Do you know the best thing about broken hearts? They can only really break once; the rest is just scratches – Carlos Ruiz Zafón
In The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, the quote: “Do you know the best thing about broken hearts? They can only really break once; the rest is just scratches.” captures the resilience of the human heart after enduring profound pain.
This line suggests that the deepest heartbreak, often the first experience of intense emotional loss or suffering, is the most devastating. Once a person endures that initial, soul-shattering pain, subsequent heartaches, though still painful, feel less overwhelming in comparison—they become “scratches” rather than complete breaks.
Zafón uses this quote to convey the idea that experiencing deep pain transforms and strengthens a person. It reflects a bittersweet perspective on human endurance, suggesting that while suffering leaves scars, it also fortifies the heart against future wounds. In The Angel’s Game, this aligns with the novel’s themes of love, loss, and the lasting impact of emotional trauma. The protagonist, David Martín, is no stranger to heartbreak, and the quote resonates deeply with his struggles, encapsulating the novel’s darker reflections on human emotion and resilience.
