A bookshop, a conversation and the meaning of life

In the novel, soon after gaining immortality, Noam realizes it is a punishment. As Schmitt writes, "How long must this ageless body force me to live?" Yang says this touches on the core issue of the meaning of life, how to tackle life's crises and establish a sense of purpose.

Schmitt explains that Noam endures extreme loneliness, watching those around him go from youth to old age, from life to death, while he remains powerless and eternally young — a significant source of pain for him. The appearance of the female protagonist, Noura, somewhat alleviates Noam's loneliness. However, their immortality prevents them from having children, making them outsiders to the cycle of life.

Discussing Noura's significance to Noam, Schmitt adds that he crafted Noura differently from the traditional European narrative of Eve being created from Adam's rib. "In fact, it is Noura's gaze that gives Noam life," Schmitt says.

In the novel, the first thing Noura says to Noam is, "Don't look at me like that, or I'll get pregnant," implying that their mutual gaze can transform each other and change their lives.