This was the last book in my 2024 childhood reread project. It hits differently as an adult. Some things affected me more and some things annoyed me way more this time around. The main characters are so pretentious - there's so much name-dropping! I was also getting overwhelmed with the descriptions of Chicago. I just spent a couple months there and I like Chicago, but it felt like too much. I also thought the explanation about the genetic disorder was one of the weaker points of the book - I probably would have enjoyed it more.

The story itself really isn't a love story - it's sort of tragic. The characters talk about this, but there's
a lot of disturbing things about fate and free will and destiny. Henry met Clare as a child and lives as if marrying him is inevitable and basically designs her whole life to meet him. She's literally obsessed with their future together and can't imagine her life any other way. And then she meets 28-year-old Henry who has no idea who she is, but tells him that they're going to get married, and so he lives as if it's inevitable. And then because she has such an impact in his life, he keeps getting drawn to her childhood (basically against his will).

I also hated the ending! Clare just sits around waiting for Henry for like 40 years. Making sure she's always ready “just in case.” What a sad way to live!