tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
CW spoilers
Well, I'm a bit of a loss for words. To preface, I did have very high hopes going into reading this book by Gabrielle Zevin not only due to a multitude of reviews but also my love for "The Hole We're In." And, unfortunately, I just didn't love it.
Not to say I'm not a picky reader, but I find it challenging to genuinely not like a book or at least find some kind of a deep appreciation for it and the story the author is telling. As I've said before, books are one of the most intimate pieces of artforms which is partly why I can almost always find a reason to love the story I've finished.
"Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow" felt exhausting and unemotional. When Marx dies, I didn't shed a tear because well, it just didn't feel real almost? With all the distraction of his thoughts while in the coma and focusing on the reactions to the other characters, as well as what felt like the completely unfinished plotline (in the moment) of Sadie's pregnancy, it just lacked a level of sadness or despair that I would have been hoping for. Dragging his death out allowed for the distinction of it to not be there, and instead, it just was like, 'oh, okay.'
I didn't really love any of the characters. I couldn't feel much relation to any of them. I didn't love how much of it was centered around the details in the games they were creating and not their relationships to one another. And in regards to their relationships with each other, there didn't feel enough depth to care as much as I would have liked, nor did it feel like a super promising ending.
Sam and Sadie had very little relationship development especially in regards to how much they loved and then hated each other (but really still loved each other?). Throughout finishing it, I had so many moments of frustration and annoyance.
Also, Marx was basically the best character so him dying just felt like there absolutely no chance for a happy-ish ending.
Overall, the characters showed no growth and the relationships felt toxic. So, to be a book about friendship, felt a bit reductive (not to mention, depressing).
It definitely felt like a big let-down and a challenge to get through 400 pages but I'm glad I did ultimately persevere. I think everyone is entitled to their own experience / ranking of this book so hopefully others can enjoy it more than I did!