Title: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Publisher: Knopf
Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Year of Publication: 2022
Date of Publication: July 5, 2022
Pages: 416
ISBN-10: 0593321200
ISBN-13: 978-0593321201
Audiobook Narrator: Jennifer Kim and Julian Cihi
Summary of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow centers on Sam Masur and Sadie Green, two childhood friends who later become collaborators in the world of video game design. Sam and Sadie first met at a hospital where Sadie’s sister was receiving treatment for Cancer. Sam was also admitted in the hospital for issues relating to his foot. They became friends shortly after but had a falling out. After reuniting in college, they worked on an ambitious project that becomes a groundbreaking success in the gaming industry.
As they work together over decades, their professional and personal relationships evolve, facing challenges around creativity, ambition, friendship, and love. Through the highs and lows of their partnership, the novel looks into the world of artistic collaboration and the emotional bonds that shape their lives.
The story also highlights some of Sadie’s relationships and some of the challenges women who are involved in the gaming industry face.
Main Plot & Characters
- Sam Masur: He is a brilliant but emotionally guarded game designer. Sam struggles with chronic pain from a childhood car accident and often retreats into work as a way to cope with trauma, loneliness, and complicated family history.
- Sadie Green: She is a gifted programmer and game designer. Sadie is ambitious, creative, and driven, but she carries resentment, guilt, and insecurities, especially regarding her relationship with Sam and her early mentorship under Dov.
- Marx Watanabe: He is Sam’s charismatic and endlessly supportive best friend. Marx later becomes Sadie’s partner. He grounds the team, handles their studio’s business needs, and in many ways balances Sam and Sadie.
- Dov Mizrah: He is a successful but manipulative game design professor who mentors Sadie early on. Their personal and professional relationship strongly impacts her self-worth and career choices.
- Dong Hyun Masur: He is Sam’s grandfather. Dong Hyun runs a pizza place.
- Bong Cha: She is Sam’s grandmother
Key Themes
- Friendship and Collaboration: The novel explores the intricacies of long-term friendships and creative partnerships.
- Success and Sacrifice: Sam and Sadie’s journey reflects the costs and rewards of pursuing artistic ambitions.
- Identity and Belonging: Their work and personal struggles underscore questions of self-worth and acceptance in competitive industries.
Writing Style
If you are someone who enjoys video games, especially classics from the ’90s like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and Dungeons & Dragons, you will really enjoy how this story unfolds. Zevin writes the story from multiple perspectives, which adds even more depth to the experience.
The author gives us characters that are relatable. We really liked the friendships between Sam, Sadie and also Marx. Dov, while brilliant totally drove us crazy. The author really did a great job in creating Dov’s character because although his character is very manipulative, it is quite believable.
Memorable Quotes
- “She died of dysentery.” — A saying between Sam and Sadie
Final Thoughts on Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow not only looks at the gaming industry but is a novel about friendships, manipulation and missed opportunities. The novel has resonated with readers, gaining acclaim for its insight into ambition and the bonds that sustain us.
Book Rating
Characters ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Plot ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Writing ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Book Cover ★★★⯪☆ (3.5/5)
Audiobook (Narration only) ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overall ★★★★☆ (4/5)
