Something Like Fate Summary & Key Insights

Susane Colasanti's "Something Like Fate" explores the complexities of first love, grief, and the unpredictable nature of life through the intertwined narratives of Emaline and Roman. The story unfolds primarily in two timelines: the present, where Emaline is navigating the aftermath of a devastating loss, and the past, revealing her tumultuous relationship with Roman years prior.

Emaline's present is consumed by the recent death of her younger brother, a tragedy that shatters her carefully constructed life. She's adrift, grappling with survivor's guilt and the gaping hole left in her family. Seeking solace and a distraction, she returns to her hometown of Havenwood, a place steeped in bittersweet memories connected to her relationship with Roman.

The past timeline unfolds through Emaline's memories of her passionate, yet complicated, romance with Roman. Their relationship is intense and fraught with conflict, marked by passionate moments interwoven with bitter arguments and misunderstandings. Their connection is undeniable, however, fueled by a shared love of art, music, and a profound understanding that transcends their youthful immaturity. Their romance is punctuated by the ever-present shadow of Roman's unpredictable nature and a deep-seated family drama that frequently interferes with their fragile happiness. They both carry emotional baggage, unresolved family issues, and insecurities that continuously threaten to tear them apart.

As Emaline revisits Havenwood, she begins to piece together the fragments of her past relationship with Roman. The memories are both joyful and painful, highlighting the highs and lows of their whirlwind romance. Through these flashbacks, we see how their connection was tested by external pressures and internal struggles. She encounters old friends, confronts unresolved feelings, and inadvertently reconnects with Roman.

The overarching theme is the exploration of fate versus free will. Emaline grapples with the idea of destiny, questioning whether her path and the tragedy she's experienced were predetermined. The title itself reflects this ambiguity; their relationship was intense and felt destined, yet it was ultimately their choices and actions that shaped its trajectory. The narrative subtly questions whether certain relationships are preordained or simply a matter of chance and timing, compounded by the characters' individual choices and reactions to life's unpredictable turns.

"Something Like Fate" culminates in a moment of reconciliation and acceptance for Emaline. She confronts her grief, finds solace in remembering her brother, and accepts the complexities of her past relationship with Roman. The ending suggests a potential for moving forward, not necessarily a rekindling of their romance, but a newfound understanding of herself and her capacity for love amidst loss and hardship. The novel ultimately emphasizes the importance of embracing the unpredictable nature of life, learning from past mistakes, and finding strength in the face of adversity.