When Memories Define Who We Are
W. Royce Adams crafts a fragmented yet introspective narrative that invites deep contemplation. Blending personal reflections with sweeping historical moments, ‘As Time Goes By’ is a profound meditation on memory, identity, and the relentless march of time.
The novel unfolds through the memories of an aging narrator who in his later years, attempts to reconstruct his identity through a non-linear tapestry of memories. His story unfolds like a stream of consciousness, revisiting key moments of his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood—each tinged with self-discovery, regret, or revelation. One of the most haunting recollections is his childhood witnessing of a lynching, a moment that shapes his understanding of racial injustice and morality. The novel also explores his complex relationship with his grandfather, a charismatic yet morally ambiguous figure who exposes him to gambling, drinking, and the temptations of indulgence. Torn between his religious father’s values and his grandfather’s vices, the narrator grapples with the moral ambiguities of life. His journey into self-awareness also touches on sexuality and repression, as he navigates a formative yet confusing interaction with an older boy. As time advances, the novel becomes a meditation on aging and mortality, with the narrator struggling to hold onto fragments of himself as his mind and body decline.
Capturing the fleeting nature of memory with a raw, unfiltered honesty W. Royce Adams’s writing is both evocative and poetic. Through a series of vignettes, the novel explores the fluid nature of memory and the existential questions that accompany aging. The author’s ability to convey profound existential themes without feeling overly sentimental is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The novel’s structure—resembling a mosaic of moments rather than a traditional plot—reinforces its themes beautifully, making the reading experience immersive and deeply reflective.
A deeply moving and thought-provoking read, ‘As Time Goes By’ masterfully captures the fragility of memory and the complexities of identity. A must-read for those who appreciate reflective, character-driven narratives—5 stars!
