In this excerpt from A History of Loneliness by John Boyne, the narrator reflects on the enduring pain caused by past traumas, questioning how such suffering can persist even after nearly three decades. The long-lasting emotional scars from youth seem to stay with him, making it hard to believe that healing or recovery is possible.

He ponders the depth of unresolved emotional wounds and the difficulty of moving past experiences that continue to influence his feelings and thoughts. The quote highlights the lingering impact of childhood trauma and the universal struggle to find peace and closure after painful events in life.