Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I’m not sure how much of this story is accurate as far as the history of video game design goes, but it is elaborate and appears well-researched. Since childhood, Sadie and Sam have a rocky relationship based on holding back their innermost feelings rather than risk sharing the depth of their friendship and love for each other. In college, Sadie studies game design, starts dating her married professor/hotshot video game designer, and finds she has a knack for interesting and unique ideas that appeal to a certain demographic. Sam is also in school but when he decides to help Sadie write a game and design it, they immerse themselves in the work. Their producer/patron is Sam’s roommate. They really luck out with his generosity, patience, and ability to closely read Sam ans Sadie’s needs. Without him, their future successful video game business would never have happened. This novel is told as if it is a historical description of Sam and Sadie’s career through their modern day tragedies and rifts.

Well done. 3.5 stars as the tumultuous relationships were tedious at times. However Zevin’s storytelling was expansive and writing kept you reading.