TL;DR
Spanning thirty years, ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ delves into the intricate world of game design and the complex relationship between two childhood friends, Sam and Sadie. Reunited by a chance encounter years after a shared tragedy, they collaborate to create groundbreaking video games, navigating the challenges of their industry, personal demons, and the evolving dynamics of their friendship.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
Gabrielle Zevin is an American novelist and screenwriter known for her insightful and character-driven stories. With a background in English literature and film, Zevin’s writing often explores themes of creativity, relationships, and the human condition. ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ is her seventh novel, solidifying her reputation as a skilled storyteller with a keen eye for detail and emotional depth.
Key Takeaways
The Power of Games
The novel explores the profound impact of video games on individuals and society, highlighting their ability to connect people, foster creativity, and offer escape from reality.
Complexities of Collaboration
Sam and Sadie’s partnership is a central focus, showcasing the challenges and rewards of creative collaboration, including navigating differing opinions, managing egos, and balancing personal and professional dynamics.
Childhood Trauma and Healing
Both protagonists grapple with the lingering effects of childhood trauma, exploring themes of loss, grief, and the search for healing and connection.
Evolving Relationships
The book delves into the complexities of friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics, portraying how these connections evolve over time and influence the characters’ lives.
The Creative Process
Zevin offers a glimpse into the intricate world of game design, exploring the challenges and triumphs of bringing creative visions to life.
Disability and Representation
Sadie’s experience with disability is portrayed with sensitivity and nuance, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity in both the gaming industry and society as a whole.
The Passage of Time
Spanning three decades, the novel explores the impact of time on relationships, ambitions, and perspectives, reflecting on themes of aging, loss, and the fleeting nature of life.
Love and Loss
The story delves into various forms of love, including friendship, romantic love, and familial love, while also exploring the profound impact of loss and grief on the characters’ lives.
FAQ about Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Is ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ based on a true story?
No, the book is a work of fiction. However, it draws inspiration from the real-world experiences of game developers and explores the challenges and rewards of the gaming industry.
What is the significance of the book’s title?
The title is a reference to a line from Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, which reflects on the cyclical nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the pursuit of meaning in a transient world.
Who would enjoy reading this book?
‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ appeals to a wide range of readers, particularly those interested in character-driven stories, the gaming industry, and explorations of friendship, love, and loss.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Quotes
- “What was a game?” Marx asked the assembled. “It’s tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. It’s the possibility of infinite rebirth, infinite redemption. The idea that if you keep playing, you could win. No loss is permanent, because nothing is permanent, ever.”
- “The things we make, they’re like children, aren’t they? We give them life, and then they go out into the world and disappoint us.”
- “I used to think that there would one day be a perfect game. Now I know that there are only perfect moments.”