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Maybe Next Time
One Day meets Groundhog Day, in this heartwarming and emotionally poignant novel about a stressed woman who must relive the same day over and over, keeping her family and work life from imploding as she attempts to spare her husband from an unfortunate fate.
It is an ordinary Monday and harried London literary agent Emma is flying out of the door as usual. Preoccupied with work and her ever growing to-do list, she fails to notice her lovely husband Dan seems bereft, her son can barely meet her eye, and her daughter won’t go near her. Even the dog seems sad.
She is far too busy, buried deep in her phone; social media alerts pinging; clients messaging with “emergencies”; keeping track of a dozen WhatsApp groups about the kids’ sports, school, playdates, all of it. Her whole day is frantic—what else is new—and as she rushes back through the door for dinner, Dan is still upset. They fight, and he walks out, desolate, dragging their poor dog around the block. Just as she realizes it is their anniversary and she has forgotten, again, she hears the screech of brakes.
Dan is dead.
The next day Emma wakes up… and Dan is alive. And it’s Monday again.
And again.
And again.
Emma tries desperately to change the course of fate by doing different things each time she wakes up: leaving WhatsApp, telling her boss where to get off, writing to Dan, listening to her kids, reaching out to forgotten friends, getting drunk and buying out Prada. But will Emma have the chance to find herself again, remember what she likes about her job, reconnect with her children, love her husband? Will this be enough to change the fate they seem destined for?
A moving “What if” story of what it is to be a woman in the modern world—never feeling we’re getting it quite right—about learning to slow down and appreciate life that is sure to resonate with women’s fiction fans.
It is an ordinary Monday and harried London literary agent Emma is flying out of the door as usual. Preoccupied with work and her ever growing to-do list, she fails to notice her lovely husband Dan seems bereft, her son can barely meet her eye, and her daughter won’t go near her. Even the dog seems sad.
She is far too busy, buried deep in her phone; social media alerts pinging; clients messaging with “emergencies”; keeping track of a dozen WhatsApp groups about the kids’ sports, school, playdates, all of it. Her whole day is frantic—what else is new—and as she rushes back through the door for dinner, Dan is still upset. They fight, and he walks out, desolate, dragging their poor dog around the block. Just as she realizes it is their anniversary and she has forgotten, again, she hears the screech of brakes.
Dan is dead.
The next day Emma wakes up… and Dan is alive. And it’s Monday again.
And again.
And again.
Emma tries desperately to change the course of fate by doing different things each time she wakes up: leaving WhatsApp, telling her boss where to get off, writing to Dan, listening to her kids, reaching out to forgotten friends, getting drunk and buying out Prada. But will Emma have the chance to find herself again, remember what she likes about her job, reconnect with her children, love her husband? Will this be enough to change the fate they seem destined for?
A moving “What if” story of what it is to be a woman in the modern world—never feeling we’re getting it quite right—about learning to slow down and appreciate life that is sure to resonate with women’s fiction fans.
377 pages, ebook
First published March 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,606 reviews
March 8, 2023
Sweet book!
I will admit, I'm a sucker for the Groundhog Day trope. Put that in the synopsis and I'm pretty likely to read the book. This ended up being a touching and meaningful story, but it did take me a while to warm to the main character.
Emma and Dan met 15 years ago, and on their yearly dating anniversary they write each other a letter about the previous year and their hopes and dreams for the future. Fast forward to the present day, and they are married with two kids, both busy with their work and other commitments. Emma is OVER committed, she is frazzled and running every which way, trying to make everyone happy and pretty much failing at all of it. She forgets to write the letter this year, and Dan leaves the house in a huff to walk the dog, is hit by a car and dies. After that traumatic incident, Emma goes to sleep and wakes up--it's the previous day again. What must she get right before she can move on?
I found the premise of this book and the ultimate outcome of the story to be unique and emotionally moving. Like I said, it took me a while to get there. I couldn't identify with Emma's drive to be such a people pleaser, ignoring the red flags right in front of her for way too long. Even after re-living the same day over and over it took her forever (it seemed) to get a clue as to what needed to be changed.
The ending is poignant and bittersweet, and was actually really unexpected for me. I definitely cried, but not because the author pulls a fast one on the reader. It's because the ending is actually quite perfect for the way the story plays out.
If you like touching stories about marriage, family, and real life, be sure to pick this one up. It does the time loop trope justice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I will admit, I'm a sucker for the Groundhog Day trope. Put that in the synopsis and I'm pretty likely to read the book. This ended up being a touching and meaningful story, but it did take me a while to warm to the main character.
Emma and Dan met 15 years ago, and on their yearly dating anniversary they write each other a letter about the previous year and their hopes and dreams for the future. Fast forward to the present day, and they are married with two kids, both busy with their work and other commitments. Emma is OVER committed, she is frazzled and running every which way, trying to make everyone happy and pretty much failing at all of it. She forgets to write the letter this year, and Dan leaves the house in a huff to walk the dog, is hit by a car and dies. After that traumatic incident, Emma goes to sleep and wakes up--it's the previous day again. What must she get right before she can move on?
I found the premise of this book and the ultimate outcome of the story to be unique and emotionally moving. Like I said, it took me a while to get there. I couldn't identify with Emma's drive to be such a people pleaser, ignoring the red flags right in front of her for way too long. Even after re-living the same day over and over it took her forever (it seemed) to get a clue as to what needed to be changed.
The ending is poignant and bittersweet, and was actually really unexpected for me. I definitely cried, but not because the author pulls a fast one on the reader. It's because the ending is actually quite perfect for the way the story plays out.
If you like touching stories about marriage, family, and real life, be sure to pick this one up. It does the time loop trope justice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 16, 2023
Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major is the Perfect Blend of Women's Fiction and Magical Realism!
Emma is a successful literary agent who's always working, even when she's not. She lives and breathes her work. And when she's not working, she's offering her free time because she can't say no.
She's moving at warp speed on December 3rd, the anniversary of when Emma and her husband Dan first met. She doesn't notice that Dan seems dejected, her son Miles is unusually quiet, and her daughter Poppy is spending too much time in her bedroom with the door closed. She doesn't even notice the family dog Gus is 'out of sorts'.
