Short Summary:
Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino is a poignant, emotional romance about two former lovers who reconnect after years apart, exploring themes of love, loss, and second chances.
Book Title: Before We Were Strangers
Author: Renée Carlino
ISBN: 978-1501105777
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, New Adult
Published Year: 2015
Detailed Summary of Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
Renée Carlino’s Before We Were Strangers follows the intertwined lives of Matt and Grace, two former lovers who reconnect after 15 years apart. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, this story is a touching exploration of young love, missed opportunities, and the possibility of rekindling love after time has passed.
1. Setting and Introduction to the Characters
The novel opens with Matt, a successful photographer working for National Geographic, reflecting on a woman he once loved, Grace. As he spots her in a subway one day, memories flood back, and he’s thrust into a wave of nostalgia. Carlino effectively uses New York City as a vivid, atmospheric setting that serves as both a memory-laden landscape and a symbol of missed connections.
“I loved her. I lost her. Fifteen years later, I wrote her a letter.”
Main Characters:
Matt Shore:
A photographer with a wandering spirit, Matt feels unfulfilled despite his career success. His brief encounter with Grace on the subway stirs up deep-seated emotions and regret over the love they once shared.Grace Starr:
Grace is a talented musician with an artistic soul and a captivating presence. When she meets Matt during college, her free-spirited, passionate nature draws him in. However, her ambitions and personal challenges complicate their relationship.
2. Plot Overview and Key Events
Flashback to the 1990s – The College Years
The story alternates between the present and past, revealing how Matt and Grace met during their college years. They were neighbors in the NYU dorms, quickly forming a bond that turned into an intense and all-consuming romance. Their shared interests in art, music, and photography drew them close, creating a deep emotional connection.
Falling in Love
Their love blossomed as they explored the city together, captured each other’s dreams, and shared their ambitions. Carlino describes their relationship in a way that makes their bond feel deeply intimate and relatable. The readers see Matt and Grace at their most vulnerable, as two young adults discovering who they are and what they mean to each other.
“You don’t fall in love with someone’s stories. You fall in love with the way they tell them.”
Miscommunication and Separation
Despite their love, life and misunderstandings pull them apart. Matt’s opportunity to travel for his work with National Geographic leads to missed communications, and Grace’s reluctance to ask him to stay causes their relationship to falter. When Matt accepts a job that takes him away, Grace feels abandoned. A single, missed letter containing an apology and an explanation becomes the catalyst for years of silence, misunderstanding, and heartbreak.
Fifteen Years Later – The Present Day
The present-day narrative picks up with Matt, who is now older, more experienced, and living a life that feels unfulfilled. Spotting Grace on the subway stirs something deep within him, leading him to post a Craigslist “Missed Connection” ad in hopes of reconnecting with her. This act of vulnerability and hope speaks to the lingering effect she had on his life.
3. Themes and Literary Devices
Love and Timing
The novel underscores the idea that love and timing must align for a relationship to flourish. Matt and Grace’s love was strong but fragile, ultimately succumbing to the pressures of youthful indecision and life’s unexpected challenges. Their story is both a celebration and a cautionary tale about the importance of timing in relationships.
The Role of Memory and Nostalgia
Memory plays a significant role in Before We Were Strangers. The novel shows how nostalgia can be both a source of comfort and a painful reminder of what was lost. Matt’s recollections of his time with Grace reveal the indelible mark she left on him, and how even years later, her memory lingers. The shifts between past and present highlight the way memory can shape and affect the present.
Regret and Forgiveness
As Matt reflects on their past, he realizes the mistakes he made and the pain he caused by not communicating effectively. The book deals with the idea of regret but also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness—both forgiving oneself and others. The emotional growth both characters undergo demonstrates that true love requires forgiveness, understanding, and acceptance.
Art as a Connector
For Matt and Grace, art—his photography and her music—was a shared language that connected them. Even in their separation, they continued to create, driven by the memory of one another. This shared passion reflects how art can bridge divides, express unspoken emotions, and preserve connections across time and distance.
4. Key Plot Points in the Reunion
The Craigslist Ad
Matt’s impulsive decision to reach out to Grace via Craigslist serves as a powerful moment in the novel, illustrating both his desperation and the lasting impact she has had on him. His message is filled with raw emotion and honesty, which resonates with Grace when she stumbles upon it.
“Maybe in another life, we’d have ended up together. But in this one, we made mistakes, and I can’t stop thinking about you.”
Grace’s Response and Their Reunion
Grace, upon reading the ad, reaches out to Matt, leading to an emotionally charged reunion. The two begin to unpack the years of silence and misunderstandings. Old wounds resurface, and they confront the pain, loss, and regret that kept them apart. However, the connection between them feels just as intense, hinting at the possibility of a renewed romance.
Healing and Moving Forward
As they spend more time together, Matt and Grace attempt to reconcile their past with their present selves. Both have changed, carrying scars from their shared and separate experiences. Despite these challenges, they find comfort in each other, learning that love, though complicated, has the power to heal.
5. The Conclusion: Finding Peace and Closure
In the end, Matt and Grace must decide if their love can withstand the passage of time and the changes they have undergone. Carlino leaves readers with a sense of hope and closure, showing that while their journey was filled with pain and separation, it ultimately led them back to each other.
Conclusion
Before We Were Strangers is a beautifully crafted tale of first love, lost opportunities, and the chance for a second beginning. Renée Carlino’s evocative writing, along with the layered emotions of her characters, creates a story that resonates deeply with readers. Through Matt and Grace’s journey, the novel explores the complexities of love, the impact of timing, and the enduring power of memories. It’s a testament to how true love, though sometimes lost, can leave an indelible mark, influencing lives in profound ways.