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A review by katykelly
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
5.0
I didn't want to like it. I've been steering clear of Moyes' books for a while and only picked this up because I was given a World Book Night copy (I'm never one to turn down a free book!).
Well, judging on its own merits, it's a wonderful read. While I may not read any others by the author, the subject matter and handling of it was beautifully done, moving and captivating.
Anyone reading this review probably already knows the basics of the plot, so only a quick recap: Smart and worldly City-slicker Will had an accident and become a quadriplegic, in pain and desperate to end his suffering. Local girl Lou loses her comfortable cafe job and needs money to support her struggling family. She is pushed into a job as Will's carer and learns of his intentions and determines to try and change his mind.
This really is more than a 'disease of the week' movie (and would actually make a lovely film). The characters are well drawn and easy to picture, hard not to like and identify with, the story draws you in, the relationship developing between Will and Lou sweet and touching. I loved the ending, I have to say, very well crafted and thought out, with a fair bit to think about.
While it does conform to certain stereotypes (crotchety employer gradually mellowing, quirky dresser and ingenue in need of direction) both of these staples have underlying reasons and stories that make them stand out from the crowd and make them more than they seem.
I sat reading this in my (sweltering!) car between work stops, keen to get to the end. It's not the kind of book I usually read but I'm very glad I did read it and glad it was a WBN read.
Well, judging on its own merits, it's a wonderful read. While I may not read any others by the author, the subject matter and handling of it was beautifully done, moving and captivating.
Anyone reading this review probably already knows the basics of the plot, so only a quick recap: Smart and worldly City-slicker Will had an accident and become a quadriplegic, in pain and desperate to end his suffering. Local girl Lou loses her comfortable cafe job and needs money to support her struggling family. She is pushed into a job as Will's carer and learns of his intentions and determines to try and change his mind.
This really is more than a 'disease of the week' movie (and would actually make a lovely film). The characters are well drawn and easy to picture, hard not to like and identify with, the story draws you in, the relationship developing between Will and Lou sweet and touching. I loved the ending, I have to say, very well crafted and thought out, with a fair bit to think about.
While it does conform to certain stereotypes (crotchety employer gradually mellowing, quirky dresser and ingenue in need of direction) both of these staples have underlying reasons and stories that make them stand out from the crowd and make them more than they seem.
I sat reading this in my (sweltering!) car between work stops, keen to get to the end. It's not the kind of book I usually read but I'm very glad I did read it and glad it was a WBN read.