The Two Lives of Lydia Bird: A Novel

Lydia Bird is engaged to her teenage sweetheart and ready to start a promising new life. When her fiance, Freddie, is killed in a car crash on the way to her birthday dinner, Lydia’s life is changed forever. Wracked with grief, Lydia discovers that she has a rare connection to an alternative reality in which Freddie is still alive. Torn between two worlds, Lydia has to make a choice between the worlds in order to hold on to both her sanity and those she loves the most.

Josie Silver is an incredible author and this, her second novel, is another strong book. She nails the complicated emotions and reactions to grief as well as love. Lydia was a genuine and likeable character, and the premise will resonate with many readers. Who doesn’t wish they could spend time with lost loved ones? This wasn’t a five star read for me because some parts lagged and I felt the book went on longer than necessary. Silver is able to write raw emotion and grippingly portray the human experience. For that reason, readers looking for an emotional, quiet read will enjoy slipping into the two worlds of Lydia Bird.