In the modern age, people are more connected than ever but are also lonelier and more isolated than ever. Thanks to technology, people are able to engage in communities with people across the world, but don't have the same level of human connection as they once had. That dichotomy is explored in author Alice Oseman's Solitaire. Tori seemingly has it all and is more connected than any human in history thanks to human history, but she is disconnected from the world. She is adrift, unable to find a place where she truly belongs and unsure of her identity. Many teenagers have dealt with similar issues, but those issues were exacerbated for Tori and others because of technology.
Similarly, Tori explores her sexuality throughout the novel. Tori considers that she may be a lesbian, but never truly explores her sexuality. Over time, though, she explores her sexuality and determines that she is, in fact, a lesbian. Tori's story is similar to the stories of many LGBTQIA+ kids. They initially don't accept their identity but eventually do and come out to their friends and family. Many teenagers spend their time in high school and college figuring out who they truly are—their sexual identity, who their friends truly are, how they want to be, etc. Unlike Tori, few are able to ever accept their identity. But that acceptance is one of the most important steps a person needs to take in order to lead a happy and healthy and successful life with joy.
Solitaire explores themes of self-acceptance, the LGBTQIA+ community, the connection between bullying and mental health, the harmful effects of bullying, isolation, suicide, friendship, and romance. It also explores themes of technology and its addictive nature, mental illness, and navigating the perils and negativity of high school.
The novel follows Tori Spring, a 17-year-old student who feels rudderless and disconnected from the world. She once had a close-knit group of friends and was performing well in school, but now she's uncertain about her future. Tori becomes increasingly isolated and vows to avoid getting involved with anyone or anything. She just wants to get through school as quickly as possible and wonders what she'll do after graduation.
Then she meets Michael Holden, a reclusive boy who is even more of an outsider than she is. Michael is a skilled programmer who spends most of his time playing video games and talking with friends online. Despite their differences, Tori and Michael form a friendship based on their shared feelings of loneliness and isolation. Tori starts participating in something called "Solitaire," even though she doesn't particularly enjoy it, just to spend more time with Michael.
As their friendship deepens, they uncover secrets about each other's past and start to realize they have more in common than they first thought. They also develop romantic feelings for each other but are unsure how to handle them. Tori is torn between her desire for a relationship and her original vow to avoid getting involved. However, she knows that humans crave connection and friendship.
Ultimately, Tori and Michael are faced with challenges in their relationship and must make decisions that will shape their futures. They must decide where to attend college and if they should continue their relationship. Through their journey, they learn to accept themselves and each other, and find the courage to follow their hearts. Despite the obstacles, their relationship thrives.
