Living Real Life Together

Lifesaving For Beginners by Josie Lloyd is a marvellous contemporary novel that enchanted me from the start.

The novel is about female friendship as a group of women bond over open water swimming in the sea at Brighton. They are various ages with differing life experiences. As they meet over swimming, they soon become a support network, championing each other and offering love and friendship.

Life impacts us all differently but we all need female friendship to offer advice – ladies who have more experience of travelling down the road of life. The ladies range from mid thirties to seventies and have a wealth of experience – from a lost love to a widow to a mother of two.

We see how women’s roles have changed over the years and how it is important to share how we are feeling with those around us. Our sons need educating in women’s life cycles so they can sympathise with what we go through.

As family relationships have broken down, we witness the desperate love of a mother searching for her son.

Life is not what we see on social media. Real life happens after the perfect picture has been posted.

The novel highlights those who are unseen by many – the plight of the homeless and the tireless work of the Samaritan volunteers who really do save lives. Sometimes CPR is needed and sometimes we just need someone to listen.

Lifesaving For Beginners was a powerful novel that I just could not put down. I ‘lived’ the action and applauded the ladies for their love and friendship.

I received a free copy from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON