A Journey Through Choices: My Thoughts on What If It’s You? by Jilly Gagnon
Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about the "what ifs" in your love life? Maybe you’ve pondered how things might have played out differently with that old flame or a friend-turned-sweetheart. Jilly Gagnon’s latest novel, What If It’s You?, captured my attention with its enticing premise of exploring alternative realities in love. As someone who has often mused over roads not taken, I was eager to dive into Laurel Everett’s captivating dual journey.
At the heart of What If It’s You? is Laurel’s unexpected quantum entanglement that allows her to navigate two parallel existences: one with Ollie, her long-term boyfriend and a struggling musician, and another with the emotionally distant tech genius, Drew. This setup isn’t just a fun plot device; it’s a deep exploration of who we are and who we might become based on our choices. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself questioning: What would I sacrifice for love? What would I lose by taking a different path?
Gagnon shines when she delves into the complexities of relationships, crafting authentic dynamics that feel startlingly real. The depiction of Laurel and Ollie’s five-year relationship is both heartwarming and frustratingly relatable. Moments of tenderness juxtaposed with the nagging feeling of complacency felt like echoes of my own experiences. The dialogues are rich and layered, painting a vivid picture of love that balances between comfort and the fear of stagnation.
The central sci-fi element, AltR, intrigued me as it provided a plausible framework for Laurel’s dilemma and added depth to the narrative. Yet, as much as I appreciated the ambition of weaving in quantum computing, I found some of the scientific explanations a bit shaky. While they served their purpose in advancing the plot, there were instances where I wished for a clearer grasp of the mechanics behind Laurel’s shifting realities.
However, the novel isn’t without its flaws. At times, Laurel’s passivity frustrated me; it felt as though her indecisiveness served more as a plot device than an authentic character trait. I couldn’t help but notice that the narrative at points felt repetitive, losing momentum as Laurel swung between realities. The richness of Drew’s character felt underdeveloped, making the stakes of her ultimate decision feel somewhat foregone.
Yet, those moments of frustration didn’t overshadow the novel’s thematic depth. Gagnon thoughtfully navigates questions of caretaking versus control in relationships and the compromise we often make in the name of love. Perhaps the most compelling takeaway for me was the profound realization that our choices ripple out, shaping not only our lives but also those of the people we cherish.
In essence, What If It’s You? is a mix of heartfelt exploration and speculative intrigue. While some pacing issues and character arcs left me wanting more, the emotional truths throughout the journey resonated deeply. I think fans of romance, especially those curious about how choices shape our paths, will find comfort and intrigue in Laurel’s story.
If you’re willing to overlook some logical inconsistencies and enjoy pondering the intricacies of love and choice, this book may linger with you long after the final page. Jilly Gagnon invites us to reflect on our relationships in a way that is both thought-provoking and relatable—a journey well worth taking.