Enjoying this book? Help it get discovered by casting your vote!

Abdulbaseer Khattak

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2023

Must read πŸ†

Jes Smyth's writer Time for Once is a compelling book that delves into the complexity of life, love, and loss in a masterfully crafted tale

Synopsis

Have you ever wondered …

If I had met this person as who I am now, instead of who I was then, would it have changed anything?

Two people. Ten years. One winding love story.

Time, for Jolie, is the worst. It moves too slowly when she needs it to speed up; too fast when she wishes she could just bring everything to a halt. But for her and Jace, timing is everything. And they can’t seem to get it right.

Time, for Jace, is simple. The plan is obvious and the outcome is inevitable: earn a degree, get a job, make a life. All in due time. But for him and Jolie, timing is complicated. And they have a habit of falling out of sync.

As they navigate the tides of their relationship amid the uncertainties of life after graduation, Jolie and Jace enter a decade-long cycle of passion, heartbreak, bad timing, and, ultimately, self-discovery. All in pursuit of an answer to the inescapable question: Will time, for once, ever be on their side?

Time for Once is an adult coming-of-age story about love, acceptance, and the mistakes we all make in the messy but crucial process of growth.

"Once" by Jes Smyth is a captivating and poignant story about a young girl named Iris, who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother. The novel follows Iris as she navigates through the grief and confusion of losing a loved one, while also trying to understand her own identity and place in the world.

From the very first page, Smyth's writing draws the reader in with its vivid descriptions and powerful imagery. The author's use of language is both poetic and raw, creating a strong emotional connection between the reader and the characters. Smyth's prose is particularly effective in capturing the sense of loss and the profound sadness that Iris experiences throughout the novel.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Once" is the way in which Smyth handles complex issues such as grief, identity, and family dynamics with sensitivity and nuance. Iris's struggles are not romanticized or simplified, but rather presented in a realistic and empathetic way. The novel explores the complex relationships between family members, including the strained relationship between Iris and her father, as well as the bond between Iris and her mother.

Smyth's character development is also noteworthy, as each character is portrayed with depth and complexity. Iris, in particular, is a well-crafted and relatable protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery is both moving and inspiring. The secondary characters, including Iris's father and her mother's former partner, are also fully realized and add to the richness of the story.

The novel's pacing is excellent, with the plot moving along steadily without feeling rushed or forced. The use of flashbacks and memories is particularly effective in creating a sense of nostalgia and adding depth to Iris's character.

Overall, "Once" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of grief, identity, and family with sensitivity and nuance. Smyth's prose is powerful and evocative, drawing the reader into the story and keeping them engaged until the very end. The novel is highly recommended for anyone looking for a poignant and thought-provoking read.

Reviewed by

Hi there, my name is Abdul Baseer khattak. I am from Pakistan I am a student . studying BS computer from Comsats university Islamabad , Abbottabad campus . I love to read books .

Comments

Be the first to leave a comment!

Share your thoughts with the community