Fate

The author employs an unconventional narrative structure in order to enact her thematic explorations concerning fate and destiny. Following Hannah’s welcome home party at the bar at the novel’s start, the narrative splits into two “parallel universes where everything that could happen is happening” (318, Reid's italics). As Jesse says in his toast at the end of the novel, “This is completely plausible . . . It’s entirely possible that every time we make a decision, there is a version of us out there somewhere who made a different choice” (318). According to this theory, each of these possible choices leads to a different possible life. However, what Hannah learns is that no matter the life she lives, “My fate will find me” (29). In one life after the party, Hannah goes home with Gabby and Mark, is hit by a car, loses her ability to walk and her...