Gabrielle Zevin’s “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” became one of the biggest literary fiction releases of 2022, landing on Barack Obama’s reading list and staying on bestseller charts for months. The novel follows two friends, Sam and Sadie, who build a video game empire together while trying not to destroy each other in the process. Below you will find a summary, character breakdown, and book club questions.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Summary
“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin is a story about friendship, creativity, and the tension between love and ambition. The bond between Sam and Sadie defies easy categorization. They are not quite friends, not quite lovers, but something in between, and their connection is both deeply intellectual and emotionally charged.
Their meeting during a cold December day at Harvard reignites a relationship that propels them into the whirlwind world of video game design. Together, they create “Ichigo,” a game that cements their status as industry luminaries thus becoming a canvas for their hopes, fears, and unspoken feelings.
Zevin navigates the peaks and valleys of Sam and Sadie’s journey, from the euphoria of creative success to the desolation of personal failures and betrayals. Through the lens of video game design, Zevin explores themes of identity, disability, and the quest for redemption, challenging readers to consider how the games we play reflect our deepest desires and insecurities.
Set against a backdrop that spans from the academic halls of Cambridge, Massachusetts, to the vibrant streets of Venice Beach, California, and beyond, “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” is a rich mosaic of human experience. It examines the complexity of human connections, the pain of unrequited love, and the sacrifices we make in the pursuit of our passions.
Photo: Amazon
The novel does not conform to traditional narratives about love and success. In fact, it’s a refreshing departure from cliched romances, offering instead a nuanced look at how relationships evolve over time, influenced by personal growth, external pressures, and the changing landscapes of our lives.
For anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology, art, and human emotion, this novel is a must-read. It’s not just a story about making video games; it’s about the game of life, with all its unexpected twists, turns, and the occasional need to hit the reset button.
Related: Black Cake Book Summary
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Characters
Let me introduce you to the main characters, Sam and Sadie, whose relationship and creative partnership form the heart of this narrative, along with a few others who play significant roles in their journey.
- Sam Masur: A brilliant and complex character, Sam navigates life with a keen intellect and a deep emotional reservoir. He’s faced significant challenges from a young age, including dealing with the aftermath of a tragic accident that left him physically impaired. This experience, however, does not define him; instead, it adds layers to his character, influencing his approach to life and game design. Sam’s relationship with Sadie is intricate, marked by both profound connection and significant tension.
- Sadie Green: Sadie is a force to be reckoned with—talented, driven, and fiercely independent. Her bond with Sam is both a source of strength and a point of contention, as their shared passions bring them together and, at times, drive them apart. Sadie’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates the challenges of the male-dominated video game industry and confronts her own desires and ambitions.
- Marx Watanabe: A close friend to both Sam and Sadie, Marx plays a crucial role in their lives and in their video game projects. His loyalty and pragmatism provide a stabilizing force for the duo, especially when their creative ambitions lead to personal and professional turmoil. Marx’s character adds a layer of compassion and realism to the story, highlighting the importance of friendship and support in the face of adversity.
- Dov Green: Sadie’s cousin, Dov, is another key character who adds depth to the narrative. His involvement in the gaming world and his relationship with the main characters bring additional complexities to the story, especially as it relates to family dynamics and the intertwining of personal and professional lives.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Book Club Questions
Here are several thought-provoking questions that could spark engaging conversations in your book club:
- The Complexity of Sam and Sadie’s Relationship: How do Sam and Sadie’s personal histories and challenges shape their relationship? Discuss the dynamics between them, focusing on how their past experiences influence their interactions and creative partnership.
- Identity and Disability: Sam’s experience with disability is a significant aspect of his character and the story. How does the novel address the theme of identity in relation to disability? Discuss how Sam’s and other characters’ attitudes towards disability affect their relationships and self-perception.
- Ambition and Success: The novel explores the impact of ambition and success on the characters’ lives, especially in the context of the competitive video game industry. How do ambition and success affect the characters’ relationships and personal growth? Discuss whether the novel presents success as ultimately fulfilling or complicating for personal happiness.
- The Role of Video Games: Video games are central to the plot and the characters’ lives. Discuss how video games serve as a metaphor for broader themes in the novel. What do you think the novel says about the power of storytelling and imagination within video games?
- Betrayal and Forgiveness: Betrayal plays a significant role in the storyline. Discuss instances of betrayal in the novel and their impact on the characters. How do the characters deal with betrayal, and what does the novel suggest about the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation?
- Creative Collaboration: Sam and Sadie’s partnership is both a source of their greatest achievements and their most significant conflicts. Discuss the challenges and rewards of creative collaboration as depicted in the novel. What can be learned from their experiences about working closely with others?
- Cultural References and Influences: The novel is rich with references to video games, literature, and pop culture. Discuss how these references enhance the narrative. Are there any particular references or influences that you found particularly meaningful or enlightening?
- Themes of Connectivity and Isolation: Despite the deep connections formed between characters, themes of isolation and loneliness are prevalent. How does the novel explore the tension between the need for connection and the experience of isolation? How do the characters’ virtual and real-life interactions reflect this tension?
- The Ending: Without giving anything away, discuss your thoughts on the novel’s ending. Were you satisfied with the resolution of Sam and Sadie’s story? How does the ending reflect the novel’s overarching themes?
- Comparisons to Other Works: For those who have read Gabrielle Zevin’s “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” or other works, how does “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” compare? Discuss similarities and differences in themes, character development, and narrative style.
Related: Hello Beautiful Summary
Final thoughts
Zevin wrote a novel about video games that is really about something else entirely: what happens when two people pour everything they have into a shared creative life, and what it costs them. The questions above should help you think through the friendship, the failures, and the choices Sam and Sadie make along the way.
