In "Slicing," Hilary Mantel explores the complexities of love, presenting it in forms that can be perplexing and even painful. The quote reflects the idea that divine love can manifest in life-altering and tragic circumstances, such as serious illnesses or difficult births. This perspective challenges conventional notions of love, suggesting it can sometimes bring suffering along with its beauty.
Mantel's work compels readers to reconsider their assumptions about love in various contexts, revealing how it can coexist with devastation. By acknowledging that not all expressions of love are comforting or easy to understand, she encourages a deeper reflection on the nature of existence and the intricate relationships between love and hardship.