A Bittersweet Dance Through Time and Taste
You know that feeling when you bite into the perfect lemon pie? That sharp, citrusy zing that makes your teeth curl, followed by the sweet, creamy comfort that settles on your tongue? That’s exactly what reading Ashley Poston’s “The Seven Year Slip” feels like. It’s a delicious concoction of tart grief and sugary romance, with a generous sprinkle of time-bending magic that’ll leave you craving just one more slice.
The Recipe for a Perfect Read
Poston, known for her YA sci-fi romances and her adult debut “The Dead Romantics,” takes a leap into the world of magical realism with this story. And boy, does she stick the landing! The Seven Year Slip follows Clementine West, a 29-year-old book publicist who’s been sleepwalking through life since her beloved aunt’s suicide. When she inherits her aunt’s apartment, she discovers it has a peculiar quirk—it can slip seven years into the past or future.
Ingredients:
- One part grief, raw and messy
- Two parts romance, slow-burning and sweet
- A dash of time travel, just enough to make things interesting
- A sprinkle of foodie delights, guaranteed to make your mouth water
- A generous portion of character growth, served piping hot
A Taste of the Plot
Clementine’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Iwan, a charming aspiring chef from seven years in the past. As they fall for each other across time, Clementine must navigate her grief, her career aspirations, and the tricky business of loving someone she can’t keep. Meanwhile, in the present, she encounters James Ashton, a successful but jaded chef who seems oddly familiar…
The Secret Ingredient: Time-Hopping Romance
The romance in this book? It’s not your typical boy-meets-girl story. It’s more like boy-meets-girl-but-they’re-seven-years-apart-and-also-maybe-the-same-person? Yeah, it’s complicated. But in the best way possible. Poston weaves a love story that’s as intricate as a perfectly executed soufflé, with layers of emotion and character development that’ll have you rooting for Clementine and Iwan/James from start to finish.
A Culinary Journey of Self-Discovery
Food plays a huge role in this novel, and not just as a backdrop. Poston uses culinary metaphors and experiences to explore themes of identity, growth, and the passage of time. From Iwan’s passionate defense of the “perfect meal” to James’s journey from idealistic dishwasher to jaded celebrity chef, food becomes a vehicle for character development and emotional resonance.
Savoring the Details
Poston’s writing is like a well-crafted tasting menu. Each chapter offers a new flavor, a different texture, keeping you engaged and eager for the next course. Her descriptions of food are so vivid, you might find yourself reaching for a snack (or three) while reading. Fair warning: this book will make you hungry!
The Bittersweet Aftertaste of Grief
While the romance is delightful, it’s Poston’s handling of grief that really sets this book apart. Clementine’s journey through the aftermath of her aunt’s suicide is raw, messy, and achingly real. The author doesn’t shy away from the complicated emotions that come with losing a loved one to suicide, exploring themes of guilt, anger, and the struggle to move forward.
A Personal Touch
In the author’s note, Poston reveals that she drew from her own experience of losing a family member to suicide while writing this book. This personal connection shines through in the authenticity of Clementine’s emotions and the nuanced portrayal of how grief can reshape a person’s life.
Time: The Ultimate Spice
The time travel element in “The Seven Year Slip” isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a clever device that allows Poston to explore how people change (or don’t) over time. The contrast between the optimistic, passionate Iwan and the more cynical, polished James serves as a poignant reminder of how life can shape us in unexpected ways.
A Dash of Magic, A Pinch of Reality
The magical apartment is never fully explained, and you know what? That’s okay. Some things are better left mysterious, like the secret ingredient in your grandma’s legendary apple pie. The blend of magical elements with the very real emotions and situations creates a perfect balance that keeps the story grounded while still allowing for moments of wonder.
Character: The Heart of the Dish
Clementine is a fantastic protagonist. She’s flawed, she’s struggling, but she’s also resilient and relatable. Her journey from a woman trapped by grief and fear to someone willing to take risks and chase her dreams is beautifully crafted. And Iwan/James? Well, let’s just say you’ll be adding “charming chef with a crooked smile” to your list of fictional crushes.
A Supporting Cast to Savor
The secondary characters are just as delightful. From Clementine’s supportive (if sometimes overbearing) friends to the colorful residents of the Monroe apartment building, each character adds depth and flavor to the story. Special shout-out to Mother and Fucker, the immortal(?) pigeons that have been nesting on the AC unit for decades.
Pacing: A Well-Timed Meal
Poston keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, alternating between past and present seamlessly. The chapters are short and punchy, making it all too easy to say “just one more” until you suddenly realize it’s 2 AM and you’ve devoured the whole book in one sitting. Oops?
A Few Hiccups in the Kitchen
If I had to nitpick (and as a reviewer, I guess I do), there are a couple of plot points that feel a bit rushed or conveniently resolved. The ending, while satisfying, wraps up rather quickly. But honestly? These are minor quibbles in an otherwise delightful read.
The Verdict: A Five-Star Meal
“The Seven Year Slip” is a heartwarming, thought-provoking, and utterly charming novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s the literary equivalent of comfort food—familiar enough to be satisfying, but with enough unique twists to keep you intrigued.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of magical realism who enjoy a dash of romance
- Foodies who love a good culinary metaphor (or ten)
- Anyone who’s ever struggled with grief or major life changes
- Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of whimsy
- People who have strong opinions about lemon pie (trust me, it’s relevant)
Similar Flavors to Try
If you enjoyed “The Seven Year Slip,” you might also like:
- “One Day” by David Nicholls (for another take on love across time)
- “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig (for more magical realism and life-changing decisions)
- “Kitchens of the Great Midwest” by J. Ryan Stradal (for another food-centric journey of self-discovery)
- “A Novel Love Story” by Ashley Poston
Final Thoughts: A Recipe for Success
Ashley Poston has crafted a beautiful, bittersweet tale that masterfully blends genres and emotions. “The Seven Year Slip” is like that perfect meal you can’t stop thinking about—comforting, surprising, and leaving you eager for another taste. It’s a reminder that love, like the best recipes, can transcend time and transform us in unexpected ways.
So, grab a copy, maybe whip up a lemon pie (or order one, no judgment here), and prepare to be swept away by this enchanting story. Just don’t blame me if you end up with a sudden urge to learn how to cook or a newfound appreciation for pigeons. That’s the magic of a really good book—it changes you, just a little bit, with every page.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden craving for fajitas and a strong desire to hug my loved ones. Thanks a lot, Poston. (No, really, thank you.)
