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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
This year, after Harper Lee’s much-anticipated work, this novel is probably the most eagerly awaited book of 2015. Like that book, most readers will probably be concerned that the author takes their beloved protagonists in directions they feared. Well - have no fear!
Me Before You was a book that struck a chord with so many readers. I can’t imagine that anyone reading either this review, or the sequel will be doing so with no knowledge of its predecessor (but if so, this review will contain a SERIOUS spoiler).
Moyes states in her introduction that she wrote After You for all those readers who have questioned her since first reading about Will and Louisa – what happened next? It was one of those books that had a definite ending, but also begged the question – what WOULD happen after the end of the story?
It’s now two years on since Will’s assisted suicide. Louisa Clark, his carer, is still grieving terribly for the man she grew to love. She has been unable to move on with her life; is working a dead-end job in a airport theme-bar (with possibly the world’s worst uniform) and living in an empty flat. An accident, requiring paramedics to come to her aid, sees Lou falling back on her family for a time, and giving her a chance to see how Will's death has affected more than just herself. It also leads to a grief support group.
Moyes’ characteristic style brings a sad smile with the eccentric, the loveable and the strange at the Moving On support group. One teenager there strikes a chord with Lou, and when she meets his dad, Sam, she feels the first stirring of connection since Will…
We revisit Lou and her family in After You. It was never going to be an “After the ‘happily ever after’”, it couldn’t possibly be that. But they are all still there, moving on with their lives. Will’s parents have moved on, in very different ways. Lou’s more so, we see her sister and parents two years on, and what change can happen in that time. I didn't find her parents' situation as funny as I think I was meant to, a little stereotypical, but that's just me.
Surprises abound (don't worry - no spoilers!), taking the story in unexpected directions. There’s also some unexpected (and uncharacteristic) excitement and action. This could make an excellent TV series or film.
And Will’s voice is still here, in Lou’s mind. Moyes has created a very moving and realistic grieving woman in Lou: she can’t forget Will at times when you want her to make changes, take opportunities. Her support group is full of characters telling stories that are also very emotional – I wonder if Moyes visited support groups to research this area.
Moyes vacillates between the sad and the amusing, very successfully. Lou finds herself slowly connecting again with the world, though the story does show us that it’s only the individual themselves that can break through the barriers and change their lives – it won’t happen by itself.
I instantly felt calmed when Sam enters the story, I could see that Will has a worthy successor as a potential romantic interest for Lou, and their story has its ups and down (and twists), as only half of the whole plot.
The guilt of being the one left behind, the sorrow at living without a loved one, and the way life continues on regardless and that we must pick up the pieces and carry on is a major theme of the book. That's life after all, as every one of us will one day experience.
You'll relish meeting old cherished faces again, and hopefully feel at home quite quickly with a few new ones.
Moyes has carefully crafted a sequel that should both appeal to her fans and satisfy their thirst for a conclusion for Lou, one that takes its time in getting to a point at which you feel you can leave her to her own devices.
I loved it. The same tone and style, lots of humour and pathos, and a very fitting denouement to Will and Lou's story.
Review of a Netgalley advance copy.
Me Before You was a book that struck a chord with so many readers. I can’t imagine that anyone reading either this review, or the sequel will be doing so with no knowledge of its predecessor (but if so, this review will contain a SERIOUS spoiler).
Moyes states in her introduction that she wrote After You for all those readers who have questioned her since first reading about Will and Louisa – what happened next? It was one of those books that had a definite ending, but also begged the question – what WOULD happen after the end of the story?
It’s now two years on since Will’s assisted suicide. Louisa Clark, his carer, is still grieving terribly for the man she grew to love. She has been unable to move on with her life; is working a dead-end job in a airport theme-bar (with possibly the world’s worst uniform) and living in an empty flat. An accident, requiring paramedics to come to her aid, sees Lou falling back on her family for a time, and giving her a chance to see how Will's death has affected more than just herself. It also leads to a grief support group.
Moyes’ characteristic style brings a sad smile with the eccentric, the loveable and the strange at the Moving On support group. One teenager there strikes a chord with Lou, and when she meets his dad, Sam, she feels the first stirring of connection since Will…
We revisit Lou and her family in After You. It was never going to be an “After the ‘happily ever after’”, it couldn’t possibly be that. But they are all still there, moving on with their lives. Will’s parents have moved on, in very different ways. Lou’s more so, we see her sister and parents two years on, and what change can happen in that time. I didn't find her parents' situation as funny as I think I was meant to, a little stereotypical, but that's just me.
Surprises abound (don't worry - no spoilers!), taking the story in unexpected directions. There’s also some unexpected (and uncharacteristic) excitement and action. This could make an excellent TV series or film.
