Unless you are an Uber-snob - and I'm sort of a mid-level snob myself - I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow (2022). Gabrielle Zevin's satisfying novel has all the elements that readers - except Uber-snobs - look for in a reading experience. It's well written, the narrative arc is strong and believable, the characters are interesting and relatable.
In addition, I can't remember ever reading such a skillful portrayal of a deep friendship between a man and a woman. For me - perhaps because my most enduring and enriching friendships have always been with women - the bond and the bumps that tie and test Sam Masur and Sadie Green's long friendship, thanks to Zevin's masterful yet unshowy prose, elevated this novel. I believed it because I've lived it.
Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow also reminded me how collaboration in the creative world can be invaluable. It was difficult to read this book and not be reminded of the collaborative creative efforts of my daughter and her writing and directing partner. Isn't it wonderful when the insights in a worthwhile book are reflected in your own life experience? This is that kind of book. I suspect you'll find parts of yourself in it. When you do, be sure to return here and tell me and others about it.
Adding to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteGina; Thanks for comment. You will not be disappointed.
DeleteHey Pat. So funny to open this post and see this book listed. It was just given to me by a friend. It's next on my list - well, after I finish 3 books ahead of it. I'll definitely let you know what I think. Thanks, as always, for your review.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Bob
Bob; In my experience, this kind of thing happens frequently. As a matter of fact, the post I published early this month entitled "Book Sorcery" describes a recent instance when the book overlap between me and another loyal reader of my blog occurred in an uncanny way. If you happen to read my response here to this comment of yours, be sure and go back and read (or re-read) that post to see what I'm referring to. In the meanwhile, thanks for all the comments you made today. You're a mensch!
DeleteSPOILER for the book ahead!!
ReplyDeleteI read this shortly after it's release, and my book club added it to our discussion list as well. I attended an event in Boulder where Zevin spoke about her creative process, and this novel.
I rated the book highly on Goodreads, 4 stars. My only complaint about it was (to me) a random act of violence that occurs at the end of the book. I could not understand why this was needed to advance the story line. But maybe others feel differently. I read 2 of her other novels, and Tomorrow was my favorite of hers. Gina--let me know if you want my copy.
Marisa; Thanks for the comment. I gave this excellent novel four stars on Goodreads as well but ... I take serious take issue with your complaint. Not only did that event feel totally plausible (more when we talk because I don't want to reveal any more spoilers), I thought the way Zevin wove it into the remainder of her book was organic and believable. Only thing that stopped me from giving this book five stars was fear of grade inflation. Five stars - in order to mean anything - must be reserved for books like "The Overstory", "A Visit from the Goon Squad" and select others. "Tomorrow ..." was close but not quite as transformational as those two (and select others.) More when we talk face-to-face.
Delete