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February 15, 2024 · Blogs

Beyond the Surface: Eyelashes

Embracing Calla is not just a spicy romance novel; it’s a journey, a reflection on the insecurities and struggles that bind us. It’s represented through the seemingly mundane yet profoundly symbolic act of applying eyelashes. I’ll share with you a little tidbit that goes beyond the surface.

Calla’s journey is a poignant exploration of self-worth and the quest for acceptance. At the age of 19, when she first met Luka, she found herself caught in the whirlwind of achieving his beauty standards. She started to use false lashes which she perceived for appearance. This act, simple in its execution, becomes a daily struggle, a battle with her reflection that she never quite wins. Despite years of practice, the lashes, much like Luka’s power, remain uncontrollable, a constant reminder of the control he holds over her, even in his absence.

The symbolism of the eyelashes is deep. It’s not just about beauty or the lack thereof; it’s a metaphor for the control and influence exerted by others over our lives, often subconsciously. Calla’s inability to master the application of false lashes mirrors her ongoing struggle to liberate herself from Luka’s shadow.

Calla spends most of the novel trying to remove Luka from her life, but there’s always a lingering in the background… eyelashes.

They represent the unseen chains of influence and control that remain in Calla’s life, despite years of diligent practice. The lashes, much like Luka’s overbearing force, stubbornly remain uncontrollable. This persistent struggle serves as a relentless reminder of the control he continues to exert over her, even in his absence.

The struggle with eyelashes is symbolic of Calla’s broader battle for independence and self-worth. It’s a vivid illustration of how something as inconspicuous as eyelashes can hold profound psychological significance, revealing the complexity of human emotions and relationships.

For more information go to my website Tamara Mapstead

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