I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold is the story of Evan Taft and Shosh Bell. Initially two separate stories - Evan, stepping up in his dad’s absence to help to care for his younger brother whilst his mum works and Shosh, who has had a difficult and troubled upbringing. They meet, drawn by a song no one else can hear, but they feel like they have already met before…
The book tackles difficult themes of alcoholism and anxiety/panic attacks. Both Evan and Shosh have to deal with significant challenges in their young lives, Evan with his mum’s health diagnosis and subsequent treatment, and Shosh coming to terms with losing her beloved sister in a drink drive car crash.
The book is aimed at a young adult readership but I enjoyed it as a mature reader. I found it real, sensitive and magical. Although the book is about Evan and Shosh, it was the relationship between Evan, his mum and his 7 year old brother Will that was the highlight for me. Will and his innocence of his Band-Aids trying to shield his mum had me in floods of tears. Also I love the cover!
The book tackles difficult themes of alcoholism and anxiety/panic attacks. Both Evan and Shosh have to deal with significant challenges in their young lives, Evan with his mum’s health diagnosis and subsequent treatment, and Shosh coming to terms with losing her beloved sister in a drink drive car crash.
The book is aimed at a young adult readership but I enjoyed it as a mature reader. I found it real, sensitive and magical. Although the book is about Evan and Shosh, it was the relationship between Evan, his mum and his 7 year old brother Will that was the highlight for me. Will and his innocence of his Band-Aids trying to shield his mum had me in floods of tears. Also I love the cover!