In the evening of their anniversary, after Emma has had an incredibly bad day at work, after the children are in bed, and the evening has almost come to an end, Emma and Dan have a heated discussion. Dan rushes out of the house, with Gus in tow for his nightly walk. Shortly afterwards, Emma hears tires squeal and a loud crash...
Then it's December 3rd in Emma's world all over again. And again...
Maybe Next Time is a time-loop story about a strained relationship within a marriage. A marriage where both parties are deeply in love, with two young children, and so much at risk if everything doesn't magically straighten out. And there is more to this story, so much more.
It's a meatier, emotionally charged story and I had no clue how it could possibly work itself out. It's not a comedy, but there are light and happy moments for Emma in the same day she lives over and over again. It's mostly serious though and there are many lessons for her to take note of in her daily travels.
You might think the story would become repetitive, boring, and lose steam but that was not the case here. The author creatively put a slight spin and unique feel to each day even though it was the same one over and over again. It was an inspiring journey alongside Emma on her "time-loop" day and there's an interesting perspective that I didn't expect.
Maybe Next Time is an engaging story with great characters, tender moments, and a bitter-sweet ending. So, get the tissues ready, folks, because this one is going to make you ugly cry. It could have been an ending that was much worse, but in this case, I think it was almost perfect!
Are you curious yet?
I highly recommend and I'll be waiting for this authors next novel! 4.5 Magical Stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Cesca Major for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
Emma is a successful literary agent who's always working, even when she's not. She lives and breathes her work. And when she's not working, she's offering her free time because she can't say no.
She's moving at warp speed on December 3rd, the anniversary of when Emma and her husband Dan first met. She doesn't notice that Dan seems dejected, her son Miles is unusually quiet, and her daughter Poppy is spending too much time in her bedroom with the door closed. She doesn't even notice the family dog Gus is 'out of sorts'.
In the evening of their anniversary, after Emma has had an incredibly bad day at work, after the children are in bed, and the evening has almost come to an end, Emma and Dan have a heated discussion. Dan rushes out of the house, with Gus in tow for his nightly walk. Shortly afterwards, Emma hears tires squeal and a loud crash...
Then it's December 3rd in Emma's world all over again. And again...
Maybe Next Time is a time-loop story about a strained relationship within a marriage. A marriage where both parties are deeply in love, with two young children, and so much at risk if everything doesn't magically straighten out. And there is more to this story, so much more.
It's a meatier, emotionally charged story and I had no clue how it could possibly work itself out. It's not a comedy, but there are light and happy moments for Emma in the same day she lives over and over again. It's mostly serious though and there are many lessons for her to take note of in her daily travels.
You might think the story would become repetitive, boring, and lose steam but that was not the case here. The author creatively put a slight spin and unique feel to each day even though it was the same one over and over again. It was an inspiring journey alongside Emma on her "time-loop" day and there's an interesting perspective that I didn't expect.
Maybe Next Time is an engaging story with great characters, tender moments, and a bitter-sweet ending. So, get the tissues ready, folks, because this one is going to make you ugly cry. It could have been an ending that was much worse, but in this case, I think it was almost perfect!
Are you curious yet?
I highly recommend and I'll be waiting for this authors next novel! 4.5 Magical Stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Cesca Major for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
January 23, 2024
My friend handed me this book. She said, “you will love it. It has a groundhog day element to it that makes it interesting.”
And…
Of course, it is a donation to the Little Free Library Shed.
Now…
Just finishing another book with a groundhog day element to it, I wasn’t sure I could do it again. Remember, The Do-Over by Lynn Painter? Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
But…
I dove in.
And…
It touched me.
There is a message in this one. Questions to contemplate…
Do we have our priorities straight in this life? What truly is important?
And…
In this particular story, the character will be faced with whether she can realize any of this in time.
Heart-warming. Emotionally poignant. Heart-breaking. Soul-full.
This is…
A moving “what if” story of what it is to be a modern woman – juggling so many aspects of life (job, children, friends, husband)…
And yet…
Learning about slowing down and appreciating these precious moments of life – one day at a time…
Again…
And again. Until maybe, just maybe she can reconnect to what is truly important to her.
Interesting side note…
This was a Reese’s Book Club pick now being adapted for screen by Apple Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine.
And…
Of course, it is a donation to the Little Free Library Shed.
Now…
Just finishing another book with a groundhog day element to it, I wasn’t sure I could do it again. Remember, The Do-Over by Lynn Painter? Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
But…
I dove in.
And…
It touched me.
There is a message in this one. Questions to contemplate…
Do we have our priorities straight in this life? What truly is important?
And…
In this particular story, the character will be faced with whether she can realize any of this in time.
Heart-warming. Emotionally poignant. Heart-breaking. Soul-full.
This is…
A moving “what if” story of what it is to be a modern woman – juggling so many aspects of life (job, children, friends, husband)…
And yet…
Learning about slowing down and appreciating these precious moments of life – one day at a time…
Again…
And again. Until maybe, just maybe she can reconnect to what is truly important to her.
Interesting side note…
This was a Reese’s Book Club pick now being adapted for screen by Apple Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine.
September 6, 2023
I have such mixed feelings about this book. While I was reading it, I loved it. I liked that we got the story from Emma's perspective, but then got Dan's perspective through the letters that he wrote to her. I loved seeing the WhatsApp messages. Those made me laugh, especially Lou's.
But I absolutely hated the ending. I know some feel that's the way it should have ended, but I kind of feel cheated. I also hate that we don't get to see how any of the side stories end. For someone who really likes closure in a book, this was a total bummer.
But I absolutely hated the ending. I know some feel that's the way it should have ended, but I kind of feel cheated. I also hate that we don't get to see how any of the side stories end. For someone who really likes closure in a book, this was a total bummer.
March 30, 2023
4.5-5 stars!
Omg this book!! I devoured this in 24 hours!
