Angel Falls

In Angel Falls, true, enduring love is as a conscious, continuous choice built on shared history and mutual care. The novel uses Mikaela’s amnesia to deconstruct the very nature of love, stripping away memory to test love’s foundation. Through her journey of rediscovery, Mikaela discovers that although an intense first love may create powerful memories, the most meaningful partnerships are those that are actively chosen and reinforced day by day.

The contrast between Liam’s steadfast devotion and Julian’s prolonged absence suggests that true love is a conscious choice fostered over time. For 15 years, Liam’s affection for Mikaela has been a steady presence. Now, during her coma, he sits by her bedside, actively trying to reach her by offering their shared memories and familiar comforts, like clothing and music. His love is demonstrated in a series of deliberate actions that sustain their family and his hope. Even Julian recognizes this dynamic when he tells Liam, “You must really love her. To call me, I mean” (203). The difficult decision to contact Mikaela’s celebrity ex-husband is a calculated choice that exemplifies Liam’s willingness to put his wife first, even at his own expense. Conversely, Julian represents a past love that is now preserved only as an idealized memory.