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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
This was fine, but I only half listened which is partly (mostly?) where my brain is these days and partly bc I just wasn’t that vested in what was happening.
Oh I loved this book. I loved Lydia. I enjoyed being in her world and feeling her feelings. What a gorgeous and poignant book.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4/5
Laughing Score: 0/5
Crying Score: 0/5
Plot: Freddie and Lydia are the dream couple. That one couple that actually makes you believe in destiny and soulmates. Everything between them is perfect, until the night of Lydia’s 28th birthday when Freddie dies in a tragic car accident. Lydia’s life is in shambles as she tries to process her grief. One night she takes a sleeping pill and finds herself in a different world where Freddie is still alive. She can talk to him, she can feel him, and although she knows it's not real, it begins to fill that void she feels in her awake state. Lydia finds herself at a crossroads between her life when she is awake, and when she is dreaming.
Thoughts: After reading One Day in December, I was looking forward to reading another one of Josie’s books. This book made me feel a lot of things, but the overall feelings were a mix of sadness and fondness. Aside from the unique, kind of unrealistic storyline, I was very fond of Lydia Bird. I think she had something tragic happen to her, and given that her support system wasn’t the best, I think she did the best she could to get through her grief. I think the book captured her grief well, as I just felt really sad for her as it showed her going through the motions. Although I understand when you go through something as she did, you can only expect so much of people, I also felt like her family was somewhat selfish and not supportive of her. I think when she went to Croatia, it was the best thing she could do for herself, and the fact that her family was upset with her, was disappointing - shame on them! Although the story portrays Lydia weakened by her grief, I honestly think she was as strong as she could be.
Although I thought the book was going to end as it did, I wasn't quite sure how it was going to get there, so I almost didn’t expect it. However predictable it may have been, I was just happy that Lydia was working towards her happy ending.
Laughing Score: 0/5
Crying Score: 0/5
Plot: Freddie and Lydia are the dream couple. That one couple that actually makes you believe in destiny and soulmates. Everything between them is perfect, until the night of Lydia’s 28th birthday when Freddie dies in a tragic car accident. Lydia’s life is in shambles as she tries to process her grief. One night she takes a sleeping pill and finds herself in a different world where Freddie is still alive. She can talk to him, she can feel him, and although she knows it's not real, it begins to fill that void she feels in her awake state. Lydia finds herself at a crossroads between her life when she is awake, and when she is dreaming.
Thoughts: After reading One Day in December, I was looking forward to reading another one of Josie’s books. This book made me feel a lot of things, but the overall feelings were a mix of sadness and fondness. Aside from the unique, kind of unrealistic storyline, I was very fond of Lydia Bird. I think she had something tragic happen to her, and given that her support system wasn’t the best, I think she did the best she could to get through her grief. I think the book captured her grief well, as I just felt really sad for her as it showed her going through the motions. Although I understand when you go through something as she did, you can only expect so much of people, I also felt like her family was somewhat selfish and not supportive of her. I think when she went to Croatia, it was the best thing she could do for herself, and the fact that her family was upset with her, was disappointing - shame on them! Although the story portrays Lydia weakened by her grief, I honestly think she was as strong as she could be.
Although I thought the book was going to end as it did, I wasn't quite sure how it was going to get there, so I almost didn’t expect it. However predictable it may have been, I was just happy that Lydia was working towards her happy ending.
Love love love! I cried a couple times because it really makes you feel so grateful for the people in your life and the time you spend with them. Very good story of grief and finding yourself as well. Also good ending that I didn’t see coming but was pleased with.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this! I’m a big fan of Josie Silver and this book didn’t disappoint. Her writing is so vivid, and her characters feel so detailed and real.
We follow Lydia Bird, whose fiancé suddenly dies, leaving her alone to navigate grief at a young age. As she begins to walk through a life she didn’t ask for, she falls in and out of a parallel existence where her fiancé is still alive. Confused, yet clinging to every encounter with Freddie, Lydia begins the process of letting her emotions lead her. It’s a roller coaster with an unexpected ending.
The conversational tone of the novel definitely made the characters come to life. Lydia and Freddie seem like real people you might encounter. The book explores themes of grief and loneliness without delving too deep into psychology or explanation. I liken the story to P.S. I Love You where the plot doesn’t ride on happy endings, but rather the journey through grief. However, the ending left me disappointed. It didn’t seem in keeping with the rest of the plot.
My sister in law recommended this book, and it’s not a genre I usually read, so I was game for something new. Overall, a more light and fluffy style read than I’m used to. This genre has its merits. And it was certainly a quick read. Probably won’t read her other novel though. I was hoping for a bit more weight to the book. I think the ending felt like a stretch to me and almost from out of nowhere, and that tarnished the entire reading for me.
The conversational tone of the novel definitely made the characters come to life. Lydia and Freddie seem like real people you might encounter. The book explores themes of grief and loneliness without delving too deep into psychology or explanation. I liken the story to P.S. I Love You where the plot doesn’t ride on happy endings, but rather the journey through grief. However, the ending left me disappointed. It didn’t seem in keeping with the rest of the plot.
My sister in law recommended this book, and it’s not a genre I usually read, so I was game for something new. Overall, a more light and fluffy style read than I’m used to. This genre has its merits. And it was certainly a quick read. Probably won’t read her other novel though. I was hoping for a bit more weight to the book. I think the ending felt like a stretch to me and almost from out of nowhere, and that tarnished the entire reading for me.
It was an emotional read, it deals with loss and grief and finding the strength to keep living with it. The ending was predictable and I called it pretty early on - I was really hoping to be surprised but oh well.
This book was a nice journey. I liked the multiverse aspect of this book, but I’m happy how it turned out. A sad book about loss and love and Lydia Bird.
3.5 stars. I really liked the characters of this book, and the concept of Lydia being able to visit her alternate life ... but I felt like it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. I’m not exactly sure what it that was missing for me. It was still a moving book, and well done, but it won’t necessarily be a top recommendation from me.