I'm a sucker for novels with any epistolary format; so as soon as I saw the first “December 3rd” letter I was hooked! I am also a sucker for “what ifs”, “second chances”, or “do overs”, so this groundhog day-esque plot setting was enjoyable, albeit repetitive at times, but necessary.
I loved how as the days went on Emma received “gift” chances at do-overs, that increasingly changed the whole base of her life, relationship with her husband and children, and herself. I love books that allow us to look inward when reading and refocus our own thoughts and gratitude.
I was balling at the last letter from Dan…but equally loved it.
Highly recommend if you enjoy those “what if, second chance, do over” books that are full of meaning.
Omg this book!! I devoured this in 24 hours!
I'm a sucker for novels with any epistolary format; so as soon as I saw the first “December 3rd” letter I was hooked! I am also a sucker for “what ifs”, “second chances”, or “do overs”, so this groundhog day-esque plot setting was enjoyable, albeit repetitive at times, but necessary.
I loved how as the days went on Emma received “gift” chances at do-overs, that increasingly changed the whole base of her life, relationship with her husband and children, and herself. I love books that allow us to look inward when reading and refocus our own thoughts and gratitude.
I was balling at the last letter from Dan…but equally loved it.
Highly recommend if you enjoy those “what if, second chance, do over” books that are full of meaning.
April 12, 2023
This book started off so well but, once it started to repeat itself (which I know was the story) I started to get bored. The idea was a good one but the story just dragged for me and I struggled to the end. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 2, 2023
scroll away if you’re not ready for this review.
thank god i finally can put this book away. that was SO BORING. i’ll be honest my journey for this book has been from reading, to skimming, to browsing.
maybe next time has a loop concept, where the storyline is the mc starts the same day over and over again — which i don’t have a problem with (for the record, Ghosted by Emily Barr is an excellent example of this concept. LOVED the book). but what’s with the repetition from page 1 to literally the END of the book, with little to no progress of the storyline at all???
and let me just tell you a summary (spoiler), emma (mc) could’ve just stopped the day from starting again by just confronting her husband about him dying at the end of the day. because that’s exactly what happened in the last chapter — emma opened up about her loop situation, her husband believed her, wrote a letter to her, and died. EMMA YOU COULD’VE JUST TOLD YOUR HUSBAND FROM THE START OF THE BOOK.
ok but not to be that person cause i totally understand the message that Major was trying to deliver, about how this loop situation was actually a “gift” to emma, to slow down her life and appreciate her family and close friends. but this message could’ve been delivered in a 150-page book, if u REALLY wanted to give readers the ending. cut to the chase!!!!
but don’t get me wrong cause i gotta give credits to the author for the last letter from dan (emma’s husband) + the hattie (emma’s SIL) reveal. these two are well-written, but i certainly did not enjoy the process to get to these points.. 🥲
if you’re a sucker for a loop-storyline, you might wanna try reading this book. if not, maybe next time (see what i did there). thank you to times reads & miss putri for sending this book to me, and sorry for the super late review!! thankful for you always 💗
thank god i finally can put this book away. that was SO BORING. i’ll be honest my journey for this book has been from reading, to skimming, to browsing.
maybe next time has a loop concept, where the storyline is the mc starts the same day over and over again — which i don’t have a problem with (for the record, Ghosted by Emily Barr is an excellent example of this concept. LOVED the book). but what’s with the repetition from page 1 to literally the END of the book, with little to no progress of the storyline at all???
and let me just tell you a summary (spoiler), emma (mc) could’ve just stopped the day from starting again by just confronting her husband about him dying at the end of the day. because that’s exactly what happened in the last chapter — emma opened up about her loop situation, her husband believed her, wrote a letter to her, and died. EMMA YOU COULD’VE JUST TOLD YOUR HUSBAND FROM THE START OF THE BOOK.
ok but not to be that person cause i totally understand the message that Major was trying to deliver, about how this loop situation was actually a “gift” to emma, to slow down her life and appreciate her family and close friends. but this message could’ve been delivered in a 150-page book, if u REALLY wanted to give readers the ending. cut to the chase!!!!
but don’t get me wrong cause i gotta give credits to the author for the last letter from dan (emma’s husband) + the hattie (emma’s SIL) reveal. these two are well-written, but i certainly did not enjoy the process to get to these points.. 🥲
if you’re a sucker for a loop-storyline, you might wanna try reading this book. if not, maybe next time (see what i did there). thank you to times reads & miss putri for sending this book to me, and sorry for the super late review!! thankful for you always 💗
December 1, 2023
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for GR!
i read a bunch of magical realism and when comparing, this falls to the middle/bottom middle of my faves. however, i still enjoyed this book and i’m happy i read it. it was a very quick audiobook listen and the themes/messages were so important and impactful and at times, very emo. it would be hard not to get teary eyed while reading... i truly think it’s something everyone can relate to in some way. and the ending letter, IYKYK 🥹😩😭
my fave part was probably the ending. it’s a groundhog book—so the MC repeats the same day every single day for 4-5 months hoping for a different result and to fix the past. the entire time i was reading it, i was thinking “ok how is this going to end?” and debating situations in my head. i didn’t expect how it ended and upon further reflection, think it’s perfect!!
my main issue was that this made the book EXTREMELY repetitive. 50-80 pages needed to be cut bc it was becoming too much of the same. it called out groundhog day in the synopsis, but BOY were they not kidding lol!
this makes a good book club pick (it’s a Reese book club pick!) for a few reasons:
📖 quick and easy to read
📖 the ending is something and something you immediately want to ask others about
📖 really makes you think and reevaluate life which makes for great discussion
📖 it’s very relatable
*i listened to the audiobook. the narrator had a strong accent which caused me to slow down my speed but i liked it that way overall! there are parts that are text messages, letters, emails, etc. so that’s different to be spoken out loud vs read.
i read a bunch of magical realism and when comparing, this falls to the middle/bottom middle of my faves. however, i still enjoyed this book and i’m happy i read it. it was a very quick audiobook listen and the themes/messages were so important and impactful and at times, very emo. it would be hard not to get teary eyed while reading... i truly think it’s something everyone can relate to in some way. and the ending letter, IYKYK 🥹😩😭
my fave part was probably the ending. it’s a groundhog book—so the MC repeats the same day every single day for 4-5 months hoping for a different result and to fix the past. the entire time i was reading it, i was thinking “ok how is this going to end?” and debating situations in my head. i didn’t expect how it ended and upon further reflection, think it’s perfect!!
