If The Spirit Moves You

by Justine Picardie

In September 1997 Justine Picardie's sister, Ruth, died of breast cancer. In this remarkable book, Justine tells the story of life after death - a year in her own life after Ruth's death; and of a search for the afterlife in the age of reason, of scepticism, of science. It tells of the yearning for a voice amongst the silence, and of how we fill the space that appears when someone dies; or how the space fills itself.

"A tender memoir [and] a provocative tour of...psychic labyrinths."
"An extraordinary investigation...an illuminating and uplifting read. It is the authenticity of Picardie's emotional and intellectual quest, and her conclusions about life and love as much as death, that make this book so hopeful and engaging."
"Tackles some of the most important developments in psychic research during the 20th century. The result is a book of great discipline...investigating the limits of what we know about being both dead and alive."
"Poignant, moving, and funny. An honest and searingly emotional account of a journey of the spirit. If you've lost someone close, you will find it deeply comforting."
"Is there life after death? Picardie's life after Ruth's demise, and her luminous memorial to her, virtually proves that there is."

Justine Picardie writes for Vogue and the Daily Telegraph. She is the editor of a collection of stories, Truth or Dare, and the author of the novel Wish I May and the memoirs If the Spirit Moves You and My Mother's Wedding Dress. She lives in London with her husband and two sons.