I Am A Soldier’s Wife: The Life and Love of Toni Lidder by Geetika Lidder, published in 2025, is a moving real-life memoir that pays tribute to Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh Lidder, a decorated officer of the Indian Army who tragically lost his life in the December 8, 2021, helicopter crash near Coonoor. At its heart, the book I Am A Soldier’s Wife captures a deeply personal love story between Geetika and Toni, brought alive through moments both tender and heartbreaking like one of their last exchanges, where Geetika texted, “I want to go to the Taj with you. Moonlit night,” and Toni lovingly replied, “Yes yes… let us do it first week next year.” Just an hour later, aboard a Mi-17V5 helicopter, his life was cut short at 52 years.
I Am A Soldier’s Wife is more than just a tribute it is a soul-baring account of grief, resilience, and love written by a woman who has lived every moment of military life, both its pride and its pain. Drawing from her own experience as both an army daughter and an officer’s wife, Geetika writes candidly about the silent battles that women in uniformed families endure shifting cities every few years, parenting solo during long field postings, and preparing emotionally for the worst. The book I Am A Soldier’s Wife also brings out the brilliance, integrity, and warm humanity of Brigadier Lidder, a leader who was just about to take command of a division in J&K. Geetika’s narrative is not just a tribute to her late husband but also a testament to the strength and fortitude of army wives who stand resilient in the face of adversity.
Launched by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, the memoir has been lauded for encapsulating the essence of a soldier’s life and the unwavering support of his family. General Dwivedi emphasized that the book reflects the four essential “C’s” of leadership Character, Competence, Conduct, and Commitment qualities exemplified by Brigadier Lidder. As the book unfolds over 24 chapters, it not only shares military milestones but reflects on themes of loss, identity, and unwavering courage. I Am A Soldier’s Wife is a must-read not only for military families but for anyone who wants to understand what true strength and sacrifice look like behind the uniform, in the quiet moments, and in the words of those left behind.
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Availability & Book Details of I Am a Soldier’s Wife
I Am A Soldier’s Wife: The Life and Love of Toni Lidder by Geetika Lidder was published on 5 February 2025 by Roli Books. Written in English, the book spans 224 pages and is available in three formats hardcover at ₹342, paperback at ₹367, and Kindle edition at ₹349. Readers can purchase the book from online platforms such as Amazon India, Flipkart, and the official Roli Books website. The Kindle version is a good choice for those who prefer instant access, easy portability, and the convenience of reading anywhere without waiting for delivery.
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About the Author
Geetika Lidder comes from a proud lineage of the Indian armed forces. Being the daughter of a sapper and the wife of an infantry officer, she has lived a life closely connected to military values and discipline. With strength and grace, she has faced life’s many ups and downs.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer Hardware from Fergusson College, Pune, and completed her MBA from Pune University. Over the past 25 years, Geetika has worked across many sectors including media, hospitality, education, and aviation. Her professional journey includes roles in organisations like Indian Express, ITC Hotels, ICFAI Business School, Avalon Aviation Academy, and GMR.
In 2013, she began her teaching career at The Shri Ram School in Delhi. Later, she taught at the QSI American School in Astana, Kazakhstan for over three years. After returning to India in 2017, she rejoined The Shri Ram School and now serves as the Vice Principal of the Junior School.
Currently living in Delhi with her daughter Aashna, Geetika has also taken on the role of an author with her debut memoir I Am a Soldier’s Wife: The Life and Love of Toni Lidder, published in February 2025. The book delves into their shared experiences, the challenges of military life, and the profound grief following his untimely death in a helicopter crash in December 2021. Through candid reflections and heartfelt narratives, Geetika provides readers with a poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience. The memoir has been lauded for its honesty and emotional depth, resonating with many who have faced similar journeys.
Geetika’s writing is characterized by its simplicity and relatability, aiming to connect with readers on a personal level. She often writes at night, finding solace and inspiration in the quiet hours. Her favorite writing spot is her workstation, though she dreams of penning her thoughts in a serene garden setting. Geetika’s literary influences include “A Princess Remembers” by Maharani Gayatri Devi, which she cites as a significant inspiration for her own storytelling.
Beyond her professional and literary pursuits, Geetika is known for her love of cooking, especially sweets, and her belief in the power of karma and destiny. She finds joy in simple pleasures and values the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. Her memoir stands as a testament to her strength, offering a heartfelt tribute to her husband’s legacy and the enduring spirit of military families.
