Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — Gabrielle Zevin

Characters

• Sam Masur/Mazer: A Harvard-educated Korean-American artist who evolves into a game designer.
• Anna Lee: The mother of Sam.
• Dong Hyun: Sam's paternal grandfather.
• Bong Cha Lee: The grandmother of Sam on his mother's side.
• Marx Watanabe: Sam's roommate while at Harvard and later manages Unfair Games.
• Sadie Green: A software developer hailing from Los Angeles, attending M.I.T. and transitioning into a game designer.
• Alice: Sadie's elder sister.
• Freda: The grandmother of Sadie.
• Dov Mizrah: A married faculty member at M.I.T. who engages in a romantic relationship with Sadie.
• Abe Rocket: Sadie's boyfriend during her early years in Los Angeles.
• Zoe: The longest-lasting romantic partner of Marx.
• Lola: The girl whom Sam takes to his high school prom.
• Ant and Simon: A pair of software developers working at Unfair Games who tie the knot both in San Francisco and within the game world of Mapleworld.

Themes

• The Drive of Creativity: Zevin explores the immense push for creativity and the ambition to build something of value. It drives Sam and Sadie to create successful games, but also strains their relationship and causes personal suffering. This theme demonstrates the highs and lows of intense creative pursuits.
• Escape and Infinite Chances: Video games are presented as an escape from harsh realities, a medium for expression, and a realm where endless possibilities exist. Sam uses games to overcome the limitations of his physical disability and imagines a world of infinite rebirth and redemption. Zevin underscores the longing for a do-over and the idea of getting multiple chances to get things right.
• The Enduring Power of Friendship: The book explores the deep and complex bond between Sam and Sadie that withstands various ups and downs. Their friendship, while fraught with complications, endures over decades, outlasting other relationships. This theme highlights the resilience and significance of long-term friendships.
• Identity Politics and Privilege: The narrative delves into how identity politics and privilege impact relationships. Sam's working-class, Korean-American background and physical disability contrast with Sadie's wealthy upbringing, influencing their perspectives and interactions. The theme examines the complexities of modern relationships and societal disparities.
• Sexism, Disability, and Pain: Zevin addresses sexism in the gaming industry, the experience of disability, and the struggle with physical and emotional pain. These themes shed light on societal issues and personal struggles, contributing to the novel's depth and resonance.
• The Evolution of the Video Game Industry: The book provides a well-researched overview of the evolution of the American video game industry, with games designed by Sam and Sadie reflecting significant trends and developments. This theme celebrates the vibrant history and cultural impact of video games.
• Video Games as a Form of Art and Expression: Zevin presents video games as a unique form of art that can address real-world issues, explore alternate realities, and provide comfort during challenging times. This theme challenges misconceptions about video games and highlights their potential for positive influence and human connection.
• Historical and Contemporary Context: The narrative touches on significant historical and contemporary events like 9/11 and Covid-19, showing how video games provide an outlet for expression and comfort during challenging times. This theme emphasizes the broader social and cultural relevance of video games.

Summary

"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin is a multi-layered narrative that spans across three decades and follows the lives of Sam Masur and Sadie Green, two individuals who first bond over video games in a children's hospital. Sam, a Korean-American from a working-class background, is physically disabled, while Sadie comes from a wealthy family. They cross paths again in college and develop a successful video game, 'Ichigo', which catapults them to fame but also brings on new challenges.

Their relationship, complex and enduring, explores themes of identity politics and privilege as they navigate the ups and downs of friendship, creative partnership, and their professional journey in the gaming industry. Their other successful games include 'Solution', 'Both Sides', and 'Mapleworld', each reflecting the trends and developments of the gaming industry at the time.

Despite their differences and conflicts, the two main characters maintain a strong bond, demonstrating the enduring power of friendship over romantic or platonic relationships. Zevin uses the video game industry as a backdrop to explore broader themes such as sexism, disability, pain, loss, grief, and the human desire for second chances and reinvention.

Additionally, the novel examines the cultural and social significance of video games, highlighting their role as a unique form of art, and a means of exploring alternate realities and addressing real-world issues. It also touches on the impact of significant historical events like 9/11, and contemporary phenomena like Covid-19, highlighting how video games have provided comfort and an outlet for expression during challenging times.

The novel is accessible to readers regardless of their familiarity with video games, but also provides a well-researched and immersive retrospective of the gaming industry for video game enthusiasts. Its narrative weaves together personal and professional struggles, themes of identity and privilege, the evolution of the gaming industry, and a profound exploration of friendship, making it a complex and compelling read.