my main issue was that this made the book EXTREMELY repetitive. 50-80 pages needed to be cut bc it was becoming too much of the same. it called out groundhog day in the synopsis, but BOY were they not kidding lol!
this makes a good book club pick (it’s a Reese book club pick!) for a few reasons:
📖 quick and easy to read
📖 the ending is something and something you immediately want to ask others about
📖 really makes you think and reevaluate life which makes for great discussion
📖 it’s very relatable
*i listened to the audiobook. the narrator had a strong accent which caused me to slow down my speed but i liked it that way overall! there are parts that are text messages, letters, emails, etc. so that’s different to be spoken out loud vs read.
August 14, 2023
This book ended on such a disappointing cliffhanger that I had to drop it down to three stars! Otherwise it would have been a 4. Such a promising storyline with such a let down ending 😭
November 19, 2023
I'm really between a 3 and 4 star rating here. The ground hog day aspect of this book went on a little too long for my liking. Having said that, I still enjoyed the story. It's a cute, funny at times and emotional story all in one. That ending is what make me want to give it 4 stars. Have tissues ready for the ending.
April 8, 2023
"Be where you are; otherwise you will miss your life."
- Buddha
If I have ever cried at the beginning of a book before I can't remember it, but that is definitely one of the things that will stick with me about Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major. Cue ugly tears almost immediately, and if I hadn't been listening to the audiobook, I would have had to put the book down. I really liked the Groundhog Day vibes and personally, I thought the author did a great job of making the days the same but different as well, so they weren't just completely repetitive. There was so much emotion packed into this story and I LOVED the way Major managed to work a bit of mystery into it as well. As the same day gets repeated, we end up finding out new things along the way about what is going on with Emma’s kids as well as other bits of information important to the story and characters. I am shocked that this is the author’s 13th book plus the fact that she is also an author of thrillers, and I didn’t even know! Obviously, I will be checking all of her other books out now that I know how much I love her writing.
And what review from me would be complete without a quick rundown on the audio. Maybe Next Time is narrated by Clare Corbett and she is beyond fantastic as the voice of Emma. I have listened to her multiple times in other audiobooks, and never once have I had any issues with her, but I have to say that this might be her best yet. Plus, it helps when you are bawling to be listening to something instead of trying to read it. Just saying. I really have nothing but praises to sing about both the book and the audiobook, and I am so glad that I got to this as soon as I did (a month after pub date is pretty good for me 😂). I would highly recommend if you are a fan of emotional storylines and the movie Groundhog Day, and the attention to family, as well as marriage and how the daily grind affects both, was very sharp and smart. I know I won’t be looking at life the same way again, and this will be in my memory for a long time to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
- Buddha
If I have ever cried at the beginning of a book before I can't remember it, but that is definitely one of the things that will stick with me about Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major. Cue ugly tears almost immediately, and if I hadn't been listening to the audiobook, I would have had to put the book down. I really liked the Groundhog Day vibes and personally, I thought the author did a great job of making the days the same but different as well, so they weren't just completely repetitive. There was so much emotion packed into this story and I LOVED the way Major managed to work a bit of mystery into it as well. As the same day gets repeated, we end up finding out new things along the way about what is going on with Emma’s kids as well as other bits of information important to the story and characters. I am shocked that this is the author’s 13th book plus the fact that she is also an author of thrillers, and I didn’t even know! Obviously, I will be checking all of her other books out now that I know how much I love her writing.
And what review from me would be complete without a quick rundown on the audio. Maybe Next Time is narrated by Clare Corbett and she is beyond fantastic as the voice of Emma. I have listened to her multiple times in other audiobooks, and never once have I had any issues with her, but I have to say that this might be her best yet. Plus, it helps when you are bawling to be listening to something instead of trying to read it. Just saying. I really have nothing but praises to sing about both the book and the audiobook, and I am so glad that I got to this as soon as I did (a month after pub date is pretty good for me 😂). I would highly recommend if you are a fan of emotional storylines and the movie Groundhog Day, and the attention to family, as well as marriage and how the daily grind affects both, was very sharp and smart. I know I won’t be looking at life the same way again, and this will be in my memory for a long time to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 7, 2023
Was this woman's absolute torture of a life supposed to be poignant, heart warming, touching? I think this book was supposed to make me weepy but I just stayed mad the whole time. I also want to add...
March 28, 2023
This is an extremely stressful read, and not for the reason you may think (because the main character is stuck reliving the day her husband dies). In the interest of creating enough complications to keep the reader from getting bored of repeating the same day for more than 350 pages, the author chooses to have her character try to fix everyone and everything around her, even when she knows none of it will change her husband's fate. She claims she just wants more time with him, but that's not how she spends the days. The stress you feel when reading is the constant reminder of how women feel pressure to have it all, which too often means fixing everyone's else's problems -- even stopping them from making bad choices in the first place. It's an untenable way to live, and not an enjoyable experience to read about on repeat. (Though, the professional world created within this novel does feel ripe for a spin-off; Jas is a delight!)
April 4, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Rounding up my rating because it did have great writing and totally was made for literary fiction fans who love time loop plots. But… I can’t help but feel a bit unsatisfied? The ending was open to interpretation and, honestly, a bit anti-climatic. I’m just a girl who wants answers and that was besides the point in this book. So more of a me issue than a book issue, really. Although the significance of a particular time in the book definitely had me reading with my mouth hanging open. I would’ve loved more about Hattie and better pacing in the middle of the book.
But oh, the letters! Every year after the day they met, Dan and Emma exchange letters to each other. Dan’s letters were beautiful and really captured the tough realities of long term relationships/marriage. That last letter definitely made me tear up. This story served as an excellent reminder to live your life fully and focus on what really matters.
