Between the Lives

Pages: 336 (paperback)
Publish date: August 7th 2014 (UK)
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books, Orchard Books
ISBN: 140833173X
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Between the Lives:

I received an e-copy of Between the Lives from Hachette Children’s Books, Orchard Books on Netgalley for review. This has in no way influenced my review.

I have wanted to read this book for ages, since it came out in Australia quite a while ago. But I never got the chance to get it so as soon as I saw it was available on Netgalley I jumped and I am so glad I did.

This book was just so good. I didn’t know what to expect reading this, as I had never really read anything like it before, and I enjoyed it so much. Like Sabine, I struggled with what world I thought she would live in. There were so many faults in both, that it was hard to decide which world she belonged in.

In one world she was rich, had the ‘perfect’ boyfriend and friends. She was doing pretty okay, but she wasn’t happy. She didn’t have the best family.

You said you wanted someone to know you. Maybe I just want to have someone know me too. Without you in this world, the memories of every moment we’ve shared together will be gone. We only exist because others see us. Part of my existence…an important part, only exists because you are here to see it.

In her other life, her family is just doing the best they can. They are making it work and she have very few friends. But she has a loving sister and, even though she doesn’t have that many, she has good friends.

Going back and forth day by day. Living one day in one world then living the same in the next, was a really interesting concept to read about and defiantly kept me reading.

I really enjoyed Sabine. I found her very interesting. She was strong in a different way than other characters that I read. She was strong mentally and she didn’t even realise it. She had to live these two lives, two very different lives and keep up with everything. After something big happens with one family she feel betrayed by them, and you know what I would do, I would feel angry. I really felt Sabine’s emotions a lot throughout the novel. They just gave me this connect to the book that was really intense of sorts.

I enjoyed Jessica’s writing. It was really emotional, real and just straight to the point. It didn’t go on pages upon pages explaining something. She creates such an interesting storyline that you cannot put the book down.

Falling in love with you only made those choices more complicated and I feared that you might choose to stay for me and then, after I was gone, change your mind. I couldn’t let that happen.

I really enjoyed Ethan. He was mysterious and so charming at the same time. I just couldn’t stop smiling at the things he said, especially towards the end of the book. Ethan and Sabine were just so cute.

Sabine’s rich life in Between the Lives? Yes, she got things, but she wasn’t happy. I didn’t like her so called ‘perfect’ boyfriend from the start. He just got on my nerves so much throughout the book.

The ending of Between the Lives was just so powerful. It definitely left a mark. Between the Lives was bursting a punch with its beautiful characters and moving story that will leave you like it did me: with a permanent impression.

The beautiful writing style of Jessica Shirvington and the characterisation of her characters Between the Lives unravels you in such a compelling way that you will be hanging for more. You will want everyone to read it.  It is just simply beautiful and breathtaking.

 

Have you reading Between the Lives? Did you like it? Are you looking forward to reading it?