Sometimes, the worst day of your life happens, and you have to figure out how to live after it.
So Clementine forms a plan to keep her heart safe: work hard, find someone decent to love, and try to remember to chase the moon. The last one is silly and obviously metaphorical, but her aunt always told her that you needed at least one big dream to keep going. And for the last year, that plan has gone off without a hitch. Mostly. The love part is hard because she doesn’t want to get too close to anyone—she isn’t sure her heart can take it.
And then she finds a strange man standing in the kitchen of her late aunt’s apartment. A man with kind eyes and a Southern drawl and a taste for lemon pies. The kind of man that, before it all, she would’ve fallen head-over-heels for. And she might again.
Except, he exists in the past. Seven years ago, to be exact. And she, quite literally, lives seven years in his future.
Her aunt always said the apartment was a pinch in time, a place where moments blended together like watercolors. And Clementine knows that if she lets her heart fall, she’ll be doomed.
After all, love is never a matter of time—but a matter of timing.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston is a love story that stands the test of time in more ways than one and will inspire you to chase the moon.
My Reading Experience:
What I loved most about this story is how much there is to talk about after you read it. It could be a book club choice or just an informal group of friends. I know I had some thoughts I’d love to explore with others.
I also appreciated the poignant moments. That’s where this story stands out among stories that utilize the time slip technique. As I processed Clementine’s grief with her, I felt the emotional ramifications as the complete picture emerged. I loved that this very emotional plotline is balanced by the lighter plotline of magical realism and how the apartment would choose to be in the current time or seven years in the past or future. Without it, this would be a difficult read, but with it, the reader gets to experience lighter moments and hope for the future.
The writing flows so beautifully, and the world-building feels so authentic. While reading the story, I never once doubted that this apartment slips in time as directed by who knows what (this is one of those aspects that would make a good discussion). I loved the dialogue, which is witty and natural, the relationships that I could easily root for, and the love that is felt through the pages.
Characters:
The characters are all incredibly well-developed, with layers and layers of defining moments to explore and relate to. Clementine is terribly driven, as are her parents. Her aunt makes her breakaway from that part of herself each year as they travel wherever the wind directs. Clementine loves her free-spirit aunt, and I couldn’t help but be drawn to her too.
Iwan is determined to make his grandfather proud by becoming a chef of note. Even after his grandfather’s death, that desire to please his grandfather drives him. Somewhere along the way, both Iwan and Clementine lose themselves, and that spark reflects their true selves.
Narration & Pacing:
The narration is third-person focused and is told from Clementine’s point of view. She directs the story in a way that is very true to her feelings and being. And that narration helps keep the pace quick enough to maintain a consistent medium pace throughout the story.
Setting:
The setting is in NYC, and it’s almost a love letter to certain aspects of the city – like the old buildings, foodie mecca, and the publishing world. The city is part of the story and is utilized perfectly to make it feel intentional.
Read if you’re in the mood for:
- A reflectively hopeful story that will take you through the whole gamut of emotions
- A medium-paced love story
- A story with strong character development
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Originality | 8 |
| Writing Quality | 10 |
| Pace | 6 |
| Character Development | 8 |
| ‘Couldn’t Put It Down’-ness | 6 |
| Setting | 10 |
18 responses to “The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston #BookReview #LoveStory #MagicalRealism”
I love timeslip books and this sounds fab. Is it very emotional?
It has poignant moments that brought tears to my eyes, but overall it’s an upbeat story.
You sound mystical in your reflections, making me rethink my decision to pass on this story. Lovely review, Tessa💜
It was a very good story. I think you would have liked it had you decided on it.
Showed up at my library and I grabbed it!
I love that this one is so multi-faceted. Great review!
Me too! I love when the author goes deeper than you find in a typical story.
I just started this one as an audiobook. Great review!
Enjoy!
Glad you enjoyed this, I want to read it too!
I think you’d like it.
I like this concept. Anything having to do with time travel/time slips fascinates me. I was thinking I’d read another book by this author, but it was only a short story in an anthology. Glad you enjoyed it, Tessa!
Me too! That’s why I took it. It was a very nice story.
I keep debating this one. I really love the author, but I have a feeling I’ll be an emotional wreck when reading this. lol
It’s not too bad. It just had one moment in particular that brought tears to my eyes. But it’s overall very upbeat.
Another great sounding read, sounds a bit different too, great review 😊
time slip can be hit or miss for me but as I have enjoyed the other book by the author, I’m sure I’ll enjoy this. great review!
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