Rounding up my rating because it did have great writing and totally was made for literary fiction fans who love time loop plots. But… I can’t help but feel a bit unsatisfied? The ending was open to interpretation and, honestly, a bit anti-climatic. I’m just a girl who wants answers and that was besides the point in this book. So more of a me issue than a book issue, really. Although the significance of a particular time in the book definitely had me reading with my mouth hanging open. I would’ve loved more about Hattie and better pacing in the middle of the book.
But oh, the letters! Every year after the day they met, Dan and Emma exchange letters to each other. Dan’s letters were beautiful and really captured the tough realities of long term relationships/marriage. That last letter definitely made me tear up. This story served as an excellent reminder to live your life fully and focus on what really matters.
November 13, 2023
One of those books where I understand that other people probably enjoy it, but it doesn't do it for me. Which is a shame, because I normally love a timeloop.
Maybe Next Time eschews one or two of the time loop clichés, like the main character learning new skills or gaining awe-inspiring omnipotence within the small dominion of their day and using it to freak people out. I admit this is probably more realistic (I'm in the camp that believes Phil Connors had to be in the Groundhog Day loop for at least several decades, but I could have been there for a century and not been able to memorize the timing of every falling item and conversation), but I really missed those clichés. That's one of the fun parts of the whole premise! I wouldn't mind the book ditching them if it was for something more interesting and original, but it hews so closely to so many other aspects of the trope that literally everything about Emma's arc, outside of one surprise related to Hattie, is entirely predictable from the first couple of chapters. The main new thing Maybe Next Time has brought is a particular type of very earnest, borderline mawkish epistolary romance that isn't my thing. It's possible that I feel a bit bitter at being tricked into reading one of them.
To give the book its dues, it paints a nuanced and detailed picture of the way even conventionally successful modern women with near perfect partners are pulled in a thousand different directions, especially if they are mothers, and much of Emma's immediate reaction feels realistic. But in other ways, Emma is impossibly dense.
I also think that every time loop story should either decide Groundhog Day doesn't exist, or accept that you would cite it immediately when trying to explain your situation to someone. It doesn't make sense to mention Groundhog Day once and then have a character struggle to explain their situation to others. Making them believe you is a bigger challenge, but there is a universal cultural reference for being stuck in a timeloop!
Maybe Next Time eschews one or two of the time loop clichés, like the main character learning new skills or gaining awe-inspiring omnipotence within the small dominion of their day and using it to freak people out. I admit this is probably more realistic (I'm in the camp that believes Phil Connors had to be in the Groundhog Day loop for at least several decades, but I could have been there for a century and not been able to memorize the timing of every falling item and conversation), but I really missed those clichés. That's one of the fun parts of the whole premise! I wouldn't mind the book ditching them if it was for something more interesting and original, but it hews so closely to so many other aspects of the trope that literally everything about Emma's arc, outside of one surprise related to Hattie, is entirely predictable from the first couple of chapters. The main new thing Maybe Next Time has brought is a particular type of very earnest, borderline mawkish epistolary romance that isn't my thing. It's possible that I feel a bit bitter at being tricked into reading one of them.
To give the book its dues, it paints a nuanced and detailed picture of the way even conventionally successful modern women with near perfect partners are pulled in a thousand different directions, especially if they are mothers, and much of Emma's immediate reaction feels realistic. But in other ways, Emma is impossibly dense.
I also think that every time loop story should either decide Groundhog Day doesn't exist, or accept that you would cite it immediately when trying to explain your situation to someone. It doesn't make sense to mention Groundhog Day once and then have a character struggle to explain their situation to others. Making them believe you is a bigger challenge, but there is a universal cultural reference for being stuck in a timeloop!
December 11, 2022
*New auto-buy author enters the chat*
Cesca Major absolutely nailed it with this one. Culturally poignant and poses such an important challenge on modern society. Granted, we live in a time where everything is too accessible, leading to an imbalance of appreciation for the little, seemingly insignificant things.
The timeline was utilised effectively- repetitive and meaningful. I’ve never read a book that made me constantly reflect on my life and own choices, quite as much.
A sensational read which I will recommend to everyone.
Cesca Major absolutely nailed it with this one. Culturally poignant and poses such an important challenge on modern society. Granted, we live in a time where everything is too accessible, leading to an imbalance of appreciation for the little, seemingly insignificant things.
The timeline was utilised effectively- repetitive and meaningful. I’ve never read a book that made me constantly reflect on my life and own choices, quite as much.
A sensational read which I will recommend to everyone.
December 19, 2023
Maybe Next Time let us step back and reflect on our lives. Is it worth it to be pulled in a thousand different directions and failing to focus on the important things?!
Secrets started to be revealed when Emma had to live through the same day over and over again. It was interesting to see how Emma changed when her day kept repeating itself.
The best part was Dan's letters to Emma, they were personal and honest. A good love story doesn't need to be glamorous or exciting. It could be about ordinary people dealing with mundane stuff.
3.75 stars, the days started to lose its appeal when it was repeated too many times. The writing needed to be more polished in order to bring out the best of this trope.
Secrets started to be revealed when Emma had to live through the same day over and over again. It was interesting to see how Emma changed when her day kept repeating itself.
The best part was Dan's letters to Emma, they were personal and honest. A good love story doesn't need to be glamorous or exciting. It could be about ordinary people dealing with mundane stuff.
3.75 stars, the days started to lose its appeal when it was repeated too many times. The writing needed to be more polished in order to bring out the best of this trope.
September 6, 2024
Groundhog day meets sliding door but on loop for one day. A heart warming story where you are forced to relive the worst day ever every day on loop. This has important messages about embracing life and valuing friends and family in the small moments. The added romance element of the annual letter tugged at rhe heart strings.
I did enjoy this and although I'd did love the ending a bit part of me wanted it to be resolved completely. That said this will tug at your heart strings and is throughly enjoyable.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for this 4 star read.
I did enjoy this and although I'd did love the ending a bit part of me wanted it to be resolved completely. That said this will tug at your heart strings and is throughly enjoyable.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for this 4 star read.
