Short Book Review

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Louisa, a 26 year old working class girl is hired as carer for adrenaline freak Will, upper class former captain of industry now rendered a quadriplegic by random accident. She is cheeky, chatty and desperate to raise his spirits and save his soul. He is deeply depressed, suicidal , seeking relief from his prison of a body. Oddly enough, the vast majority of this book is delightful, spiced with dry humor , eccentric characters and downright slapstick as Louisa strives to involve Will in life outside his castle. But darker themes unrelentingly prevail and dominate as the plot moves forward. Louisa's family is absolutely refreshing and original , yet hints of deep dysfunction are embedded in their relationships. Will's family is basically dysfunctional, sunk in upper class stereotype, yet his up-tight mother secretly nurtures the deepest love for and insight into her wounded son. An excellent book club choice, provides endless food for thought, this is one book that many people like to re-read because it's characters and humor delight and its plot and inevitable denoument confound and make them really think about life's gifts, promises and value.