Zevin’s newest and most prominently known novel, "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow," was chosen as Flagler’s Common Read choice for the Class of 2028 to be analyzed among other great works in our First Year Seminar. Zevin’s visit to Flagler College for an “author’s talk and book signing” inspired future authors and sparked meaningful discussions about the creative experience.
Alongside material from philosopher Aristotle and concepts from our city’s namesake, Saint Augustine, Zevin’s novel has been among a group of readings meant to introduce us to the College’s core values and level of academic rigor we can expect here.
While accomplishing those goals, “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” hinges on the theme of friendship. While reading the novel, we were encouraged to confront questions like: ‘What is real friendship?’ And ‘What does it mean to be a good friend?’ In her thought-provoking speech, Zevin explored the intricacies of human nature, like the theme of friendship, as well as the multifaceted experiences that shape us.
Real friendship, as depicted in the novel, involves mutual respect, trust, and understanding. The main characters, Sam and Sadie, share a connection that dates back to childhood. This bond deepens over time and exemplifies a "real friendship" as they provide comfort and encouragement to each other while also grappling with challenges like jealousy and external pressures.
Citing E.M. Forster’s famous phrase, “Only connect,” Zevin's speech delved into the nature of friendships and the challenges of forming deep connections within close relationships.
“Sam and Sadie love each other, but because they are human, they cannot do it right,” she said.
Their journey highlights that true friendship is not without its struggles but can endure and strengthen through adversity. As her characters learn from each other's experiences, Zevin's novel underscores the importance of empathy and communication.
Ultimately, the story illustrated to me that real friendships can withstand the tests of time and hardship, emphasizing that it requires commitment, understanding, and the ability to forgive.
Her examination of human relationships resonated with me and my peers in the audience. It encouraged us to explore the complexities of our own connections. She beautifully expressed that love could manifest in various forms, and what matters is not the shape of that love but its acceptance.
Despite societal criticisms regarding her lack of children and the "deeper understanding of love" that people often credit to having children, I feel that Zevin effectively conveyed a fresh concept of love with an important message in this book. Her words resonated deeply with my peers and I, encouraging us to explore our own narratives within the vibrant tapestry of life.
Reflecting on her biracial identity—half Jewish and half Korean— Zevin explained how she is able to explore the nuances of characters who are both part of and separate from their culture and shared her views on the flawed and imperfect characters she creates.
“I have no interest in writing perfect characters,” she said.
Zevin underscored the importance of self-awareness in character creation, stating that to truly connect with the world and its complexities, a writer must cultivate empathy and consider the experiences of others. It’s her view that writing should stem from curiosity rather than merely recounting known experiences.
She encouraged young writers to look beyond their immediate realities, asserting that art flourishes when one seeks to understand and engage with the world’s complexities.
As an author myself, I commend Flagler’s choice for this book, which invited us into a new world of thought and imagination, confronting us with many concepts. Zevin's words instilled in me an infinite motivation to write and strive endlessly. (See pictured below: a gifted copy of my novel "Henry Smith and the Nightmare Monster" sitting to Zevin's right on the table.)
She also addressed the realm of video games, highlighting their significance in her narratives. Zevin explained how video games serve as a metaphor for life’s challenges, offering endless opportunities for growth and redemption.
“For Sam, video games are easy; it's the video game of life that's hard,” she said.
Her emphasis on video games as art—not merely as entertainment or technology—engaged the audience's minds. As someone who had no interest in video games before reading her book, I found myself reflecting on the profound impact video games can have on people's lives. Zevin added that video games have helped her cultivate creativity and cope with loneliness, noting that many may find their only way to experience life and express emotions through gaming.
Reflecting on her growth as an author over the course of writing multiple novels, Zevin acknowledged the long and winding path that enhanced her storytelling, imagery, and character portrayal skills. She noted the early challenges in her career but emphasized the expertise she has developed through perseverance.
“Success is not a place you can arrive at and stay forever,” Zevin said, touching on the topic of failure. “Every day we’re alive is an opportunity to start over.”
Concluding her speech, she encouraged us to embrace the uncomfortable realities of life.
“In an imperfect and uncertain world, it is still worth it to love people and create things,” she said.
