In the Likely Event

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which features in the source text.

Izzy begins the novel as a young woman with a fear of flying, and surviving a plane crash only increases her fear. For a long time, Izzy refuses to fly, only returning to the air after she learns effective coping mechanisms such as listening to music to distract herself. When Izzy goes to Afghanistan during the troop withdrawal, she flies in helicopters, which create an experience that can be even more intense for a person who has a fear of flying. Again, she uses music to cope, and this allows her to make a connection with Nate because she must use his earbuds.

In this novel, planes, helicopters, and flying in general all become symbolic of fear and trauma. At the same time, flying becomes a symbol of something that Izzy must overcome in order to achieve her most pressing goal of saving her sister from the political turmoil in Afghanistan. In fact, flying is the only means by which Izzy can locate her sister. Finally, flying becomes a conduit to her connection with Nate. While flying, Nate shares his music with Izzy and chooses songs that conjure good memories of their past romantic relationship.