In "The Shipping News," love is likened to a diverse collection of sweets, each representing different emotions and experiences. This analogy illustrates how love can vary greatly, with some aspects bringing pleasure while others may cause pain or disappointment. Just as in a selection of candies, one might enjoy flavors that invoke memories or feelings, yet may also encounter those that are unexpectedly harsh. This duality captures the complexity of love and relationships, where joy and sorrow often coexist.

The metaphor suggests that love is unpredictable, and while some choices are sweet and fulfilling, others might be bitter or even harmful. The reference to rare sweets with hidden dangers implies that love requires discernment, as one must navigate these choices with care. The inquiry of whether the character's fingers are closing in on a particularly special sweet hints at the hope of finding something enduring amidst the uncertainty, emphasizing the search for genuine connections in a world full of varied experiences.