Book Title: Me Before You
Author: Jojo Moyes
Series: Me Before You #1
Publication Date: December 31, 2012
Length: 369 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
*** My Review***
“Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that explores the relationship between two people from completely different worlds. The story follows Louisa Clark, a young woman from a small town in England who loses her job and takes on a new job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a quadriplegic man who was once a successful and adventurous businessman.
The plotting and character development in “Me Before You” were expertly crafted and are major strengths of the book. The plot follows a gradual progression as Louisa Clark takes on a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, who has been left quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident.
Initially, Will is grumpy and dismissive of Louisa, but as they spend more time together, they develop a deep and meaningful connection that transforms both of their lives. Moyes skillfully balances the story’s different plot threads, which include Louisa’s personal life, her interactions with Will and his family, and Will’s decision to end his life.
Throughout the book, Moyes expertly develops her characters, making them feel relatable and authentic. Moyes’ well-crafted characters, with their complexities and flaws, bring the story to life, making it impossible not to become invested in their journey. From the funny and witty banter between Louisa Clark and Will Traynor, to the heartwarming moments of human connection, to the gut-wrenching sadness of loss, the book takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Louisa Clark is a dynamic protagonist who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. Initially, she is content with her ordinary life, but her experiences with Will challenge her to confront her own limitations and push herself beyond her comfort zone.
Will Traynor, too, is a complex character who is struggling with the aftermath of his accident and the limitations that his new disability has imposed upon him. Moyes handles his story with sensitivity and grace, never reducing him to a mere plot device or a stereotype. Instead, she portrays his struggles and desires with nuance and empathy, making him a compelling and fully realized character.
The supporting characters in “Me Before You” are equally well-developed and play an important role in the story. Will’s family, in particular, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, as they struggle to come to terms with his decision to end his life. Moyes portrays their conflicting emotions and perspectives with sensitivity and compassion, making them feel like real people with real struggles.
Jojo Moyes’ literary masterpiece, “Me Before You,” is a true testament to her exceptional storytelling prowess. The depth and intricacy with which she portrays the daily life of a quadriplegic is nothing short of remarkable. With sensitivity and grace, she navigates a controversial and emotionally charged subject like euthanasia, leaving readers with a profound sense of understanding and empathy.
Throughout the novel, Moyes skillfully explores the themes of love, loss, and the value of life. She doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions surrounding Will’s decision to end his life, but instead presents them in a compassionate and thought-provoking way. The reader is forced to confront their own beliefs about assisted suicide and what it means to have a life worth living.
One of the great strengths of “Me Before You” is its masterful tone, which seamlessly blends humor, hope, and tragedy. Despite the serious subject matter of quadriplegia and assisted suicide, Moyes manages to infuse the story with humor and wit, creating a warm and engaging reading experience.
Louisa’s irreverent sense of humor is a significant part of the book’s tone, and her quips and banter with Will and the other characters provide many moments of levity. At the same time, Moyes doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of Will’s condition, and she portrays his struggles and frustrations with sensitivity and nuance.
The book’s tone also reflects its underlying themes of hope and transformation. As Louisa and Will’s relationship deepens, they begin to inspire and challenge each other, pushing past their own limitations and discovering new possibilities. Moyes portrays this journey with a sense of optimism and possibility, even as the story moves towards its tragic conclusion.
One of the strengths of “Me Before You” is Moyes’ ability to balance the serious subject matter with humor and warmth. There are plenty of funny moments in the book, particularly in the interactions between Louisa and Will, which helps to lighten the mood and make the story more enjoyable to read.
While “Me Before You” is a beloved and widely acclaimed novel, it is not without its detractors. One of the main criticisms of the book is its portrayal of disability and the ethics of assisted suicide.
Some disability rights advocates have argued that the book perpetuates harmful stereotypes about disability, portraying quadriplegia as a fate worse than death and suggesting that people with disabilities are a burden on their families and society. They also argue that the book’s depiction of assisted suicide is overly simplistic and fails to grapple with the complex ethical and moral issues surrounding the topic.
Another criticism of the book is its lack of diversity. The story is set in a small English town and features primarily white, able-bodied characters. Some readers have criticized the book for failing to engage with issues of race, class, and disability in a meaningful way.
Finally, some readers have taken issue with the book’s ending, which they feel is overly simplistic and overly reliant on a “happily ever after” trope. They argue that the book’s resolution is unrealistic and fails to grapple with the difficult and complex issues at the heart of the story.
While these criticisms are valid and important to consider, they do not diminish the many strengths of “Me Before You,” including its well-crafted characters, expert plotting, and nuanced portrayal of complex emotions and relationships. As with any work of literature, readers must engage with the book critically and consider its strengths and weaknesses in their own reading and interpretation.
Overall, “Me Before You” is a touching and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it. Moyes’ writing is engaging and emotive, and her characters are unforgettable. This is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about what it means to live a full and meaningful life. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary fiction and romance.