Harold - a wealthy 20-year-old man who has a morbid fascination with death. He attends funerals for entertainment, drives a hearse, and frequently stages elaborate fake suicides to shock his overbearing mother. Despite his privileged upbringing, Harold is deeply depressed and disconnected from life until he meets the vibrant Maude.

Maude - a free-spirited 79-year-old woman who lives each day with zest and embraces new experiences. She attends funerals out of her belief in the cycle of life and death, steals cars and trees for fun, and dabbles in various artistic pursuits like sculpting and singing. Maude's joie de vivre and unconventional lifestyle profoundly impact Harold, awakening in him a newfound appreciation for life and love.

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Obsession with Death
The 19-year-old protagonist Harold is morbidly obsessed with death, faking suicides to shock his mother and attending strangers' funerals. This dark fascination contrasts with the life-embracing spirit of 79-year-old Maude.

Celebrating Life
Despite her old age, Maude lives every day to the fullest, engaging in whimsical acts like liberating trees and "borrowing" cars to remind people life is fleeting. Her zest for life profoundly impacts Harold's perspective.

Unconventional Romance
Harold and Maude's romance defies societal norms of age and propriety. Their connection blossoms from a chance meeting into a madcap, tender relationship that teaches Harold to cherish life.

Cult Status
The novel originated as Higgins' UCLA thesis before becoming the 1971 film that initially bombed but later gained a devoted cult following, especially among college audiences appreciating its dark humor and life-affirming message.

Novelization's Insights
While fans know the film well, Higgins' novelization offers fresh perspectives, resolving unanswered questions and providing new details to explore in the story.

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"Harold and Maude" is generally perceived as a unique and unconventional story that blends dark comedy and romance. It has a dedicated following that appreciates its quirky, offbeat charm and its exploration of unconventional themes.

The story is notable for its juxtaposition of themes of death and love. It is praised for its dark humor. It finds comedy in morbid situations and uses this to challenge societal norms and expectations. This humor is not universally appreciated, but it resonates deeply with those who enjoy black comedy.

While it has a strong cult following, not all reviews have been positive. Some critics and readers find the themes and humor too morbid or unconventional. However, its originality and the strength of its central characters often win over those who might initially be put off by its darker elements.

Overall, "Harold and Maude" is viewed as a bold and distinctive work that challenges conventional narratives and provides a heartfelt, albeit unusual, story about love, life, and mortality.