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A review by victoriarad
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was given an annotated copy of this book by a good friend and so this story already has a special place in my heart <3
This is my first Jojo Moyes book and she did not disappoint. This was an excellent read. I simply loved the way Moyes told the story. The writing style was descriptive (but not overly so), developed these compelling characters who felt so real and honest and complicated, with excellent set pieces and moments that just make your heart soar, all with this overarching feeling of anxiety and looming heartbreak because you just know there's no changing Will's mind. So good. I can see why this book is so celebrated.
That being said, I wasn't head over heels obsessed with it. The writing was pure excellence. But it didn't make me cry like it seems to make everyone else. Maybe it was because I knew what was coming. Honestly the part that really made me shocked and nauseous was learning about Will's previous attempts. Even writing this review that is haunting to me.
What I enjoyed about this was the exploration of a really hard question that there is no good answer to. And we get to explore every character's different point of view on this question by jumping into the mom, the dad, Lou's, and her sister's POVs. All except Will - which is an interesting choice. However I feel like we didn't need his POV because his character was loud and clear from everyone else's. That man was not changing his mind. Heartbreaking. But understandable. So much empathy for this experience. I hated reading it because it made me question what I'd do in that situation. That's good literature. It makes you uncomfortable. It makes you think, ponder, debate. But it's certainly a book I wouldn't want to re-read. Maybe I'll rewatch the movie one day if I need a good emotional punch in the gut.
I really enjoyed seeing Lou's growth. How she changes subtly and gracefully with Will's help. He's pivotal in her story. And that's a good romance. I loved to see how they sweetly changed each other, encouraged each other to be better, stronger, outside of their "relationship." It's about them as individuals instead of just within the couple. That's unique to a romance.
I loved the bumble bee tights moment. That is utter perfection. And I loved seeing the soft moments for Will. So stoic and unemotional all the time. But the way he subtly shows affection is so quiet yet perfectly in character. So good.
Strongly disliked Patrick oh my goodness get outta here running man! And her family was so unkind to her all the time. Louisa is a strong girl through and through.
Can't wait to read another Moyes book. Maybe one with a happier ending? Perhaps?
This is my first Jojo Moyes book and she did not disappoint. This was an excellent read. I simply loved the way Moyes told the story. The writing style was descriptive (but not overly so), developed these compelling characters who felt so real and honest and complicated, with excellent set pieces and moments that just make your heart soar, all with this overarching feeling of anxiety and looming heartbreak because you just know there's no changing Will's mind. So good. I can see why this book is so celebrated.
That being said, I wasn't head over heels obsessed with it. The writing was pure excellence. But it didn't make me cry like it seems to make everyone else. Maybe it was because I knew what was coming. Honestly the part that really made me shocked and nauseous was learning about Will's previous attempts. Even writing this review that is haunting to me.
What I enjoyed about this was the exploration of a really hard question that there is no good answer to. And we get to explore every character's different point of view on this question by jumping into the mom, the dad, Lou's, and her sister's POVs. All except Will - which is an interesting choice. However I feel like we didn't need his POV because his character was loud and clear from everyone else's. That man was not changing his mind. Heartbreaking. But understandable. So much empathy for this experience. I hated reading it because it made me question what I'd do in that situation. That's good literature. It makes you uncomfortable. It makes you think, ponder, debate. But it's certainly a book I wouldn't want to re-read. Maybe I'll rewatch the movie one day if I need a good emotional punch in the gut.
I really enjoyed seeing Lou's growth. How she changes subtly and gracefully with Will's help. He's pivotal in her story. And that's a good romance. I loved to see how they sweetly changed each other, encouraged each other to be better, stronger, outside of their "relationship." It's about them as individuals instead of just within the couple. That's unique to a romance.
I loved the bumble bee tights moment. That is utter perfection. And I loved seeing the soft moments for Will. So stoic and unemotional all the time. But the way he subtly shows affection is so quiet yet perfectly in character. So good.
Strongly disliked Patrick oh my goodness get outta here running man! And her family was so unkind to her all the time. Louisa is a strong girl through and through.
Can't wait to read another Moyes book. Maybe one with a happier ending? Perhaps?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide