REVIEW: I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold

I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold: Shosh Bell had dreams. Her whole life had once revolved around theatre and with her acceptance into a college in LA, it would be her future too. She loved performing and there was nothing she was more excited for than getting to turn her dreams into a reality. But all that went out the window when a drunk driver took her sisters life. Now Shosh is thrown into a whole new world where nothingness takes over and all she can hear is a strange voice singing songs in her ear.

Evan Taft had his future sorted too. He would take a gap year in Alaska, despite being worried about how he would look after his mother and younger brother but when things don’t fall into place how he expected, it leaves him questioning whether or not his future is worth the risk. He also begins hearing this mystery singer that no one else seems to be able to hear. While all this plays out, there is a celestial bird singing its songs and connecting souls over many, many lifetimes…

‘I Loved You in Another Life’ was a poetic masterpiece! The characters were so authentic and real, and I felt such a strong connection to them. It was the kind of book that really alters your perspective on life and the way that you interact with others. It really opened my eyes to the fact that everyone is fighting a different battle and no matter how much you think you know about a person, at the end of the day you only know the parts they choose to share with you. ‘I Loved You in Another Life’ was a story of two souls, connected by something far greater than themselves, just trying their best to hold on through all their ups and downs.

There were definitely parts of ‘I Loved You in Another Life’ that felt disjointed and confusing but I believe they were incorporated intentionally by David Arnold to replicate those same feelings that the characters were experiencing in certain moments. The pacing of the story was slow which was definitely necessary for all the plot development that was required however may not be every reader’s cup of tea. Overall, I thought ‘I Loved You in Another Life’ was a beautiful read which evoked many deep emotions from me, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

‘I Loved You in Another Life’ dealt with many confronting themes so definitely make sure you check TW’s before reading!

Book Info:

Publication: October 10 2023 | Viking Books for Young Readers |

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.