Hope is a powerful and often overwhelming emotion that can surprise and even unsettle us. It grabs our attention and stirs our emotions deeply, much like an unexpected encounter with a stranger. This vivid metaphor emphasizes how hope can energize us, creating feelings of excitement and anticipation.

In her book "A Place of Greater Safety," Hilary Mantel explores these complex feelings through her characters’ experiences. The intensity of hope is portrayed as both exhilarating and daunting, illustrating how it can elevate our spirits while also potentially leading to vulnerability. This duality captures the essence of hope as an essential yet unpredictable force in our lives.