A Journey Through Choices: A Review of Jilly Gagnon’s What If It’s You?
Whenever I stumble upon a book that blends the realms of romance and speculative fiction, my heart does a little leap of excitement. Jilly Gagnon’s What If It’s You? is one such book that caught my attention immediately, not just for its intriguing premise but for the layers of emotion it promises to unravel. After all, who hasn’t sighed over the “what ifs” in their own life, particularly in matters of the heart?
At its core, the novel centers around Laurel Everett, who finds herself unexpectedly caught between two parallel lives through a phenomenon called AltR—a technology allowing users to glimpse alternate realities. On one end, there’s Ollie, a charming yet financially struggling musician with whom Laurel has spent five years weaving a life filled with warmth and familiarity. On the flip side is Drew, an emotionally distant tech genius who offers her stability but feels somewhat sterile in comparison.
One of Gagnon’s greatest strengths is her ability to craft intricate relationships that resonate deeply. The way she depicts the realistic complexities of long-term love versus the allure of the unknown is palpable. I found myself reflecting on my own relationships as I navigated Laurel’s world, recognizing the balance of comfort and complacency that often exists in partnerships. The intimacy shared between Laurel and Ollie—those adorable morning serenades, juxtaposed with the subtle strains of taking each other for granted—felt refreshingly authentic.
Yet, as much as I admired the emotional depth, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of frustration with Laurel’s character. For much of the book, her indecisiveness felt like a tool used to prolong the plot rather than an accurate representation of her character. While it’s understandable that she would feel overwhelmed by her situation, I sometimes longed for her to take a firmer stand.
Gagnon’s writing style is warm and accessible, her prose laced with genuine wit and moments of emotional insight. Her ability to depict the chaotic dance of love and heartache kept me engrossed, particularly in bright exchanges between Laurel and her scientific ally, Dana. Dana’s dry humor was a breath of fresh air amid the novel’s weighty themes, and I found myself smiling at their back-and-forth dialogues.
However, the pacing of the story struggled in the middle. Laurel’s ventures into her alternate life began to lose impact as they felt repetitive without significant plot advancement. I began to observe a sense of wheel-spinning, where the story’s progression stalled. Moreover, while the duality of the relationships is compelling, Drew often felt less fully realized compared to Ollie, making the ultimate choice feel a tad predictable.
Thematically, What If It’s You? reaches deeper than a simple romance. It poses thought-provoking questions about love, choice, and personal identity—like when it is caretaking versus control, and the cost of safety versus the pursuit of passion. It’s these reflections that elevate the book above a typical love triangle, allowing readers to chew on substantial ideas about the life-altering choices we make.
In conclusion, Jilly Gagnon’s What If It’s You? is a heartfelt exploration of love laced with speculative science fiction. While it falters at times in pacing and character development, its emotional truths leave a lasting impact. For those intrigued by the intersections of love and the what-ifs of life, this novel will certainly resonate. It may not sweep you off your feet with perfection, but it invites you to ponder the beautiful messiness of choices and the relationships that define us. So grab a cozy seat and indulge in Laurel’s journey; you may just find yourself reflecting on your own roads not taken.