The Odyssey Years

A reflection on the Odyssey years of life.

Thoughts on uncertainty, changing perspectives, and starting anew in a new year.

Perhaps every summer we live is both a beginning and a farewell — a season we never truly finish living.

First steps into adulthood — wearing a suit, starting a first full-time job, and learning to balance professionalism with the innocence of the inner child.

In this episode of Passing Through Life, we dive into Zhang Ailing’s haunting novella Red Rose, White Rose — a sharp exploration of desire, idealization, and emotional cowardice.Through the life of Tong Zhenbao, we reflect on the women we turn into symbols, the choices we make out of fear, and the regret that lingers when love is lost.Join me as we unravel this quiet yet devastating story, and ask ourselves: what happens when we only love with half our hearts?

In this episode, we delve into Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë — a timeless tale of independence, resilience, and the quest for authenticity.Through the eyes of Jane, a young woman forced to grow up amid rejection and unfairness, we witness her struggles to remain true to herself while navigating love, temptation, and moral dilemmas.This is a story about choosing dignity over submission, compassion over resentment, and following your conscience even when the path is difficult.Join me as we explore the profound messages that Jane Eyre still resonates with today — and reflect on how this classic can inspire us to become the authors of our own futures.

In this episode, we follow Harold Fry, a man who sets out on a remarkable pilgrimage across England — on foot, with just the clothes on his back — in a quest for redemption, reconciliation, and peace.Through his improbable voyage, Harold reflects on regret, kindness, friendship, and the power of small gestures to transform a life.Together, we’ll delve into the profound messages within Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: that it’s never too late to make amends, to appreciate the moment, and to reconnect with oneself and the people we care about.

In this episode of Passing Through Life, we delve into Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami — a profound story about love, loss, and growing up.Through Toru’s memories and relationships, we explore the delicate balance between letting go of the past and embracing the future, the struggles of understanding ourselves, and the healing power of connection.Join me as we reflect on the universal pains and pleasures that come with growing up, and what it truly means to move forward.

In this episode of Passing Through Life, we delve into The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini — a powerful story about redemption, loyalty, and the enduring bonds of friendship.Through the struggles of Amir and Hassan, we explore the weight of regret, the chance for reconciliation, and the way understanding and compassion can heal even the deepest wounds.Join me as we reflect on what it truly means to redeem oneself and make peace with the past.

In this episode of Passing Through Life, I explore The Razor’s Edge by William Somerset Maugham — a novel that quietly yet powerfully asks what it means to live a meaningful life. Through the story of Larry Darrell, a man who walks away from wealth and comfort to seek inner peace, we reflect on ambition, disillusionment, spiritual searching, and the courage to live outside society’s expectations.If you've ever questioned the path you're on, or felt out of sync with the world around you, this one’s for you.