Book Review: Me Before You

4.5/5

Another emotional one. I picked this book up quite by accident at an Oxfam bookshop and realized that I had in fact watched the movie trailer the day before. I really like to read the book before I go and watch the movie and will in fact put off seeing movies until I have read the book which explains why I didn't watch Game of Thrones for so long*. I digress.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes seems to be a simple story between a misunderstood protagonist, Louisa Clark, and an unlucky, grumpy love-interest, Will. But it is so much more than that. Louisa has never left her home town: a little tourist town in England where she is perfectly comfortable and never challenged. That is until she is laid off and take up a position as Will's carer. Will was an enigmatic, powerful City type (americans, read: wall street type) who loved jumping off cliffs and out of airplanes and ironically got mowed down in the street by a taxi, leaving him a quadriplegic.

This story is touching because it isn't forced. It's not a will they, won't they romance. It's a story of people, about being human, and how complicated and messy it all is. Moyes creates a complex world inhabited by these two relatable characters while discussing ambition, love, and the right we have to our own lives.**

Disclaimer: you can read this one at night, but if you are nearing the end make sure you have a) a loved one; b) a cup of tea; c) a half hour to start blankly into space because you will be left contemplating all of the things.

*Although I didn't end up reading that series because it's super long and - to be honest - came with very mixed recommendations, so I jumped right to the series. But that's out of character, I promise!

** I have no idea what "partner ignorantly compulsive" means. Ignore this comment. You don't have to be in a relationship to read this book. Get it together Independent on Sunday!

#UK #london #Bookreview