Estimated reading time: 10 mins
Book: The Lifeline
Author: Tom Ellen
Number of pages: 376
Genre: Contemporary fiction, personal growth, slice of life, emotional connection, slow burn romance, LGBTQ+
Attended Audience Age: Young/Mature adult
Medium Type (physical, digital, audio): physical
Book rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Summary:
Annie and Will met at a young age, when their careers were just taking off. Their attraction was undeniable, but when tragedy hits, their connection is lost. Fast forward five years later, when they've forgotten one another, and their lives are hanging by a thread. Unknowingly, they talk to each other about their troubles on Green Shoots, a local hotline. As your connection buds anew, unaware of the memories they shared, they take a leap to meet each other. Except, it doesn't go as planned. Or does it?
Qualities:
Prose: The narrative is written with strong but gentle and clear emotional sincerity.
Character Development: Annie and Will evolve in their individual chapters, alongside their friends and family, propelling them through their past grief. As the characters manage their pain, the closer they are to one another and learn to reform their bond.
World Building: The world-building starts in the past where Annie and Will first met in Paris. It continues with their individual perspectives in London, and back to the past. We see the cities in London and Paris, the life style through their point of view.
Recommendation:
This book is special and unique. It doesn't shy away from grief, personal growth, and human connection. In fact, that is all this novel is, opening up to ourselves and others about hardships. It teaches us that we can't always live in the past, and we deserve to heal and live in the moment. To make mistakes, and clear up those mistakes with those we care for. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read, even if it is just a few chapters.
Notice: This book covers depression and self-harm.
Notable Quotes:
- “'Just because you're not feeling brilliant it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you,' I say. 'We all feel not-brilliant every now and then'" (p. 42).
- “Not jus a big thing. A 'brave thing'" (p. 233)
- “'Not maybe. Yes.' She scooches forward on her chair, looking me straight in the eye. 'Things don't happen without a bit of effort, Will. Things happen because you make them happen. You know?'" (p. 243).
Related Music:
- Lifeline by Jonas Blue
- Apocalypse by Cigarettes After Sex
- Creatures in Heaven by Glass Animals
- It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
- All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
- My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga
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