Title: Me Before You
Author: Jojo Moyes
First published December 31, 2012
369 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670026609 (ISBN10: 0670026603)
Rating: 4.26
Overview
Experience the heartwarming love story that touched millions of readers in Me Before You, After You, and Still Me. Louisa Clark is leading an unremarkable life, but everything changes when she takes a job caring for Will Traynor, a former master of the universe who’s now confined to a wheelchair. Despite their initial differences, Lou and Will form an unlikely bond.
But when Lou discovers Will’s devastating plans, she embarks on a mission to prove to him that life is still worth living. With wit, charm, and romance, this novel is a must-read for fans of John Green and anyone else who believes in the power of love.
About the Author
Jojo Moyes is a novelist from Britain. She attended Royal Holloway, University of London and was awarded a bursary from The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University.
Afterward, Moyes worked for The Independent for a decade before transitioning to writing novels full time in 2001.
One of Moyes’ novels won the Romantic Novel of the Year award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association in 2004.
Moyes is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.
Editoral Review
“Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes is a heart-wrenching novel that explores the complexities of love, life, and death. Published in 2012, the book quickly became a bestseller, receiving critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and deeply relatable characters.
Jojo Moyes is an English author who has written several bestselling novels, including “The Girl You Left Behind” and “The Giver of Stars.” Her writing style is characterized by its emotive power, evocative language, and vivid imagery. “Me Before You” is no exception, immersing readers into a world that is both familiar and foreign.
The story follows the lives of two very different individuals – Louisa Clark and Will Traynor. Louisa is a quirky, relatable girl who lives in a small English town with her working-class family.
When she loses her job at a local café, she is forced to take on a new role as a caregiver for Will, a wealthy, handsome, and bitter quadriplegic who was paralyzed following a motorcycle accident. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Louisa and Will soon develop a close bond that challenges their preconceived notions about themselves and the world around them.
The novel’s strength lies in its ability to capture the intricacies of human emotions and relationships. We see how Louisa’s sunny disposition and unconventional approach to life slowly begin to break down Will’s walls, revealing the kind-hearted, compassionate man buried beneath.
We also witness the immense pain and frustration that comes with facing a life-changing injury and the internal battles that ensue. Moyes takes a sensitive approach to exploring issues such as disability, euthanasia, and social inequality, using these themes as a means to push the reader to consider their own perspectives and beliefs.
She paints a vivid picture of a society that often overlooks the humanity of those who are different, and the potential harm that can come from such callousness. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find certain aspects of the plot predictable or clichéd, and the resolution of the story may leave some feeling unsatisfied. In addition, while the characters are well-drawn, some may find them to be overly sentimental or unrealistic.
Overall, “Me Before You” is a touching and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. Moyes’ writing is both captivating and engaging, drawing readers into a world filled with unexpected twists and turns.
While not perfect, the book stands as a testament to the power of human connections and the importance of living life to the fullest. For fans of contemporary romance and drama, “Me Before You” is an absolute must-read.
Anyone in search of a poignant and deeply moving story will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this masterpiece of modern literature. The Washington Post highly recommends this novel, giving it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