July 7, 2024
Oh my goodness. This was everything I love about magical realism. I'm thankful for this cover redesign—it was the push I needed to pick this one up. I wish I did sooner!
With her priorities terribly skewed, Emma has unintentionally let life pass her by. It all comes to a halt when tragedy arises and she finds herself stuck in a mysterious time loop reliving the day her husband dies. No matter what she does, the outcome remains the same.
Throughout are anniversary letters written by Dan reflecting on their years together. I absolutely adored his playful humour, honesty, and palpable love for Emma. It's a heartbreaking, poignant story about the importance of savouring precious moments, carving out time for those that matter most. I won't comment on the ending, but I will say ... I sobbed through the final letter on chapter 58.
(heat level: fade to black / closed door)
With her priorities terribly skewed, Emma has unintentionally let life pass her by. It all comes to a halt when tragedy arises and she finds herself stuck in a mysterious time loop reliving the day her husband dies. No matter what she does, the outcome remains the same.
Throughout are anniversary letters written by Dan reflecting on their years together. I absolutely adored his playful humour, honesty, and palpable love for Emma. It's a heartbreaking, poignant story about the importance of savouring precious moments, carving out time for those that matter most. I won't comment on the ending, but I will say ... I sobbed through the final letter on chapter 58.
(heat level: fade to black / closed door)
January 8, 2024
OhThere were things I liked about this book... It was easy to read and I appreciated the overarching message of needing to slow down and be present in our daily lives. The author is obviously a talented writer, but I just had a lot of issues with this story.
I read it quickly, because of the suspense of trying to figure out how the author was going to explain and resolve the storyline. In the end, I just found it all pretty ridiculous instead of touching or moving.
So in the end, after 5 or 6 months of reliving the same day and witnessing her husband's death over a hundred times, we're supposed to believe that she just told her husband what's been happening and he said huh interesting okay well I love you and and the kids and k thanks bye and the cycle ended and she goes on to her future a better mom and friend and wiser with her time and energy. The problem is, she's the only one that's been reliving the same day. The day before, her entire family, coworkers, and friends (including the guy at the coffee shop) knew her as an absentee distracted mother, someone who put work before her family, neglecting her best friend and her pitiful husband who is begging for her attention, etc. But then on the one day that she keeps reliving, she's suddenly present and loving and attentive and solves her kids' major problems in the course of a morning, rescues her best friend from an abusive marriage, and they all go out for ice cream and ice skating and life is beautiful? The husband and children just say oh I guess Mom is a whole new person today and I don't have any resentments that need to be worked through and I can trust her instantly because yesterday and for months or years before she neglected me but now she took a minute to ask me how I'm doing and suddenly I completely trust her and can open my heart to her? Like I said, ridiculous.
Also, a key part of the story for Hattie was her miscarriage which was noted a few times to be at 7 weeks gestation. But she knew the baby was a girl? If she lost the baby at 7 weeks, she would have had to find out before then that it was a girl. Even with the latest technology, I have not heard of anyone knowing the sex of their child at 6ish weeks gestation. There is a blood test that can be done at maybe as early as 8 weeks but it takes 2 weeks for the results, so there is no way at 7 weeks she could have known that she was having a girl. This seems like a detail that would have been easy for the author to research. If it wasn't the catalyst for Hattie finally leaving her husband (when he comments: "maybe next time it will be a boy") it would have been easier to overlook this inaccuracy. But it seems lazy on the author's part to emphasize it was at 7 weeks a few different times when she could have just as easily said 10 weeks and had it be scientifically accurate.
I gave it three stars because less than that feels mean and also, like I said, I did appreciate the message behind it about being present, slowing down, and prioritizing your loved ones.
I read it quickly, because of the suspense of trying to figure out how the author was going to explain and resolve the storyline. In the end, I just found it all pretty ridiculous instead of touching or moving.
So in the end, after 5 or 6 months of reliving the same day and witnessing her husband's death over a hundred times, we're supposed to believe that she just told her husband what's been happening and he said huh interesting okay well I love you and and the kids and k thanks bye and the cycle ended and she goes on to her future a better mom and friend and wiser with her time and energy. The problem is, she's the only one that's been reliving the same day. The day before, her entire family, coworkers, and friends (including the guy at the coffee shop) knew her as an absentee distracted mother, someone who put work before her family, neglecting her best friend and her pitiful husband who is begging for her attention, etc. But then on the one day that she keeps reliving, she's suddenly present and loving and attentive and solves her kids' major problems in the course of a morning, rescues her best friend from an abusive marriage, and they all go out for ice cream and ice skating and life is beautiful? The husband and children just say oh I guess Mom is a whole new person today and I don't have any resentments that need to be worked through and I can trust her instantly because yesterday and for months or years before she neglected me but now she took a minute to ask me how I'm doing and suddenly I completely trust her and can open my heart to her? Like I said, ridiculous.
Also, a key part of the story for Hattie was her miscarriage which was noted a few times to be at 7 weeks gestation. But she knew the baby was a girl? If she lost the baby at 7 weeks, she would have had to find out before then that it was a girl. Even with the latest technology, I have not heard of anyone knowing the sex of their child at 6ish weeks gestation. There is a blood test that can be done at maybe as early as 8 weeks but it takes 2 weeks for the results, so there is no way at 7 weeks she could have known that she was having a girl. This seems like a detail that would have been easy for the author to research. If it wasn't the catalyst for Hattie finally leaving her husband (when he comments: "maybe next time it will be a boy") it would have been easier to overlook this inaccuracy. But it seems lazy on the author's part to emphasize it was at 7 weeks a few different times when she could have just as easily said 10 weeks and had it be scientifically accurate.
I gave it three stars because less than that feels mean and also, like I said, I did appreciate the message behind it about being present, slowing down, and prioritizing your loved ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
The description of Cesca Major’s Maybe Next Time as One Day meets Groundhog Day is exactly right. Emma is a literary agent, wife, and mom; she is successful in her career and volunteer work but she is also so overworked, stressed out, and chronically online that she neglects to take care of herself and spend quality time with her husband Dan, their children Poppy and Miles, the family dog Gus, and her beloved sister-in-law Hattie.
