Breaking the Routine

Table of Contents

Breaking the Routine

The novel “Breaking the Routine” by Jilguera is a romance story published on GoodNovel. The narrative centers around Samantha Peters, a 23-year-old woman who has always adhered to societal expectations and lived a life of predictability. Working at her father’s accounting firm, Samantha’s life takes a turn when she decides to break free from her monotonous routine. The central conflict arises from her struggle to balance her ingrained sense of duty and propriety with her desire for excitement and self-discovery. This internal battle is further complicated by her interactions with Tabby, her adventurous best friend, and Mr. Peters, her demanding father who expects nothing less than perfection from her.

As the story unfolds, Samantha’s journey of self-discovery leads her to New York, where she encounters new experiences and challenges that test her resolve. Key events include her accidental mishap at a business dinner, which strains her relationship with her father, and her subsequent decision to embrace a more daring lifestyle. This shift is marked by her attempts to emulate the confident, assertive women she has always envied. Throughout the novel, Samantha’s evolution is depicted through her growing confidence and willingness to take risks, ultimately leading to a transformative realization about her true desires and the life she wants to lead. The novel explores themes of self-identity, familial expectations, and the courage to break free from societal norms.

Main Characters

Samantha Peters: is the protagonist of “Breaking the Routine.” At 23, she epitomizes the “good girl” archetype, always adhering to societal expectations and her father’s stringent demands. Her primary motivation is to break free from her monotonous life and discover her true self.
Mr. Peters: Samantha’s father, serves as the antagonist. He is a demanding and controlling figure who expects perfection from Samantha, both in her personal and professional life.
Tabby: Samantha’s best friend, is a key supporting character. She is adventurous and free-spirited, serving as a foil to Samantha’s initially cautious nature. Tabby’s motivations are to live life to the fullest and encourage Samantha to do the same. Her relationship with Samantha is one of genuine friendship and support, providing the protagonist with the courage to step out of her comfort zone.

Plot

The main conflict revolves around Samantha’s struggle to break free from her monotonous life and discover her true self, despite her father’s high expectations. The story begins with Samantha working at her father’s accounting firm. Dissatisfied with her life, she decides to travel to New York with Tabby, marking the start of her journey towards self-discovery. Key events include a mishap at a business dinner and Samantha’s decision to embrace a more daring lifestyle. The climax occurs when Samantha confronts her father, leading to a resolution where she gains a deeper understanding of herself and her aspirations.

Setting

The story is set in contemporary times, primarily in a small town and later in New York City. The small-town setting symbolizes the constraints and expectations that Samantha feels trapped by, while New York City represents freedom and the possibility of change. The city’s vibrant environment plays a crucial role in Samantha’s transformation.

Themes

“Breaking the Routine” explores themes of self-identity, familial expectations, and the courage to break free from societal norms. The novel highlights the importance of understanding one’s true desires and pursuing personal happiness. It also underscores the impact of familial expectations on personal growth and the significance of friendship in supporting one’s journey.

Author’s Narrative Style

Jilguera’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, with a focus on character development and emotional depth. The author employs a conversational tone, making the narrative accessible and relatable. Vivid imagery and detailed descriptions bring the settings and characters to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Samantha’s journey.

Author’s Point of View

The story is told from a third-person limited point of view, primarily focusing on Samantha’s perspective. This narrative choice allows readers to gain insight into Samantha’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations, making her evolution more impactful and relatable.

Personal Reflection

“Breaking the Routine” is a compelling novel that resonates with readers on multiple levels. The story’s exploration of self-identity and the courage to break free from societal norms is particularly relevant in today’s world. Samantha’s journey serves as an inspiration for those seeking to discover their true selves and pursue their dreams, despite external pressures.