Background and Publication
John Green's inspiration for The Fault in Our Stars stemmed from his experiences as a student chaplain in a children's hospital and his friendship with Esther Earl, a young girl who died of thyroid cancer in 2010 at the age of 16. The novel was published on January 10, 2012, by Penguin Books. The title is derived from a line in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings." britannica.com
Plot Summary
The narrative follows 16-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster, who has thyroid cancer that has metastasized to her lungs. Encouraged by her parents, she attends a cancer support group where she meets Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old in remission from osteosarcoma, which led to the amputation of his right leg. The two form a deep bond, sharing their experiences and favorite books. Hazel introduces Augustus to An Imperial Affliction, a novel about a cancer-stricken girl named Anna that ends abruptly, leaving its readers with unanswered questions. Determined to find closure, Augustus uses his wish from a cancer charity to take Hazel to Amsterdam to meet the reclusive author, Peter Van Houten. The journey brings them closer, but they face unforeseen challenges as Augustus reveals his cancer has returned. The story explores themes of love, mortality, and the search for meaning in the face of terminal illness. britannica.com
Reception
Upon its release, The Fault in Our Stars received widespread acclaim for its honest portrayal of young love and illness. It debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list and was named Time Magazine's number one fiction book of 2012. Critics praised its blend of humor and tragedy, with The New York Times describing it as "a blend of melancholy, sweet, philosophical and funny." britannica.com
Adaptations
Film Adaptation
In 2014, the novel was adapted into a film directed by Josh Boone, starring Shailene Woodley as Hazel and Ansel Elgort as Augustus. The film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $307 million worldwide against a $12 million budget. britannica.com
Hindi Adaptation
A Hindi-language adaptation titled Dil Bechara was released in 2020, directed by Mukesh Chhabra and starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjana Sanghi. The film premiered on Disney+ Hotstar and received positive reviews. britannica.com
Stage Play
In 2017, John Green authorized an amateur stage play adaptation of the novel, which was performed in 2019. britannica.com
Themes
The novel delves into themes of love, mortality, and the human condition. It challenges traditional narratives about illness and explores the complexities of living with a terminal diagnosis. The characters' witty and introspective dialogues offer a nuanced perspective on the struggles and joys of life, even in the face of impending death. britannica.com
Legacy
By 2021, The Fault in Our Stars had sold over 23 million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as one of the best-selling books of all time. Its impact extends beyond literature, influencing discussions about young adult fiction and the portrayal of illness in media. britannica.com