Sunflowers in February

by Phyllida Shrimpton

Lily has died in a car accident. The trouble is, Lily's really not at all sure she wants to 'move on' . . . This funny, heartbreaking novel is perfect if you loved John Green or The Lovely Bones.

Lily wakes up one crisp Sunday morning on the side of the road.

She has no idea how she got there. It is all very peaceful. And very beautiful. It is only when the police car, and then the ambulance, arrive and she sees her own body that she realises that she is in fact . . . dead.

But what is she supposed do now?

Lily has no option but to follow her body and she sees her family - her parents and her twin brother - start falling apart. And then her twin brother Ben gives her a once in a deathtime opportunity - to use his own body for a while. But will Lily give Ben his body back? She is beginning to have a rather good time . . .

A moving, startlingly funny and yet achingly sad debut novel from a stunning new talent.

WINNER of the RED award (Read Enjoy Debate) 2019

• ISBN10: 1471406881
• ISBN13: 9781471406881
• Publish Date: 8 February 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Hot Key Books
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Joséphine]

February 14, 2018

My full book review is up here on Word Revel.

_________

November 22, 2017

Initial thoughts: Wow. This book was a rollercoaster! Death is never an easy topic to face, and I have to be honest, I spent a good part of Sunflowers in February suppressing my tears, so I could continue reading. I expect for some readers, it will be triggering to read. I felt that too but pushed through and was rewarded with hope and the reminder to not only be sad for the death of dearly departed but to celebrate their lives lived as well.

Although I didn't like Lily very much at first (she was incredibly petty and selfish), I could understand where she was coming from. As she lived through her second chance, she discovered what mattered more in life (after death), bringing love and healing to those she'd left behind.

_________

Note: I received an advanced reading copy from a local distributor in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.