering the memories of a pivotal summer from her past. As Christmas approaches, Maggie’s thoughts increasingly drift to Ocracoke Island, where everything changed for her in 1995.

At sixteen, Maggie was sent to live with her stern but loving Aunt Linda on the remote Ocracoke Island, far from her home in Seattle. Pregnant and reeling from her parents’ disappointment, Maggie arrived on the island feeling lost and out of place. Linda, a devout woman with a quiet strength, laid down clear rules, expecting Maggie to keep up with her schoolwork and assist in her shop. The rhythm of island life, slower and simpler than the bustling city Maggie was used to, became her reluctant new reality.

It was during this time that Maggie met Bryce Trickett, a local teenager whose warmth and optimism slowly broke through her defenses. Bryce, with his easy smile and infectious enthusiasm, embodied the island’s spirit. He introduced Maggie to the small joys of Ocracoke—watching sunsets over the water, exploring hidden paths, and savoring the simple pleasure of being present. As their friendship deepened, so did their connection. Bryce’s kindness and unwavering support gave Maggie a sense of hope she hadn’t felt in months.

Through Bryce, Maggie rediscovered a part of herself she thought she had lost. His interest in astronomy sparked a shared fascination, and their evenings often ended with Bryce pointing out constellations and sharing the myths behind them. Maggie, in turn, began to see the world not as a place that had shunned her but as a canvas filled with possibilities. Their bond transformed into first love—a love that made the future seem a little less daunting.

The island, however, was not a sanctuary free of challenges. Gossip about Maggie’s pregnancy swirled among the locals, and she struggled with feelings of shame and fear about her uncertain future. Aunt Linda remained a steadfast presence, offering firm guidance while slowly revealing a softer side. Linda’s own sacrifices and unspoken regrets became clear to Maggie, showing her that life’s hardships often forged the strongest bonds.

As Maggie’s due date drew closer, she wrestled with the decision that had been made for her—placing the baby for adoption. The weight of this choice bore down on her, especially as her relationship with Bryce grew stronger. She began to imagine a life where they could raise the child together, but reality intruded on her dreams. She knew she wasn’t ready to be a mother, and neither was Bryce, no matter how deeply they cared for each other.

In the end, Maggie gave birth to a baby girl. Holding her daughter for the first time was a bittersweet moment that would forever remain etched in her memory. The adoption proceeded as planned, and though Maggie understood it was the right choice, the pain of letting go was almost unbearable. Bryce stood by her, offering quiet support even as the future loomed uncertain for both of them.

Maggie returned to Seattle at the end of the summer, her connection with Bryce severed by distance and the weight of her circumstances. The island, Bryce, and her daughter became cherished memories she carried in her heart, even as her life took her in new directions. She pursued photography, finding solace and purpose in capturing the beauty of the world, a passion born from her time on Ocracoke.

Years passed, and Maggie built a successful career, traveling to places most could only dream of and sharing her work with a global audience. Yet, even as she carved out a life for herself, the memories of that summer never truly faded. They lingered, shaping her perspective and reminding her of the love and loss that had defined her youth.

In the present, Maggie’s bond with Mark grows stronger. His sincere curiosity about her past and his compassionate presence become a source of comfort. When she finally shares the story of her summer on Ocracoke, it is a moment of catharsis. Mark listens intently, and in his kindness, Maggie sees a reflection of the young man who had once meant everything to her.

As Christmas approaches, Maggie feels the weight of her illness but also a sense of peace. The life she has lived, marked by triumphs and heartaches, has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She treasures the connections she has made, the love she has experienced, and the beauty she has captured through her lens. The memories of Ocracoke, Bryce, and her daughter remain with her, a poignant reminder of the paths she has traveled and the choices that shaped her journey.

Main Characters

• Maggie Dawes: A successful travel photographer diagnosed with stage IV melanoma. Her journey of reconciling with her past and confronting her mortality forms the heart of the story. Maggie’s courage and introspection reveal her strength and vulnerability.
• Bryce Trickett: Maggie’s first love during her transformative summer on Ocracoke Island. His warmth and kindness deeply impact Maggie’s life and her choices.
• Aunt Linda Dawes: Maggie’s strict but caring guardian during her stay on Ocracoke Island. Linda provides Maggie with a safe space for reflection and growth.
• Mark Price: A young employee at Maggie’s gallery in Manhattan, whose sincerity and kindness bring comfort during her final months.
• Abigail: Mark’s girlfriend, who, although peripheral, symbolizes stability and hope in Mark’s life.

Theme

• Love and Loss: The novel explores the enduring power of first love and the pain of losing cherished relationships, both romantic and familial.
• The Passage of Time: Maggie’s reflections on her youth underscore how fleeting moments shape lifelong perspectives and regrets.
• Redemption and Forgiveness: Maggie grapples with mistakes from her past, striving for peace and self-forgiveness as she faces the end of her life.
• Family and Belonging: The contrast between Maggie’s estranged relationship with her parents and her bond with Linda highlights the complexity of familial love.
• Hope and Legacy: Even in the shadow of death, Maggie’s work and connections inspire others, emphasizing the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy.

Writing Style and Tone

Nicholas Sparks employs a dual timeline narrative, balancing past and present to create a deeply emotional journey. His vivid descriptions bring settings like the serene Ocracoke Island and bustling Manhattan to life. Sparks’ storytelling is imbued with sincerity, drawing readers into Maggie’s world with relatable, heartfelt dialogue and introspective monologues.

The tone is reflective and bittersweet, blending the joy of youthful romance with the somber reality of impending loss. Sparks masterfully balances melancholy with hope, crafting a story that resonates with universal emotions of love, regret, and redemption.