Maybe in Another Life is the third book written by New York Times bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid. It was released in 2015, before her more well known bestsellers such as Daisy Jones and The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Taylor Jenkins Reid has an ability to tackle such deep emotions such as love, ambition, heartbreak and always makes feel so relatable. Her books are a rollercoaster of emotions, and she doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated parts of being human.
I’ve been working my way through the Taylor Jenkins Reid back catalogue and this was the final book I was yet to read.
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Plot
Hannah Martin has never been able to find a place she can call home. Since her parents left for London with her sister a few years ago, Hannah has lived in six different cities and has worked countless different jobs.
After a messy breakup with a married man, Hannah decides to head back to her hometown of Los Angeles. While she’s not sure if she’ll ever be able to call LA home, her best friend Gabby lives there. Gabby is Hannah one true constant in life and though she is now married, Gabby welcomes Hannah into her home.
Shortly after moving back to LA, Hannah meets up with her high school ex-boyfriend, Ethan, during a night out with Gabby. When it is time to leave, Ethan asks her to stay with him. Hannah must make the decision – to stay with Ethan or go home with Gabby.
This seemingly small decision could have a dramatic impact on the outcome of Hannah’s life. In concurrent story lines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. These dual realities soon develop into dramatically different stories with life changing consequences for Hannah.
Maybe in Another Life explores the idea of fate and destiny and whether soulmates truly do exist.
Maybe in Another Life Book Review
As with every Taylor Jenkins Reid book I’ve read, I really enjoyed Maybe in Another Life. As this was the last book of hers that I hadn’t read, I really wanted to savour it and take my time but as with all TJR books, I absolutely flew through it!
I really enjoyed the concept of this book. The dual realities were really well executed, with alternating chapters dedicated to each outcome.
I found it fascinating to think how one seemingly small decision could potentially alter the outcome of her life in such a dramatic way. In this way the book reminded me of What Might Have Been by Holly Miller.
As with all Taylor Jenkins Reid novels, the characters are what makes this story so special. Hannah’s friendship with Gabby was a particular highlight. I was probably more invested in their relationship than the potential romantic connections!
I found it to be a really honest portrayal of how messy relationships and families can be. Despite the complicated situations there’s always so much tenderness and affection there.
I found this novel to be more of a straight up romance compared to her other books, but there was still so much depth to the story. I really enjoyed the exploration of whether fate or our choices dictate the direction our lives take.
What to read next
If you enjoyed Maybe in Another Life I’d definitely suggest reading more Taylor Jenkins Reid books. I’d personally recommend some of her earlier works, such as Forever Interrupted and After I Do.
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