Wow this is a dynamite novel. So well done, so heartfelt, the characters so believable I thought they were real. It was sad to leave them behind at the end. So far I think “Me Before You” is my favorite read of 2013; does that make me a lightweight? I hope not. After all, British author Jojo Moyes is definitely more than a romance writer by now if ever she was categorized as only that.
This was my first Moyes read so I’m definitely behind the curve as I know she’s popular for quite a few other novels. I had heard such great things about her and this book that I had to snap it up. It was a pick for my book club, too, and I was glad it didn’t disappoint.
Most know by now, “Me Before You” is about a 35-year-old former male business executive in England who suffers an accident and becomes confined to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. Twenty-seven year-old Louisa Clark becomes his caretaker though she has no experience working with disabled people. She’s not wealthy like he is, and they are at odds at the beginning, he is very embittered and she’s quite new to the situation. But after months they finally start to warm to each other and begin to broaden each other’s horizons. About then Louisa secretly finds out Will’s set a six-month deadline to go through with an assisted suicide. So she begins to plan adventures to take him on that hopefully will change his mind. Both meanwhile find themselves falling for the other. Will he go through with the suicide or won’t he? That is the question.
The issues behind the book seem quite topical and well researched by Moyes. You really feel a perspective of what disabled people go through and what they face on a daily basis. Despite the grim subject matter, the novel is quite uplifting and didn’t seem overly sentimental; the character of Louisa is upbeat and endearing, funny at times, and the families of Will and Louisa play interesting supporting roles. Moreover, the love story of these two from different worlds sweeps one away. I felt for both of them, and thought the ending worked okay though others might disagree.
If you read this one, let me know what you think. And if you didnt, check it out!
I enjoyed it a lot and liked the characters who I felt were realistic. Just sad about the ending, that’s all 🙁
Yeah not too easy an ending. Thanks Harvee
I’ve never read this author either and keep seeing her pop up on the blogs I read. I think she’s going to go on my TBR list.
Yeah try her out Amy. I think I found out about her from blogs too
I loved this novel, and it never ceases to thrill me to find that others have enjoyed it just as much. This was my fit Moyes as well. I plan on reading her latest sometime soon, and then checking out the rest of her backlist.
Yeah I agree Nicole. I want to read more of Moyes’s books in the future
So glad you loved this story – one of my favorites of the year so far.
Cool Brooke. Great that you liked it too.