Grief Book Review – Lucky Girl by Lottie Tomlinson

Lucky Girl by Lottie Tomlinson

Review by Hannah Romaine – Young Ambassador Mentor & Trustee Associate

I recently read Lucky Girl by Lottie Tomlinson. As someone who lost my dad when I was 9 and accessed support myself with Jigsaw South East, this book felt especially meaningful. Lottie openly shares her experience of losing her mum and later her sister at a young age, and so much of what she wrote felt familiar and real.

One quote that really stood out to me was when Lottie says:

“I started to understand that grief doesn’t have to ruin your life. It will never be the same after the grief I’ve experienced, but it’s more beautiful than I ever thought possible.”

I loved this because it gives hope. Grief does change your life, but that doesn’t mean everything good disappears. I found this reassuring and comforting to read, especially on days when grief feels heavy.

Growing up fast

Lottie also talks honestly about having to grow up quickly:

“I was thrown, once again, into having to be someone responsible and mature, dealing with something immense that most of my peers couldn’t relate to.”

This really resonated with me. When you lose someone close at a young age, it can feel isolating, like the world keeps moving while you’re stuck dealing with something most people your age don’t understand.

One thing I really appreciated about Lucky Girl is how Lottie shows that even in the hardest times, moments of joy can still exist. She talks about how their family tried to keep moments of happiness alive, which reminded me that it’s okay to laugh and feel joy alongside grief . This is something we embrace in my family every day.

The loneliness of grief

Lottie also shares how lonely grief can feel, especially when no one around you really understands:

“I didn’t know anyone who’d experienced what I had felt so I couldn’t relate to most people on a deeper level.”

This is something I know many young people relate to. Walking into my first group session with Jigsaw, I was the only person in my school who had lost a parent. This changed when I went to Jigsaw as I no longer felt alone. But without services like Jigsaw, it can be hard to find someone who truly “gets it”.

Grieve in your own way

One of the strongest messages in the book is that everyone grieves differently, and that’s okay. That message really stood out to me. It makes grief feel more normal and less like something you’re doing “wrong.” For me, the book felt like a gentle check-in and a reminder that whatever you’re feeling is valid for whenever and wherever you are in your grief journey.

Overall, I felt a real sense of warmth and comfort while reading Lucky Girl. I found myself nodding along, agreeing, sometimes laughing, and often thinking, “Yes, I’ve felt that too.” The book is powerful and inspirational, showing everything Lottie has achieved while navigating grief at such a young age.

I’ll end with one of my favourite quotes from the book, which I think is an important reminder for anyone experiencing loss:

“Just remember that grief makes you feel one way one moment and another the next, so don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself.”