‘Carrie Soto Is Back’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid: It is okay to lose some

According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), tennis likely originated in 12th-century France as ‘jeu de paume,’ evolving from handball played by monks. Some theories even trace its name to ancient Egypt. Over time, the sport transformed, with its modern form emerging in Britain and peaking in global tournaments like Wimbledon in 1877. In Carrie Soto Is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid takes us beyond tennis's history, rules, and glamour, exploring the drama and humanity at the heart of the game.

As the title suggests, Carrie Soto Is Back follows its heroine, first introduced in Malibu Rising by the same author. In that book, Carrie Soto briefly appears as the woman for whom Nina’s husband, Brandon, leaves her, only to later return to Nina. However, in this novel, Carrie steps fully into the spotlight.

At 37, Carrie is still as ambitious, perfectionistic, and fiercely competitive as she was in her younger years. She dedicates her life to tennis under the guidance of her father, who is also her coach. Journalists and commentators often describe her as ruthless and rude, reflecting the double standards women face in media coverage compared to male athletes with similar traits. This portrayal highlights the harsh reality successful women face in the public eye.

Carrie’s life revolves around her relentless drive for perfection—a double-edged sword. While her focus fuels her success, it also weighs heavily on her when things do not go as planned. This affects not only her life in the game but also her personal life gets the hit.

“The downside of perfectionism is that you are so used to getting it right, you completely collapse when you get it wrong.”

Reid masterfully examines how external pressures to compete and compare can rob individuals of their joy. Through Carrie’s father, Javier, the novel offers a healthier alternative: striving for self-improvement. The author suggests that becoming a better person than you were yesterday is proof of not letting the outside world determine how you lead your life.

“We do not cry when we lose, but we do not gloat when we win. Every time you get out on that court, you must play a better tennis game than you played the time before. I want you to beat yourself. Every day, you must beat the day before.”

As an athlete, Carrie must also contend with the realities of ageing, a sobering truth in sports where the window of opportunity narrows quickly. Despite winning nearly every title in her career, Carrie is shaken when her record as the greatest tennis player is broken by a younger rival, Nicki Chan.

“My temple begins to pound as I envision it all unfolding. And I’m stuck up in these seats. I have to sit here and watch Nicki take away everything I worked for.”

Determined to reclaim her legacy, Carrie comes out of retirement for one final attempt to set the record straight. But this comeback is faced with challenges. Ageing forces her to adapt her game to a body that no longer performs as it once did, and she must rely on a partner as committed as she is: Bowe Huntley. Their shared history is complicated, and their partnership reveals vulnerabilities and growth as they each strive for redemption.

While tennis directs the story, Carrie Soto Is Back is about so much more. It’s a tale of resilience, love, and living on your terms. Reid poignantly captures the struggles of highly empowered women, showing how Carrie grapples with trusting others after being let down one too many times.

“I let myself believe for a moment that maybe he means it. Maybe this time, maybe this man means it.”

A standout theme is Carrie and Javier's positive father-daughter relationship. Having raised and coached her throughout her life, Javier is not just a father but a friend and confidant. Amid the brutal spotlight of fame, especially harsh for women, Javier is a steady source of strength and wisdom for her daughter.

“People are going to call you a lot of things in your life. Do not let what anyone says about you determine how you feel about yourself.”

Once again, like in her other novels, such as Malibu Rising, Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones, and The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid crafts a heroine readers will root for from start to finish. Her writing is fast-paced and emotionally resonant, making it hard to put the book down.

Whether you’re a fan of tennis or love stories of redemption and self-discovery, Carrie Soto Is Back will inspire and challenge you in equal measure. It will leave you with a reminder that life is more than winning. Goals change, and so should you. 

Jane Shussa is passionate about books, coffee, nature, and travel. She serves as a Senior Digital Communications Officer for Twaweza East Africa.