Time for Once by Jes Smyth

The coming-of-age love novel Time for Once by Jes Smyth follows the lives of two young adults, Jolie and Jace, for more than ten years. The two characters in the narrative are first introduced, and their interaction seems natural and easygoing. But as the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that their relationship is not without its own share of difficulties. The author skillfully combines the reality of self-discovery and personal development with the feelings of passion and sadness.

Because the story is recounted from two different points of view, readers can see both the highs and lows of Jolie and Jace’s relationship. Based on the author’s personal experiences, the protagonists have a delightful and awkward encounter when they first meet in college. Although their chemistry is immediately apparent, they quickly come to the conclusion that they are not yet prepared for the commitment that love demands.

The reader travels with Jolie and Jace for a decade as they experience the highs and lows of life and love as the plot develops. From the uncertainty of the future to the mistakes we all make along the road, the author does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of what it means to be a young adult. Readers can identify with the characters’ situations since they are written in a way that arouses a variety of emotions.

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With descriptions that come to life on the page and emotions that seep into the reader’s psyche, Jes Smyth’s writing is nothing short of exquisite. The story’s tempo is well-balanced, with time leaps that are effortlessly incorporated and provide the reader just enough background knowledge to comprehend the characters’ development without giving them too much information.

The novel’s character development is remarkable, with not only Jolie and Jace but also the supporting cast being developed to the point that they are recognisable and help the plot go forward. The author has a natural flair for crafting funny, interesting dialogue that is fun to read and keeps the plot going.

The author’s candour in addressing the different problems experienced by young people is one of the book’s most notable features. The author does not hesitate to address these challenging subjects head-on, including mental health issues, eating disorders, and even just plain stubbornness. This candour in the writing is a breath of fresh air and increases the impact of the book.

I’m comfortable awarding this book a solid 5 stars. Anyone who enjoys a well-written and relatable coming-of-age story should read Time for Once. The vivid language used by the author makes the story come to life, and the insightful and moving descriptions will stay with the reader. The novel’s subjects are current and thought-provoking, and the characters are well-developed. Overall, this is a book that will strike a chord with a lot of readers and have an influence that lasts a lifetime.

About The Book

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?

For fans of Sally Rooney and Hazel Hayes.

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.