How Does 'The Soulmate' Explore Destiny Vs. Choice?

The way 'The Soulmate' handles destiny versus choice is brilliant because it shows both sides without favoring one. The characters keep running into these "meant to be" moments that seem magical, like when the leads keep bumping into each other in different countries over years. But here’s the twist—the book makes it clear that destiny only sets the stage. The real magic comes from their choices. One character could’ve walked away after the first meeting, but they chose to stay. Another ignores red flags because "fate" brought them together, and that decision nearly destroys them. The book’s strength is making destiny feel real but showing choice as the force that shapes everything. If you like stories that balance cosmic connections with human agency, try 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue'—it nails a similar theme but with immortality thrown in.

'The Soulmate' dives deep into the tension between destiny and free will by making both forces tangible in the characters’ lives. The protagonist starts as a firm believer in soulmates—until she meets hers, and he’s nothing like she imagined. Their connection is instant and electric, but their relationship is a mess because they refuse to adapt. The novel cleverly uses external symbols (like a recurring black cat that appears at pivotal moments) to suggest fate’s hand, while the characters’ flaws and growth highlight their autonomy.

What sets this apart from other soulmate stories is the secondary plotline with the protagonist’s best friend, who outright rejects the idea of destiny. Her journey—building a loving marriage through sheer effort—acts as a foil to the main couple’s chaos. The book doesn’t settle the debate; instead, it argues that destiny might bring people together, but choice determines whether they stay. For readers who enjoy philosophical depth wrapped in romance, 'The Midnight Library' offers a similar exploration of alternate lives based on decisions.

The ending is particularly striking. After years of turmoil, the protagonist’s soulmate asks, 'Would you choose me again, knowing everything?' Her answer—a hesitant 'yes'—perfectly captures the novel’s thesis: destiny creates possibilities, but choice gives them meaning.

I adore how 'The Soulmate' plays with destiny versus choice by making destiny feel like a pushy friend rather than an absolute force. The characters are undeniably drawn to each other—they share dreams, finish each other’s sentences, even get matching scars after separate accidents. But the book constantly reminds you that these cosmic signs don’t guarantee happiness. One scene that stuck with me involves a tarot reader warning the female lead, 'The cards show him, but they don’t show joy.'

What makes this exploration fresh is the role of time. Early on, destiny seems to dominate; coincidences pile up so high they can’t be ignored. But as the characters age, choice takes center stage. He chooses to lie. She chooses to forgive. Those decisions, not fate, define their relationship’s trajectory. The novel suggests destiny might exist, but it’s as fragile as a spiderweb—beautiful until someone decides to walk through it. If you’re into this theme, 'Maybe in Another Life' by Taylor Jenkins Reid offers a parallel-universe take on how small choices change everything.