Name: Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away
Item: Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away
Rating: 5
Author: Shafi al Mahmud

Must read 🏆

Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away is a heartfelt, nostalgic journey of grief, healing, and fandom.

Synopsis

When her best friend ran away ...

Erika promised to keep all of their secrets safe.

But how long can she keep lying?

The summer of 1977 is shaping up to be the worst experience of Erika's life. Everybody knows she was the last person to see Cassie before the teen beauty queen disappeared into the night. Now Erika is making false statements to the police, hiding from Cassie's father, and mourning the loss of the only person who ever filled her days with light. She's certain her life can't get any worse. Then the bullying starts.

Under the weight of it all, Erika struggles just to breathe. Until a new movie transforms her lonely existence with new hope.

For Erika, Star Wars changes everything. Safe in the cocoon of a darkened movie theater, she can escape to a galaxy far, far away from her current nightmare. But she can't hide forever. And someone thinks she knows too many of Cassie's secrets.

It's a terrible thing to live under a question mark.

Fans of Rainbow Rowell or John Green will enjoy this quirky page-turner.

Grab your copy today.

Trisha Slay’s Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away is a poignant, evocative coming-of-age novel that masterfully explores themes of loss, self-discovery, and the solace found in fandom. Set in the late 1970s, the book follows Erika, a teenager grappling with the aftermath of her father’s death, as she navigates the complexities of grief, identity, and finding purpose. The story is a heartfelt reflection on how a passion—especially one that feels disconnected from everyday life—can provide refuge, support, and a way forward during the toughest of times.

At the heart of the novel is Erika’s evolving relationship with Star Wars, which serves as both a metaphor for her journey of self-acceptance and a means of escape from her inner turmoil. As Erika becomes increasingly captivated by the film and the community of fans that surrounds it, she finds herself drawn into a world where she can find belonging, something that has been difficult to come by after her father’s death. The book paints a beautiful picture of how fandoms, especially during the cultural explosion of Star Wars, can offer both comfort and camaraderie for those looking to escape personal struggles.

Slay’s ability to create a vivid sense of time and place makes Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away a nostalgic and immersive read. The late 1970s are richly represented, from the music of the era to the influence of Star Wars on pop culture. Slay’s attention to detail draws readers into this unique period, filling the narrative with warmth and familiarity that resonates with anyone who remembers the cultural impact of Star Wars.

Erika is a compelling, deeply relatable character whose journey through grief and self-discovery will resonate with readers of all ages. Slay does an excellent job of showing how personal growth is not a linear process—Erika’s path to healing is messy, complicated, and full of moments of doubt. Through her interactions with friends, family, and fellow Star Wars fans, Erika begins to realize that she is not alone in her struggles, and that finding one’s voice often comes with embracing the things that make us unique.

The friendships that develop throughout the novel are a central focus, as Erika’s bond with other Star Wars enthusiasts showcases the importance of finding a community that supports and understands you. Slay brings to life a group of individuals who, like Erika, are searching for meaning in a world that doesn’t always seem to make sense. Their shared love for Star Wars becomes a symbol of hope and connection, and the novel beautifully explores how fandoms can create spaces for healing and personal transformation.

While Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away deals with heavy emotional themes, the story is also filled with moments of lightness, humor, and hope. Slay strikes a perfect balance, ensuring that the novel never becomes overwhelming, even as it tackles deep subjects like loss and the quest for self-identity. The pacing is well-balanced, with enough reflective moments to allow readers to connect with the characters’ emotional journeys, while also maintaining an engaging and dynamic narrative.

Slay’s prose is warm, heartfelt, and infused with nostalgia, making Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away a deeply emotional and enjoyable read. The novel’s exploration of fandom and personal growth is both uplifting and thought-provoking, reminding readers that sometimes it’s the things that seem trivial or fleeting—like a movie franchise—that can have the most lasting impact on our lives. The story is a tribute to the power of stories themselves, and how they can shape our lives, give us meaning, and help us rebuild ourselves when we feel broken.

Verdict: Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away is a beautifully written, deeply emotional novel that resonates with readers who have ever found strength in something they love. Trisha Slay has crafted a moving tribute to fandom, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. This is a story of healing, of discovering who we are, and of finding hope in unexpected places. Whether you're a Star Wars fan or not, this novel offers something universally relatable: the power of stories to help us navigate the complex and often painful journey of life.

Reviewed by

Hello. My name is Shafi al mahmud and i love books.

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Not So Long Ago, Not So Far Away

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