In 1962, Roald Dahl's daughter Olivia died from measles encephalitis at age seven. Devastated, Dahl initially retreated into grief and questioned his faith. With the encouragement of a family friend, he eventually found solace by immersing himself in the creation of a measles vaccination campaign, advocating for its importance and helping fund research. While never fully recovering from the loss, Dahl channeled his grief into a positive action, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy.
In "The Year I Didn't Survive," Bess Stillman reflects on a year marked not by death, but by the profound emotional toll of multiple, overlapping hardships. A difficult pregnancy coincided with the loss of her father, forcing her to confront grief while navigating the physical and mental challenges of carrying and delivering a child. This period was further complicated by the pressures of work, financial strain, and a pervasive sense of isolation, leaving her feeling depleted and struggling to simply function. The essay explores the disconnect between outward appearances and internal struggles, highlighting how even seemingly "successful" periods can be defined by immense personal difficulty and the quiet battle for survival.
HN commenters largely focused on the author's experience with the US healthcare system. Several expressed sympathy and shared similar stories of navigating complex medical billing and insurance processes, echoing the author's frustration with opaque charges and difficulty getting clear answers. Some questioned the lack of itemized bills and discussed the challenges of advocating for oneself within the system. Others debated the role of government regulation and potential solutions, including single-payer healthcare. A few commenters also questioned the author's choices and approach, suggesting more proactive communication with providers or seeking second opinions could have helped. Some offered practical advice for navigating medical billing disputes.
Gary Shteyngart's essay explores his complex relationship with clothing, particularly a meticulously crafted, expensive suit. He details the suit's creation and its impact on his self-perception, weaving this narrative with reflections on aging, social anxiety, and the desire for external validation. While the suit initially provides a sense of confidence and belonging, it ultimately fails to truly address his deeper insecurities. He grapples with the superficiality of material possessions and the fleeting nature of the satisfaction they provide, eventually concluding that true self-acceptance must come from within, not from a perfectly tailored garment.
HN commenters largely found Shteyngart's essay on bespoke suits self-indulgent and out of touch. Several criticized the focus on expensive clothing amidst widespread economic hardship, viewing it as tone-deaf and privileged. Some questioned the value proposition of bespoke tailoring, suggesting cheaper off-the-rack options suffice. Others, while acknowledging the potential artistry and personal satisfaction derived from bespoke suits, still found the essay's framing excessive and lacking self-awareness. A few commenters offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting the essay satirized consumerism and explored themes of identity and self-perception. However, this interpretation was a minority view, with most finding the piece shallow and disconnected from the realities of most people's lives.
Summary of Comments ( 43 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43266129
Hacker News users discuss Roald Dahl's reaction to the death of his daughter Olivia, with many focusing on his stoicism and attempt to find reason amidst grief. Some commenters find his eventual embrace of pseudoscience, specifically faith healing, understandable given the tragedy, while others criticize it as a dangerous path. The piece's portrayal of Dahl's complex grief resonated with several readers who shared personal experiences of loss and the different ways people cope. A few commenters also note Dahl's difficult personality, both before and after Olivia's death, questioning the simplicity of portraying him solely as a grieving father. Several users mention the irony of his later anti-vaccine stance, given that measles took his daughter's life, sparking discussion on the complexities of grief and its impact on decision-making.
The Hacker News post titled "Roald Dahl on the death of his daughter (2015)" linking to a Telegraph article about Roald Dahl's experience with the death of his daughter, Olivia, has generated a significant number of comments. Many commenters share their own experiences with childhood illness and loss, expressing empathy for Dahl and his family.
Several comments focus on the devastating impact of measles encephalitis, the illness that claimed Olivia's life. Some commenters discuss the importance of vaccination, reflecting on a time before the widespread availability of the measles vaccine and the tragic consequences of the disease. One commenter points out the historical context, noting that even with the best medical care available at the time, the outcome was often grim. Another commenter sadly recounts a similar experience with a family member lost to measles encephalitis.
There is a discussion on the apparent contradiction between Dahl's advocacy for vaccination after Olivia's death and his earlier skepticism towards medicine. Commenters explore this shift, attributing it to the profound personal impact of his daughter's death. One commenter suggests that experiencing such a loss can drastically alter one's perspective on medical intervention.
Some comments also touch upon the writing process and Dahl's ability to channel his grief into his work. One commenter speculates about whether the loss of his daughter influenced the darker themes present in some of his later stories.
A few comments delve into the medical details of measles encephalitis, sharing information about the neurological complications and the long-term effects on survivors. The discussion also highlights the swiftness with which the disease can progress.
Several commenters express admiration for Dahl's openness about his grief and his subsequent advocacy for vaccination. They praise his willingness to share such a personal and painful experience in hopes of preventing similar tragedies. The raw emotion evident in Dahl's letter resonates with many commenters, who express sympathy and understanding for his loss.
Overall, the comments section is a mix of personal anecdotes, reflections on grief and loss, and discussions about the historical context of measles and its devastating consequences. Many commenters found Dahl's story deeply moving and used the opportunity to share their own experiences and perspectives on childhood illness, vaccination, and the lasting impact of grief.