bookishpangiebear 's review for:

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

4.25

funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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I really enjoyed The Seven Year Slip. It’s a kind of magical romance, with a touch of time-bending magic adding a unique and whimsical twist. Nothing gets me more than a love that feels just out of reach, and this story delivered that beautifully—but it also gave me hope that maybe love isn’t always as far away as it seems. Maybe it’s just waiting for the right moment.

One of the things I appreciated most was the way Ashley Poston handled her characters’ growth—especially Clementine and Iwan. Both are at turning points in their lives, and I loved how much they challenged and shaped one another. Clementine, in particular, clings to the past in ways that feel connected to both grief and comfort, but over time she begins to recognize the areas in her life where she’s stuck and the ways she’s been holding herself back. Her journey felt authentic—change didn’t come easily or quickly for her, which made her growth feel all the more real.

Iwan’s arc balanced hers in a really thoughtful way. He starts as someone who embraces change more readily, but in doing so, he risks losing parts of himself along the way. Clementine helps him see that while change can be necessary, it shouldn’t come at the expense of who you truly are. And in return, he helps her face the changes she’s been resisting. I loved that balance between them.

There’s also a sense of fate between them—a feeling that they were meant to impact each other’s lives, even if the timing isn’t simple. The way the story unfolded kept me completely engaged; I found it hard to put it down when reading.

I also enjoyed the supporting characters, though I did find myself wondering about Clementine’s friendships. I actually felt like I got to know Iwan’s circle more than her own. It even made me question if her friendships were as strong as they seemed. If I were in her place, I think my closest friends would’ve noticed the changes happening in me—and I’d definitely have told them everything, even if it sounded unbelievable!

Another part that really resonated was the portrayal of grief. Poston doesn’t limit it to the grief of losing a loved one—although that’s certainly present—but also touches on the quieter, harder-to-define griefs. The grief of love that feels impossible. The grief of realizing that the life or path you thought was meant for you… might not be. And grief like that never fully disappears. Life moves forward, but the weight of it lingers—sometimes heavy, sometimes sitting quietly in the background. It gets a little easier to carry, but it’s always there. I felt Poston handled those themes gently and honestly, without overshadowing the hope woven throughout the story.

In the end, The Seven Year Slip is a book I know I’ll return to. It’s comforting and emotional, a story that explores loss and change but still leaves you feeling hopeful.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Suicide, Grief