Exploring Love and Choices in Jilly Gagnon’s What If It’s You?
You know that moment when you’re caught in a daydream, pondering the road not taken in your own love life? Jilly Gagnon’s novel What If It’s You? perfectly captures that tantalizing what-if with a delightful blend of romance and speculative science fiction. As a fan of both genres, I was intrigued by the premise and couldn’t resist diving into Laurel Everett’s journey between two alternate realities.
Laurel is a relatable protagonist who finds herself inadvertently entangled in two lives: one with Ollie, her soulful musician boyfriend, and another with Drew, a brilliant but emotionally distant tech genius. The concept of AltR—technology that allows users to glimpse alternate realities—adds an engaging layer to the narrative. As Laurel oscillates between these lives, the story dives deep into themes of love, identity, and the choices we make.
What struck me most was Gagnon’s nuanced exploration of relationships. The depiction of Laurel and Ollie’s five-year partnership feels refreshingly complex; it embodies both warmth and the all-too-familiar complacency that often creeps into long-term relationships. Their history is filled with adorable moments—like Ollie’s spontaneous morning serenades—but it also reveals the subtle resentment that can arise when one partner sacrifices too much for the other. It’s a real, lived-in dynamic that many readers will resonate with.
On the other hand, the portrayal of life with Drew lacks the richness present in Laurel’s reality with Ollie. While Drew has his appeal, he feels somewhat one-dimensional, which leads to an imbalance that made the ultimate choice seem almost predetermined. I longed to see more depth in their interactions—perhaps a moment that would help me truly connect with the chemistry between them.
As for the writing, Gagnon’s accessible, conversational prose is often a delight. She injects moments of wit and emotional insight that make the reading experience enjoyable. However, there are times when the pacing falters, particularly in the middle section where Laurel finds herself shuffling between realities without significant advancement in the story. This repetition while exploring her conflicting feelings occasionally dulls the narrative’s impact.
Still, the themes running through the book are resonant and timely: how we compromise who we are for love, the cost of playing it safe, and the question of whether happiness comes from circumstances or personal choices. I found myself especially moved by Laurel’s realization of how her decisions have shaped not only her life but also Ollie’s dreams. It’s these moments of clarity that elevate the story beyond a simple love triangle and invite deeper reflection.
In conclusion, What If It’s You? is an intriguing read for anyone curious about the intersection of love and choice, particularly lovers of speculative fiction who appreciate character-driven narratives. If you’re looking for a flawlessly executed sci-fi romance, this may not be it—yet Gagnon’s exploration of complex emotions and relationships lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. For me, it was the perfect blend of thought-provoking themes and relatable dilemmas, making it a worthwhile companion for an introspective afternoon.