The journey of life is not merely about going places

The journey of life is not merely about going places, argues Gary Shteyngart in Super Sad True Love Story. When the novel begins, Lenny explains that he does not believe life is a journey, because to him, journeys are about going to physical places. However, journeys can also be processes of self-discovery and self-improvement by way of one’s mind, emotions, and soul. This is certainly the case for Lenny and for Eunice, as their lives prove to be important journeys in and of themselves.

When the novel begins, Lenny is self-confident, irresponsible, and obsessed with immortality. His primary goal in life is to be able to live forever. He is selfish, and living primarily for himself. Meeting and being in a relationship with Eunice changes everything for Lenny. He comes to feel better about himself through...