Published By: Zaffre
Pages: 320
Released On: 11/09/2025
Jesse is 15. She loves her friends, her little brother and her parents – even when they’re arguing, which feels like constantly these days. But most of all, she loves playing video games. Even from her hospital bed.
Alex is 29. He doesn’t love a lot of things. To be honest, he’s not really sure he knows how to. His desk at work, as VR games designer, is empty, much like his life feels sometimes.
Then Jesse makes a wish. A simple one: a video experience made of her life, something to be there, just in case she isn’t.
One loving teenager.
One lonely adult.
Which one will get the happy ending?
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have read the majority, if not all, of Heather’s books and thy are more than sublime. I’m used to her writing historical novels, set in WW2. So this was a completely new direction for her, but I could tell right from the off that it would be just as heart-breaking.
It is not an uplifting book, on the whole, and yet it somehow managed to be completely uplifting. I often find the brightest moments shine more in the dark, and that’s what this story was like.
It reminded me, in terms of tone, to The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin, another deeply upsetting but positive novel.
If I didn’t know it was the same author, I don’t think I’d have guessed. Yes it has some similar themes but for me personally, the writing felt completely different, but no less brilliant and impactful.
This book is more relate able. Not that everyone goes through cancer, especially with a child, but sadly it is all too common. Whereas with her WW2 books, they’re only going to be relatable to a very small number of readers, and I think that’s what tugs at the heartstrings here.
It is about more than just a dying child. There’s heart and love, family and friendship, anger, despair, frustration, forgiveness, stubbornness. It’s about accepting what you can control and forgiving what you can’t. It’s knowing you tried your best but not every battle can be won. It’s about how important hope and joy and fun and love are in such situations.
Whilst it felt different to her other books, there are definitely themes that are the same, but it definitely felt like a new way of writing for her. It’s feels fresh and new but no less powerful and beautiful as her other books. It is a completely different path she’s treading but it still reminded me why she is a go-to author every time.
May I just quickly advise you to read it when on your own, because it will draw some very ugly sobs out of you.
Books By Your Bedside 