On December 3rd, the anniversary of her and Dan’s first meeting, she frantically yet tiredly moves from one person and mini-crisis to the next. By the end of the day, her boss and clients are unhappy, her marriage is in shambles, and her children are upset for unknown reasons. And then tragedy strikes.
…and then it’s December 3rd once more, and she has to go through everything again. And again. And again. There are days when she tries different things to change the final major event, there are days when she lashes out at the cruelty of her circumstances, and there are even days when she doesn’t try anything at all because it feels pointless. But each day has the same devastating outcome.
Maybe Next Time is an interesting story that looks at millennial anxiety—the need for job stability, financial security, and domestic bliss in an unpredictable, chaotic world where disappointments and failures seem to be magnified with texts and social media. As an almost-forty-year-old working mom, it was easy for me to relate to Emma and her desire to respond to each message, solve every issue, take all the opportunities and meetings, and be everything for everyone… and not quite meet the mark on any of it. Her characterization and the portrayal of her and Dan’s relationship are the strongest points of the novel. Less satisfying was the storyline with Hattie—despite its important subject matter—though I think its lack of emotional punch was simply because there was a lot going on in the main plot and her struggles would have best been told from her point of view.
Overall, I think Maybe Next Time is a well-written book that makes the reader want to step back, take a breath, and rethink their approach to life. Though the ending is left open and is perhaps a bit anti-climatic, I truly don’t know how else the story could have closed. Its message is made clear: “Live fully. Live presently.”
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
On December 3rd, the anniversary of her and Dan’s first meeting, she frantically yet tiredly moves from one person and mini-crisis to the next. By the end of the day, her boss and clients are unhappy, her marriage is in shambles, and her children are upset for unknown reasons. And then tragedy strikes.
…and then it’s December 3rd once more, and she has to go through everything again. And again. And again. There are days when she tries different things to change the final major event, there are days when she lashes out at the cruelty of her circumstances, and there are even days when she doesn’t try anything at all because it feels pointless. But each day has the same devastating outcome.
Maybe Next Time is an interesting story that looks at millennial anxiety—the need for job stability, financial security, and domestic bliss in an unpredictable, chaotic world where disappointments and failures seem to be magnified with texts and social media. As an almost-forty-year-old working mom, it was easy for me to relate to Emma and her desire to respond to each message, solve every issue, take all the opportunities and meetings, and be everything for everyone… and not quite meet the mark on any of it. Her characterization and the portrayal of her and Dan’s relationship are the strongest points of the novel. Less satisfying was the storyline with Hattie—despite its important subject matter—though I think its lack of emotional punch was simply because there was a lot going on in the main plot and her struggles would have best been told from her point of view.
Overall, I think Maybe Next Time is a well-written book that makes the reader want to step back, take a breath, and rethink their approach to life. Though the ending is left open and is perhaps a bit anti-climatic, I truly don’t know how else the story could have closed. Its message is made clear: “Live fully. Live presently.”
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2024
O poveste care te prinde și te face să citești avid fiecare rând!
Cu sufletul la gură am început să citesc cartea, am descoperit o lectură fluidă, scrisă într-un stil alert, prin care autoarea a reușit să mă introducă în viața Emmei, o viață alertă și mereu pe fugă!
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Cu sufletul la gură am început să citesc cartea, am descoperit o lectură fluidă, scrisă într-un stil alert, prin care autoarea a reușit să mă introducă în viața Emmei, o viață alertă și mereu pe fugă!
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
September 24, 2024
It's a romance with a twist, Groundhog type style whereby Emma relives the 3rd December the anniversary of the day she meets her husband Dan. They write letters to each other, reflecting on the last year. Dan's letters reveal things that happened over previous years. Emma is stressed with workload spilling into family time, keeping it together for her 2 children, their various activities, and never having a moment to herself. It is very relatable, and whilst the same day is repetitive, there is enough difference and gradually reveals as to what is happening with her children's lives, her work and it allowed me reflection as to what is most important in life. Here's a clue: it's not work. I enjoyed it and loved the ending, which was not what I was expecting.
July 30, 2024
Simply wonderful! ❤️
March 17, 2023
*Finished Maybe Next Time, stares at last page, re-reads last page, puts book down, cries for 15 minutes.*
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Wow. Thank you so much to William Morrow for this copy of Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major. This book absolutely gripped me and broke me and I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
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Maybe Next Time is the story of our protagonist, Emma, and how she gets stuck in a Groundhog Day like time loop, re-living the same Monday over and over with no end in sight. I honestly cannot imagine living that way. Why is this happening? Can Emma make it stop? Can she change the outcome of the day?
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With Emma's story comes her husband Dan's story. Maybe Next Time isn't a romance, but the romance between Dan and Emma is a central theme to the novel, flashing back on their years together via letters written from Dan to Emma (and they are lovely letters).
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This book is beautifully written. It is extremely emotional, but the author does a nice job adding in bits of humor and uplifting moments to keep you from soaking each page with your tears. What I love the most about the read is how it is so intensely introspective and thought-provoking. This book reminds the reader to live in the moment, to value family and friends over life's distractions that take you away from what really matters, and to live in the moment.
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I truly do not know what to make of the end. I have a strong desire to message Cesca Major and ask her what the heck happened! Ha!
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This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. I absolutely think many readers will enjoy this story. I recommend to those that:
- enjoy the Groundhog Day trope
- enjoy introspective and emotional reads
- like a little mix of magical realism
- want to cry and cry and then cry some more!
.
Wow. Thank you so much to William Morrow for this copy of Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major. This book absolutely gripped me and broke me and I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
.
Maybe Next Time is the story of our protagonist, Emma, and how she gets stuck in a Groundhog Day like time loop, re-living the same Monday over and over with no end in sight. I honestly cannot imagine living that way. Why is this happening? Can Emma make it stop? Can she change the outcome of the day?
.
With Emma's story comes her husband Dan's story. Maybe Next Time isn't a romance, but the romance between Dan and Emma is a central theme to the novel, flashing back on their years together via letters written from Dan to Emma (and they are lovely letters).
