Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin

 

My better half discovered this book and commented on the fact that characters were living (at times) in the same areas of LA that we used to haunt and during the time that we lived there which made her homesick, but she enjoyed the writing so I picked it up from the library as well.

Zevin is indeed a fine writer who keeps the story moving and keeps you interested throughout - at times by not giving away too much at once - for instance, what caused a particular injury or why is someone single, etc. Unfortunately, she does employ the very much over-used trope of two characters who don’t care for each other initially getting together. Because the rest of the story is pretty creative, I was hoping that this would not be this predictable but sadly, no…In a way, it works in the story, but it was still far too obvious right from the start.

The plot revolves around gamers - Melanie thought I might not appreciate the story because I don't game, but the story is really all about personal relationships and the games are what ties them together and can be metaphors for what they are going through, but you don't need to know how to game in order to appreciate the tale. Three friends bond over video games (mostly) and end up creating a popular one, starting their own business and the successes, failures and interactions that happen from there.

Life, death, family, sex, birth, pain, depression, new beginnings, and more all unfold, as they do in the our real world, but also in their fantasy lives that help them deal with reality and cope with the unfairness of life - in fact, they name their company Unfair Games. At one point, one of the characters actually creates and releases an entire game just as an apology to another estranged character. The games that are described are actually original (to me as a non-gamer, anyway) and creative, and everyone pushes each other to make the best that they can with the resources that they have - from next to nothing to almost anything they need.

In the end, while nothing is completely wrapped up, everything seems to come full circle and you are hopeful for everyone involved.

Quite enjoyable - I would definitely look for more from her!