When It Happens Summary & Key Insights

Susane Colasanti's "When It Happens" explores the complexities of grief, healing, and unexpected love through the interwoven narratives of three teenage girls navigating the aftermath of a devastating car accident that claims the life of their close friend, Sarah. The accident acts as a catalyst, shattering their lives and forcing them to confront their own vulnerabilities and the messy reality of loss.

The central narrative revolves around Maya, a seemingly together girl who struggles to process Sarah's death and maintain a facade of normalcy. Her grief manifests differently than her friends, leading to feelings of isolation and guilt. She grapples with the lingering questions surrounding the accident and the unspoken tensions between her and Sarah before her death. Maya’s journey focuses on accepting her grief and understanding that it’s okay not to be okay.

Hannah, a more openly emotional character, experiences a raw and intense grief that leads her to withdraw from her friends and family. She lashes out, her behaviour stemming from her inability to cope with the enormity of her loss. Hannah's arc involves finding healthy outlets for her sorrow and discovering the strength to seek help and support.

Rounding out the trio is Riley, Sarah's outgoing and seemingly carefree best friend, who finds herself struggling to maintain her sense of self without her anchor. She initially tries to fill the void left by Sarah through reckless behaviour and impulsive decisions. Riley’s narrative explores the challenges of maintaining friendships amidst trauma and discovering that true friendship lies in supporting each other through difficult times.

As the girls navigate their individual grief journeys, they find solace and unexpected connection through shared memories of Sarah, their mutual support, and the budding relationships they forge. The story highlights the diverse ways grief manifests and emphasizes the importance of community and understanding in navigating loss.

Throughout the novel, Colasanti emphasizes themes of friendship, grief, healing, and self-discovery. The characters' experiences underscore the idea that grief is not linear and that there is no "right" way to mourn. The novel challenges the societal expectation to "get over it" quickly, instead validating the complex and sometimes contradictory emotions surrounding loss. Ultimately, "When It Happens" is a story of resilience, the power of friendship, and the gradual, often painful, process of healing and moving forward after profound loss. It is a nuanced exploration of teen grief, offering readers a space to acknowledge and understand the multifaceted nature of mourning and the journey towards acceptance.