.
This book is beautifully written. It is extremely emotional, but the author does a nice job adding in bits of humor and uplifting moments to keep you from soaking each page with your tears. What I love the most about the read is how it is so intensely introspective and thought-provoking. This book reminds the reader to live in the moment, to value family and friends over life's distractions that take you away from what really matters, and to live in the moment.
.
I truly do not know what to make of the end. I have a strong desire to message Cesca Major and ask her what the heck happened! Ha!
.
This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. I absolutely think many readers will enjoy this story. I recommend to those that:
- enjoy the Groundhog Day trope
- enjoy introspective and emotional reads
- like a little mix of magical realism
- want to cry and cry and then cry some more!
April 12, 2023
Who says the greatest love stories have to be spectacular! Sometimes they are very ordinary, filled with the daily routines of busy lives. They can feature arguments, frustrations and resentments.
In Maybe Next Time we meet Emma and Dan and we learn their love story from both sides through a series of letters given every year on their dateversary. Emma is juggling motherhood, a career, friends and her inability to say no, meaning Dan is often a last thought. Until the night he isn’t…..
While I didn’t warm to Emma at the beginning I did understand her. Seeing her through Dan’s eyes in his letters though I knew she was more than the harried working mum she was being presented as. Dan was the opposite, he was instantly charming and funny and sweet but then his flaws became apparent and it made Emma’s personality make even more sense.
You would think reliving the same day over again would make this book repetitive but with Emma trying to change the day, that doesn’t happen once. It almost becomes a race against time and while I was desperate to know the outcome I really wasn’t prepared for it.
I’m an emotional sap at the best of times but how are you supposed to read when you can’t see through the tears? This is an emotional and deeply moving book and the quiet beauty of the last letter is one that will stay with me.
So if you enjoy films like About Time and don’t mind your heart being smooshed repeatedly then I highly recommend reading this.
Even the greatest love stories end…. I just didn’t want this book to.
In Maybe Next Time we meet Emma and Dan and we learn their love story from both sides through a series of letters given every year on their dateversary. Emma is juggling motherhood, a career, friends and her inability to say no, meaning Dan is often a last thought. Until the night he isn’t…..
While I didn’t warm to Emma at the beginning I did understand her. Seeing her through Dan’s eyes in his letters though I knew she was more than the harried working mum she was being presented as. Dan was the opposite, he was instantly charming and funny and sweet but then his flaws became apparent and it made Emma’s personality make even more sense.
You would think reliving the same day over again would make this book repetitive but with Emma trying to change the day, that doesn’t happen once. It almost becomes a race against time and while I was desperate to know the outcome I really wasn’t prepared for it.
I’m an emotional sap at the best of times but how are you supposed to read when you can’t see through the tears? This is an emotional and deeply moving book and the quiet beauty of the last letter is one that will stay with me.
So if you enjoy films like About Time and don’t mind your heart being smooshed repeatedly then I highly recommend reading this.
Even the greatest love stories end…. I just didn’t want this book to.
March 27, 2023
A beautiful yet heartbreaking book with relatable characters and a storyline that is captivating. Once I started this book ot was hard to put down. The Groundhog Day theme was excellently done and even with all the repetition it was not boring at all. As the day is repeated the reader is pulled deeper into Emma's world and the emotions brought on by the events at the end of the day become stronger.
I loved the message that this book conveys in remembering to enjoy the little things in life and to not get overwhelmed by the things that take you farther away from the people and things that truly matter in your life. Live each day like your or your loved one's last day.
Cesca Major's writing is superb. She pulls you into Emma's world with her words and makes you feel all of the emotions that are brought on by the events in her day. The ending is open to interpretation and seemed to be the perfect way to end the book.
This would make a fabulous book club pick!
I highly recommend this truly moving book. I am grateful to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this simply wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the message that this book conveys in remembering to enjoy the little things in life and to not get overwhelmed by the things that take you farther away from the people and things that truly matter in your life. Live each day like your or your loved one's last day.
Cesca Major's writing is superb. She pulls you into Emma's world with her words and makes you feel all of the emotions that are brought on by the events in her day. The ending is open to interpretation and seemed to be the perfect way to end the book.
This would make a fabulous book club pick!
I highly recommend this truly moving book. I am grateful to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this simply wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2024
4.5 stars
I love books that play with time, like time travel, multiple realities or like this one, reliving time. For those of you old enough to remember that movie with Bill Murray called Groundhog Day, this story was reminiscent of that. In this plot, the MC relives the same day of her life only to witness the death of her husband each night at 10:17 PM.
I adored the character growth and clever writing that brought out so many different emotions in me. I laughed, cried, puzzled...It would've been a solid 5 stars for me except that the first few chapters were difficult to get into. Although looking back, I can now see that it was most likely written that way on purpose, I wish there had been opportunity to connect with the MC right from the start.
However, this storyline was super fun, and the plot became increasingly engaging as it went along to the point at which I couldn't stop reading. Recommend!!
I love books that play with time, like time travel, multiple realities or like this one, reliving time. For those of you old enough to remember that movie with Bill Murray called Groundhog Day, this story was reminiscent of that. In this plot, the MC relives the same day of her life only to witness the death of her husband each night at 10:17 PM.
I adored the character growth and clever writing that brought out so many different emotions in me. I laughed, cried, puzzled...It would've been a solid 5 stars for me except that the first few chapters were difficult to get into. Although looking back, I can now see that it was most likely written that way on purpose, I wish there had been opportunity to connect with the MC right from the start.
However, this storyline was super fun, and the plot became increasingly engaging as it went along to the point at which I couldn't stop reading. Recommend!!
July 14, 2024
Chiar a fost ok, dar au existat multe lucruri care, pentru mine, nu s-au legat. Acțiunea mi s-a părut destul de trasă de păr, în sensul că s-ar fi putut renunța la niște detalii complet irelevante, repetate la nesfârșit. Iar finalul, ei bine, nu prea îl pot numi final. Am simțit că autoarea chiar nu a găsit un răspuns satisfăcător, așa că a lăsat-o așa:)
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