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Key Themes Explored in Key I Am A Soldier’s Wife
- Love and Loss in Uniformed Life: At the heart of I Am A Soldier’s Wife is a deeply emotional love story that ended too soon. Through powerful memories and personal messages like the plan to visit the Taj Mahal under a moonlit sky, the book captures the beauty of shared dreams and the sorrow of unfulfilled promises. The sudden loss of Brigadier Lidder in the 2021 Coonoor helicopter crash shows how unpredictable military life can be, and how one moment can change everything.
- Grief and Emotional Strength: One of the strongest themes in I Am A Soldier’s Wife is grief. Geetika Lidder opens her heart and shares how no amount of preparation can truly ready a person for the pain of losing a loved one. Her writing captures the silent suffering of army families and how grief has its own path. The book reminds readers that healing takes time, and courage is not the absence of pain but the decision to move forward despite it.
- The Silent Sacrifices of Army Wives: I Am A Soldier’s Wife highlights the often-overlooked sacrifices of army wives. Geetika’s journey shows how women in the fauji world raise children, manage homes, adjust to new postings every few years, and stay emotionally strong while their partners serve on the frontlines. The book reminds us that the bravery of our soldiers is matched by the quiet resilience of their families.
- A Soldier’s Legacy and Leadership: Brigadier L.S. Lidder’s legacy as described in I Am A Soldier’s Wife is not just about medals or ranks it is about service, compassion, and true leadership. He was a brilliant officer who led with a sense of duty, intellect, and heart. His life story in this book is a lesson that leadership is about inspiring others and making a difference not about glory or power.
- Finding Purpose After Tragedy: After her husband’s death, Geetika finds strength not only to survive but also to share her journey in I Am A Soldier’s Wife. Writing this book becomes a form of healing, and a tribute that helps preserve the legacy of a soldier who was deeply loved. Her courage to relive painful memories to help others understand army life is inspiring and honest.
- Memory, Karma, and the Power of Love: A recurring message in I Am A Soldier’s Wife is the spiritual connection between souls. Through reflections on karma, shared lifetimes, and emotional closure, the book touches on how love continues even after death. It reminds us that life is fleeting, and the memories we create are the only treasures that remain forever.
- Balancing Roles: A Fauji Wife’s Silent Strength: In I Am A Soldier’s Wife, Geetika Lidder shows how an educated, independent woman can gracefully manage the many roles she is expected to play. From being a mother and father to her daughter in her husband’s absence to negotiating with her workplace and social circles, she never lets one responsibility overpower the other. The book offers a powerful message being a fauji wife is not about giving up one’s identity but expanding it with dignity, love, and strength.
- A Source of Guidance for Defence Families and Aspirants: More than just a tribute, I Am A Soldier’s Wife is a guide for those who dream of a life in uniform. It speaks openly about the less-discussed emotional challenges grief, long periods of separation, unpredictable loss, and how to mentally prepare for the day when the unthinkable happens. It teaches faujis and their spouses how to manage emotional storms, keep the family grounded, and still uphold the values that service life demands. It is a manual for strength, resilience, and emotional readiness.
Why You Should Read This Book
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I Am a Soldier’s Wife is a heartfelt and powerful story that offers a rare glimpse into the life of an army family, told by someone who has lived it. Written by Geetika Lidder, the wife of late Brigadier L.S. Lidder, the book shares her personal journey of love, strength, loss, and healing after her husband’s tragic death in the 2021 chopper crash. This memoir is not just about grief instead it is about resilience, the quiet courage of a soldier’s spouse, and the reality behind the uniform. With raw emotions and deep honesty, it speaks to every defence family, aspiring soldier, and anyone who wants to understand the life beyond the medals and salutes. A must-read for its emotional depth, inspirational message, and strong reminder of the silent sacrifices made by military families.
Final Thoughts
I Am a Soldier’s Wife is not just a book it is a living testimony of what it means to stand beside a soldier through every challenge and uncertainty. Geetika Lidder’s voice is honest, unfiltered, and courageous, reminding us that behind every decorated uniform lies a family that endures equal battles, often in silence. Her journey captures the raw reality of sudden loss, and the quiet strength required to rebuild life brick by brick. What truly stands out is the way she preserves Brigadier Lidder’s legacy not through grand words, but through moments, memories, and a mother’s calm strength. It teaches us to cherish today, to honour love, and to never take life for granted. This book is a heartfelt invitation to pause, reflect, and deeply respect the emotional strength of military families.
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