“A Lot Like Adios” by Alexis Daria Plot summary
Alexis Daria’s contemporary romance novel “A Lot Like Adios” tells the narrative of Michelle Amato and Gabriel Aguilar, two childhood friends who are reunited after several years apart.
Michelle is a successful freelance graphic designer in New York City, while Gabriel is a widower and single father who manages his family’s bakery in Rosala, California. As Gabriel’s bakery runs into financial difficulties, Michelle is hired to overhaul its branding and salvage the company.
Michelle and Gabriel begin to reconcile and explore their romantic feelings for one other as they spend more time in Rosala. Yet, they are both coping with personal concerns that may endanger their newly formed friendship.
Michelle is dealing with a terrible family situation with her estranged father, who abandoned her and her mother as children. Meanwhile, Gabriel is still mourning the loss of his wife and attempting to manage his roles as a father and business owner.
Despite these challenges, Michelle and Gabriel decide to pursue their love. They labor together to salvage the bakery, support one another through personal difficulties, and eventually make a life together in Rosala.
The story delves into subjects such as love, family, identity, and cultural heritage, emphasizing the significance of following one’s aspirations and finding happiness in unexpected places.
Themes in Alexis Daria’s “A Much Like Adios”
Throughout the novel “A Much Like Adios,” Alexis Daria covers numerous subjects. Some of the major themes are as follows:
Second chances: Michelle and Gabriel are both granted a second chance to pursue their romantic affection for each other and start a new life together. The work emphasizes the idea that it is never too late to take chances and follow one’s aspirations.
Family: The story delves into the complexities of family relationships, such as those between parents and children, siblings, and extended family. Michelle and Gabriel both had difficult familial problems to deal with throughout the story.
Cultural identity: The story digs into first-generation American experiences and the difficulties of bridging two cultures. Michelle and Gabriel are both struggling with their Latino identities in the United States.
Grief and loss: Gabriel is still mourning the death of his wife, and the narrative shows how he copes with his loss and eventually moves on. Michelle also harbors unresolved sentiments against her estranged father, which she must confront throughout the novel.
Pursuing your dreams: Michelle and Gabriel are both passionate about their jobs and must make difficult decisions about their futures. The novel emphasizes the significance of following one’s aspirations and choosing a vocation that provides contentment and happiness.
The Characters in Alexis Daria’s “A Much Like Adios”
Alexis Daria’s “A Lot Like Adios” has a broad group of individuals who play crucial parts in the plot. The following are some of the main characters:
Michelle Amato: Michelle, the novel’s protagonist, is a successful freelance graphic designer residing in New York City. She is a first-generation American with a tangled family history, and she is hired to assist Gabriel in saving his family’s bakery in Rosala.
Gabriel Aguilar: Gabriel, the novel’s male protagonist, is a widower and single father who operates his family’s bakery in Rosala. He’s also an accomplished guitarist and songwriter. Gabriel is a gentle, caring individual who is still mourning the loss of his wife.
Marisol Aguilar: Gabriel’s little daughter, Marisol, is a bright and endearing young lady who enjoys music and spending time with her father. She is a significant figure in Gabriel’s life and throughout the story.
Carmen Aguilar: Gabriel’s mother, Carmen, is a strong woman who is committed to her family and the bakery. She is a powerful character in the narrative who is trying to preserve the bakery from bankruptcy.
Ramon Aguilar: Gabriel’s older brother, Ramon, is a former Navy SEAL who is adjusting to civilian life. He has a delicate relationship with Gabriel and is coping with personal issues of his own.
Michelle’s divorced father, Santiago, abandoned Michelle and her mother when she was a child. He is a prosperous businessman who wishes to rekindle his relationship with Michelle.
Elena Amato: Michelle’s mother is a dedicated nurse who raised Michelle on her own after Santiago abandoned her. She admires Michelle’s achievements but is skeptical of Santiago’s attempts to reconnect with her daughter.
These individuals engage with each other in various ways throughout the narrative, forging connections and dealing with their own personal issues.