Review: I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold
Another year, another way to get wrecked by David Arnold. This time it’s a story about finding your person through a myriad of ages and circumstances. I Loved You in Another Life is a beautiful read that is both a slow burn and completely engrossing. It’s out now so carve out some time, after you check out my thoughts below!
I Loved You in Another Life
by David ArnoldPublished by: Viking Books for Young Readers
on October 10, 2023
Genres: Romance, Sci-Fi, Young Adult
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New York Times bestseller David Arnold returns with a poignant love story about two teens whose souls come together time and again through the ages—for fans of Nina LaCour and Matt Haig.
Evan Taft has plans. Take a gap year in Alaska, make sure his little brother and single mother are taken care of, and continue therapy to process his father's departure. But after his mom’s unexpected diagnosis, as Evan’s plans begin to fade, he hears something: a song no one else can hear, the voice of a mysterious singer . . .
Shosh Bell has dreams. A high school theater legend, she’s headed to performing arts college in LA, a star on the rise. But when a drunk driver takes her sister’s life, that star fades to black. All that remains is a void—and a soft voice singing in her ear . . .
Over it all, transcending time and space, a celestial bird brings strangers together: from an escaped murderer in 19th century Paris, to a Norwegian kosmonaut in low-earth orbit, something is happening that began long ago, and will long outlast Evan and Shosh. With lyrical prose and original songs (written and recorded by the author), I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE explores the history of love, and how some souls are meant for each other—yesterday, today, forever.
Review
This is not your typical love through the ages story (of course, because David Arnold) but it is a love story through the ages. Rather than focusing on many stories, we primarily focus on the present, with vignettes that lead you through other times. It’s not a linear story, which works with David’s poetic writing style. Within the story, we explore some tough themes so readers, please check out the content warnings and activate your network if you need it!
Like all of David’s books, I Loved You in Another Life is as much a character study as it is a story. These are not your typical likable lovers. They are going through some tough shit, now and before, and in the future. Love prevails, though.
If you know David, you know the reader will be left to fill in the blanks. He gives you just enough to create the world but leaves you with space to insert yourself and what you hope happens. I know this frustrates some readers but I love seeing how people interpret things differently!
