On Another Planet They Can Save Me by Lieke Marsman review
Published four months after her death, the poet’s reflections on mortality are both agonizing and profoundly life-affirming
TL;DR
- The book explores how facing imminent death can challenge rational worldviews and lead to increased religious or supernatural belief.
- Lieke Marsman, diagnosed with incurable cartilage cancer, uses her book to process her mortality, moving beyond a purely scientific or materialistic perspective.
- Despite the intensely personal and painful subject of her illness, Marsman focuses on her evolving worldview rather than dwelling on physical suffering.
- The text is noted for its beautiful language, wide-ranging intellectual and cultural references, and blend of profound reflection with everyday observations.
- Marsman's work is described as a testament to hope in the face of death, encouraging openness to possibilities beyond the rational.
- The review notes that Marsman passed away at the age of 35 before the book's publication.