In Jasmine Little’s novel, If We Say Goodbye, readers are treated to an evocative story that explores the intricacies of love, loss, and the rejuvenating power of memory. This book edges its way under the skin with its poignant prose and deep, relatable characters. The exploration dives into how our connections can shape us, break us, and eventually heal us.

The narrative interweaves the lives of two main protagonists; Ellie, a bright-eyed young woman coming into her strength in a bustling New York setting, and Paul, a once successful novelist plagued by past regrets and a fear of irrelevance. Their paths cross in an unexpected way during a particularly turbulent phase in both their lives, leading to a complex friendship that spans decades.

LIttle's writing shines brightest in her character portrayal. Ellie, with her undying optimism and resilience, is a breath of fresh air in contemporary fiction—a character who believes fervently in the power of new beginnings even when everything seems bleak. On the other hand, Paul’s character is sculpted with such depth that his despair and bursts of joy are equally palpable. Their contrasting personalities make their interactions a captivating dance of emotions, filled with moments of tension and tenderness.

The backdrop of New York City is not merely a setting, but almost a character in itself within If We Say Goodbye. Little uses the bustling cityscape to mirror the internal chaos and eventual peace of the characters. As Ellie and Paul navigate their complex relationship through the streets of Manhattan, from quaint cafes to the serene Central Park, the city shapes their experiences and insights in ways that are profound and lasting.

The thematic core of the book revolves around memory and its impact on our present and future selves. Little adeptly showcases through her narrative how the past can linger in the corners of our minds, influencing our actions and decisions. She delves into the concept with such finesse that each chapter adds a new layer to the characters' understanding of themselves and each other. The past, as Little perceptively notes through Paul's journey, is not just a place of regret but also a foundation upon which futures can be built.

However, not all is flawless in Little’s work. At times, the pacing feels uneven, especially in the middle sections where the introspective contemplations of the characters tend to slightly bog down the progression of the plot. Moreover, while the emotional range of the book is its strength, certain secondary characters lack the development that would make them more than just satellites to Ellie and Paul’s story.

Despite these minor setbacks, the novel’s climax is beautifully orchestrated, blending the thematic elements with the narratives in a crescendo that feels both surprising and inevitable. The resolution of Ellie and Paul’s story is satisfying yet open-ended, leaving readers with a sense of hopeful ambiguity about what the future might hold for these two very human protagonists.

Furthermore, Jasmine Little’s poetic style adds a lyrical quality to her prose that makes even the simplest scenes brim with emotion. Whether it’s describing the mundane act of walking through a rainy New York street or the complex emotions during a heartfelt conversation, her descriptions are vivid and evocative. Readers who appreciate a literary style that leans towards the poetic will find If We Say Goodbye a particularly rewarding read.

In conclusion, If We Say Goodbye by Jasmine Little is a compelling tale about human connections and the indelible imprint they leave on our lives. It is a thoughtful examination of hope, redemption, and resilience against the backdrop of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. While the book navigates through some pacing issues and underdeveloped secondary characters, it remains a powerful read with its deep insights and beautifully flawed characters. Readers looking for a story that captures the heartache and beauty of human relationships will find much to appreciate in this poignant novel.