The Lifeline is a 2024 novel by Sunday Times bestselling author Libby Page. The Lifeline is the sequel to the bestselling book The Lido.
The Lido was a huge success and was Richard and Judy Book Club pick. I really enjoyed The Lido and was intrigued to see what the follow up story would entail.
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Plot
Kate, a new mother who moved from London to Somerset with her husband Jay, discovers that despite being constantly surrounded by her newborn, she feels a sense of loneliness. The move was intended to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter, but doubts linger.
On the other hand, Phoebe Harrison, a mental health nurse, is in desperate need of a break as she struggles to prioritize her well-being over her patients’. Feeling emotionally drained, she seeks a reprieve.
Both women unexpectedly find solace and companionship in a local river swimming group, forming a supportive friendship that becomes a lifeline for each other.
The Lifeline Book Review
Reading The Lifeline felt like catching up with old friends. It was nice to dive back into the lives of Kate and Jay with the addition of little Rosie. I also enjoyed the nods to The Lido as familiar characters were reintroduced.
The author taps into the loneliness and isolation that can come with being a new mum. As someone who was a relatively young mum and the first in my friend group to have a baby, I could really relate to Kate’s feeling of being left behind and the nerve-wracking experience of attending baby groups. You can tell Libby Page drew from her own life as a new mum who left London and her friends, making the book feel personal and authentic.
The healing power of wild swimming takes centre stage, offering not just a physical escape but a sense of community and new friendships. The novel covers some heavy topics, especially related to mental health, but it maintains an overall positive and uplifting vibe.
While the storyline is reminiscent of The Lido with its theme of a community coming together and an attempt to save the swimming area, The Lifeline stands on its own. You don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Lifeline by Libby Page. It’s feel-good fiction that celebrates female friendship and sisterhood.
What should I read after The Lifeline by Libby Page?
If you haven’t read Libby Page’s other novels, I’d definitely recommend reading those next. My personal favourites are The Island Home and The Vintage Shop of Second Chances.
If you’re looking for similarly inspiring feel good books, I’d also recommend Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior.
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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.