Jente Posthuma's novel, "What I'd Rather Not Think About," delves into the complicated relationship between twins, One and Two, as the latter mourns the sudden suicide of her brother. In her search for answers, Two reflects on their childhood and the 45-minute gap between their births, seeking solace in the tragedies of the world. With a nonchalant, wry humor, Posthuma explores the intense bond and need for validation that exists between twins, offering a fresh perspective on the grieving process.
The concept of life after death has captivated human imagination for centuries, inspiring countless myths, religions, and philosophical inquiries. While scientific evidence remains elusive, personal experiences and anecdotal accounts have fueled the enduring fascination with this enigmatic realm.
One such experience is that of near-death experiences (NDEs), wherein individuals report having crossed the threshold between life and death and returning with profound insights and transformative perspectives. NDEs often involve a sense of peace, love, and a meeting with deceased loved ones or spiritual beings.
Another aspect of the life-after-death phenomenon is the belief in reincarnation, the transmigration of the soul into a new physical form after death. This concept is central to many Eastern religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
Despite the absence of definitive scientific evidence, the allure of life after death continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. It offers hope and comfort in the face of mortality and provides a sense of purpose and meaning beyond the physical realm.
Dutch author Jente Posthuma's novel, "What I'd Rather Not Think About," explores the profound impact of a young woman's unexpected loss through the lens of a unique sibling bond.
The novel follows the protagonist, Two, as she grapples with the sudden suicide of her twin brother, One. In her quest for understanding, Two delves into their entwined childhood and the 45-minute gap between their births.
Through a wry and introspective voice, Posthuma illuminates the complexities of grief, the fragility of life, and the enduring power of human connection. She questions our perception of reality, the nature of time, and the bittersweet nature of existence.
1. Is there any scientific evidence to support the existence of life after death?
2. What are some common characteristics of near-death experiences?
3. What is the concept of reincarnation in Eastern religions?
4. What is the significance of the 45-minute gap between the births of One and Two in Posthuma's novel?
5. How does Posthuma's novel explore the grieving process?
Dr. Biruk Weyisha, a surgeon from Ethiopia, was all set to tie the knot with his bride in a grand wedding ceremony. However, when a young boy needed emergency surgery, Weyisha didn't hesitate to put his own plans on hold and perform the life-saving operation. The touching story went viral on social media, with many praising Weyisha for his selfless act and dedication to his profession.
Get your daily dose of news and insights on various topics from the Indian perspective with the July 2, 2025 e-Paper. From world affairs to Karnataka highlights, cinema and streaming reviews, technology stories, science updates, data analysis, health tips, and book reviews, this e-paper has it all covered for the curious and informed reader. With a diverse range of topics and engaging content, this e-paper is a must-read for anyone seeking a well-rounded understanding of current events.
The small town of Yarm in the UK was rocked by an armed robbery at Market Cross Jewellers, leaving residents and workers in shock. Sales assistant Kate Soley and assistant manager Laura Wilkinson shared their disbelief and fear, with Soley describing the incident as "really scary." The robbery has caused concern for the safety of the community and has raised questions about the perpetrators' motives and preparation.
The Indian Army paid its respects to Captain Vikram Batra on his 26th death anniversary. Known for his heroics during the 1999 Kargil war, Captain Batra displayed immense courage and made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage and praised Captain Batra's bravery and sacrifice, which remains an iconic example of courage in service to the country. July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the Indian Army's victory in Operation Vijay.
The Hindu announces the fifth edition of its renowned ideas conclave, The Hindu Huddle, which will be held in Bengaluru in 2025. The theme for this edition is "India in Dialogue" and will feature discussions on the politics of federalism in India. The previous editions of this event have seen some of the most influential voices from various fields, and this year's event promises to bring together leaders from the public and private sectors for a thought-provoking conversation on important global issues. Don't miss out on this event that has the power to shape the future!
Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi faced backlash on social media after posting a message on Doctors' Day, honouring his family who are ayurvedic and homoeopathy doctors. A prominent handle criticized these Indian medical systems as "pseudo-science," sparking a debate on the validity and recognition of these practices. However, the attack on these systems reveals deeper insecurities and hypocrisies within the allopathic community, highlighting the need for more open-mindedness and inclusivity in the medical field.
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A team from Vantara, a wildlife conservation initiative founded by Anant Ambani, rushed to the aid of three elephants who ran amok during the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. The team provided emergency medical care and behavioral support to the distressed animals. This incident highlights the vital role Vantara plays in the welfare of rescued elephants, as they are equipped with the world's largest elephant care centre and advanced veterinary services. Their prompt action during the recent chaos has been praised by both local authorities and the Jagannath Temple Management.
A RTI inquiry filed by Godfrey Pimenta has revealed that 275 animals have died at Byculla Zoo in Mumbai between 2019 and 2025. The zoo claims that these deaths are not unusual and are primarily due to natural causes. However, recent reports about the deaths of three Humboldt penguins and the last elephant, Anarkali, have sparked concern and criticism. The zoo plans to expand its premises by 10 acres to accommodate its 388 current residents and further enhance its species diversity, including the recent addition of four rare gharials. While some species have seen significant declines in population, others such as Cockatiels, Royal Bengal Tigers, and Humboldt Penguins have seen an increase in numbers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, took to social media to honor the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain on the solemn occasion of Ashoora-e-Muharram. The day is marked by millions of Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, who gather to pay homage to the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala, highlighting the values of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination in the face of oppression and tyranny. In Kashmir, a traditional Muharram procession was held on Friday, and it will be followed by another on Sunday, to commemorate the 10th day of the month which marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions.