I'll admit that I missed the initial hype on this one. I actually didn't even hear about it until it had already been out several weeks and came across Brenna's nod. I found the novel to be a quick, enjoyable read that addressed some tough emotional and political issues.
When young Lou Clark loses her comfortable job as a barista in the cafe of the castle that is her town's largest attraction, she begins a desperate search to find something quickly. Her family, relying on her income to live, are a curious bunch that deem Lou the misfit, a lesser individual than her younger, and smarter, sister.When Lou realizes she doesn't have skills to perform many of the jobs available, she applies to be a caretaker to Will Traynor, a wealthy businessman turned quadriplegic in a motorbike accident. When Will attempts to exercise the only power he believes he has left, Lou must convince him that life is still worth living.
Moyes slowly reveals layers of each character to make the story believable and quite touching. Lou's character, in particular, moved me because she was obviously quite bright, yet so incredibly sheltered. When I grew bothered by her tendency to shrug things off before actually giving them thought, or her avoidance of confrontation despite the nagging in her gut, I understood that Lou wasn't exactly sure who she was, and was struggling with perceptions of herself from those around her. Will, on the other hand, is often caustic in his approach to meeting new people and wears his contempt outwardly. In the end, it's Lou's determination that makes the relationship a success, refusing to give up during Will's worst moments. Moyes provides vivid details of Will's daily life and the routines that allow him to live and breath, and definitely make his impudent actions comprehensible.
For such unassuming cover art, Me Before You really packs a punch. Will, the quintessential adventure man, has realized his worst fears. After the accident, he's left unable to care for himself in any capacity; moreover, he's lost his job, his fiancee, and the will to live. As Will and Lou work to get past the awkward and somewhat rude exchanges that make up their introduction, they eventually grow quite fond of one another. With Will's guidance, Lou recognizes her own potential and realizes there's a whole world waiting for her. However, she also understands that as she finds herself, Will is slowly sinking. Moyes sheds light on highly political issues, like assisted suicide, exhibiting the emotions his own family must face when accepting his fate, as well as the political and social repercussions that accompany the act. The title is a great example of fictional situations that really force readers to put themselves in these situations and contemplate their own decisions.
I highly recommend this title if you're looking for a well-written novel that's sure to stick with you long after you've finished.
I received a copy of this novel from Penguin Group Viking via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone seems to really like this book, but I have to say that the description just isn't grabbing me. Maybe I should take the plunge anyway!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'll admit I wasn't really wowed by the storyline either at first, but I actually did enjoy it. There are definitely bits that are somewhat contrived, but I will say that she really handles this topic pretty well. It was insightful and thought-provoking. I would say give it 20 or so pages and then decide if you want to complete.
DeleteI'm so glad you liked this one! Like you said, it really packs a punch. I have to ask, did you cry?
ReplyDeleteHa! I did not. But I also have to admit that I rarely cry when I read. It's not that I'm some terrible monster with no feelings, I just feel removed because it's fiction. Does that make sense? I definitely cried several times when I first read The History of Love, but that's the only novel I can remember crying while reading. Maybe Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, but can't say for sure. I saw your comments on the crying issue with this one!
DeleteI didn't cry either! A lot of people told me I would, but without mentioning spoilers, I sort of had a feeling what the outcome would be. I usually only cry when I'm caught off guard. And I know what you mean about feeling removed because it's fiction.
DeleteI didn't cry during History of Love, but I bawled when I read The Time Traveler's Wife. Also Zeitoun.
Beth, I love your review! You are spot on with everything you wrote ;) I loved the book (as you know) and definitely agree that it packed a punch. I did not expect to get so emotionally invested in it, but you just can't help it. And I did not see that assisted suicide issue coming at all - actually, I didn't know what to expect, so everything was a pleasant or heartbreaking surprise. It definitely made me consider my own personal position on assisted suicide and it had me thinking about life in general (like how I need to experience it a bit more fully than I do at the moment). I cried so much with this book, that I just know its one I won't be forgetting for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, I will say that this one had so many twists and turns that I was totally thrown off. I really thought the conclusion brought it all together despite how depressing it may have been. I think it took me surprise. I think a lot of people chalk this one up to fluff literature, but it really is quite thought provoking. I definitely questioned what I'd do in this situation and just how difficult life would be.
DeleteI also really enjoyed this one, though I normally never would have picked up a book with such subject matter. I didn't cry, either, but it definitely stayed with me for a while. She tackled those tough issues with grace and ease, and nothing felt forced or fake. It was a great read.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I would never have decided to read this one if I hadn't read reviews from other bloggers. Like I mentioned to Nadia, it's so much more than a love story, or far from the fluff I think people expect it to be, and turned out to be really thought-provoking novel. Life would so incredibly difficult and I think Moyes handled it in a very honest and respectful manner. I definitely didn't cry, but can't say I didn't have a heavy heart at times.
DeleteI liked this one a lot. I only wish I had read it long before the hype. That's one of my weirdo book issues ;) It wasn't fluffy at all, which I appreciated. And yea, I cried. Sniffle sniffle
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. I try to avoid the hype as well. I love getting ARCs so you can get to it before the hype is super crazy. I did just finish Life After Life and I feel like it's already been hyped up despite the fact that it isn't out until April. I'll say, in this case, that it's totally a hype-worthy title!
DeleteI am really looking forward to reading this one - I recently got a copy and it is tempting me from the bookshelf!
ReplyDeleteThis one was a total surprise to me. I probably wouldn't have read it if it wasn't for my in-person book club. I was totally taken with the characters and enjoyed every minute.
ReplyDeleteAnd it made me do the ugly cry.
I've read some good reviews on this one, am not sure if I will pick this one up though.
ReplyDeleteYou're the second person I've read who loved this book so I too am wondering where the hell I've been?! It's on my list now as it looks like the kind of thing I'd enjoy. Thanks for the review!
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