And Will’s voice is still here, in Lou’s mind. Moyes has created a very moving and realistic grieving woman in Lou: she can’t forget Will at times when you want her to make changes, take opportunities. Her support group is full of characters telling stories that are also very emotional – I wonder if Moyes visited support groups to research this area.
Moyes vacillates between the sad and the amusing, very successfully. Lou finds herself slowly connecting again with the world, though the story does show us that it’s only the individual themselves that can break through the barriers and change their lives – it won’t happen by itself.
I instantly felt calmed when Sam enters the story, I could see that Will has a worthy successor as a potential romantic interest for Lou, and their story has its ups and down (and twists), as only half of the whole plot.
The guilt of being the one left behind, the sorrow at living without a loved one, and the way life continues on regardless and that we must pick up the pieces and carry on is a major theme of the book. That's life after all, as every one of us will one day experience.
You'll relish meeting old cherished faces again, and hopefully feel at home quite quickly with a few new ones.
Moyes has carefully crafted a sequel that should both appeal to her fans and satisfy their thirst for a conclusion for Lou, one that takes its time in getting to a point at which you feel you can leave her to her own devices.
I loved it. The same tone and style, lots of humour and pathos, and a very fitting denouement to Will and Lou's story.
Review of a Netgalley advance copy.
dembury's review
5.0
How does Jojo Moyes do it?? How does she make me cry and laugh within pages of another? How does she make me care so much about each of her characters?
I thought this was such a stupendous sequel to "Me Before You"- I was so excited to see what Louise would be doing next, and how she carried forwards in her new life. Louise's character development continues to be one of my favorite character arcs; I think it might have been stronger in this novel than even "Me Before You".
Also, I'm SO HAPPY that Moyes continued to include such strong family elements and themes in this series. They remain one of the most endearing and entertaining aspects.
Ugh, Moyes is just too good! Loved this.
I thought this was such a stupendous sequel to "Me Before You"- I was so excited to see what Louise would be doing next, and how she carried forwards in her new life. Louise's character development continues to be one of my favorite character arcs; I think it might have been stronger in this novel than even "Me Before You".
Also, I'm SO HAPPY that Moyes continued to include such strong family elements and themes in this series. They remain one of the most endearing and entertaining aspects.
Ugh, Moyes is just too good! Loved this.
ecarohjackson's review
5.0
I loved this book!! After reading Me Before You, I was kind of disappointed with the ending. When I found out that there was a second book, I wasn't ecstatic but kinda wanted to know what happened. the brief description on the cover drew me in. I loved how we were able get to learn more about Louisa. I also loved the surprise twist that developed the story even more. This is a book that I would recommend to everyone (even those who haven't read Me Before You). This book will take you through the highs and lows of someone consumed with grief. Anyone grieving for any reason will find this book relatable so get your tissues ready. I know I needed them. ;)
sarahthereadingaddict's review
5.0
Really amazing book about Louisa finding her feet and potential new love after she loses the love of her life will in the first book! Can't wait to read the others by jo Jo:)
rellimreads's review
2.0
Meh
If you were expecting some closure from the first book, you're not going to get it. I don't demand fairy tale endings, and I really enjoyed Me Before You ~ but this just felt like a mash up of trope. I also felt myself caring less and less about our heroine which was sad after how connected to her MBY made me feel.
If you were expecting some closure from the first book, you're not going to get it. I don't demand fairy tale endings, and I really enjoyed Me Before You ~ but this just felt like a mash up of trope. I also felt myself caring less and less about our heroine which was sad after how connected to her MBY made me feel.
pilitav's review
5.0
Definitivanente extrañe a Will, pero senti una relativa paz al saber que Lou pudo tener un buen final
mlhanlon99's review
2.0
This book was a bit difficult to read because I was disappointed in the character.
jprange4's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
msilkwolfe's review
3.0
I was between 3 and 4 stars for this one. While some things weren't very believable, I do appreciate how the story shows the aftermath of grief. The first book ended on a somewhat happy note with Louisa going off to explore the world, and I liked that this one showed that grief is never straightforward or simple, and how it's a true rollercoaster.
bookswithbeckie's review
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
" Sometimes I felt as if we were all wading around in grief, reluctant to admit to others how far we where waving or drowning "
I really enjoyed this book! This book tells Lou's life without Will. Lou gets to meet someone very special to Will. So emotional
" Sometimes I felt as if we were all wading around in grief, reluctant to admit to others how far we where waving or drowning "
I really enjoyed this book! This book tells Lou's life without Will. Lou gets to meet someone very special to Will. So emotional