“Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes is a novel that tugs at your heartstrings from start to finish. This best-seller encapsulates the beauty and pain of love, and the complex reality of making life-altering choices. It is a poignant, unforgettable story that will linger in your heart long after you turn the last page. As heart-wrenching as this book is, it is still so incredibly beautiful. I wish I could go back and read this book for the first time again, this time with a box of tissues ready nearby.
The story follows Louisa Clark a small-town girl with a colorful personality and a wardrobe filled with mismatched clothes. After losing her steady café job, she is forced to take a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy and adventurous man left paralyzed after a tragic accident. Lou soon discovers that her job isn’t just about caretaking, she’s also there to bring some hope into Will’s life, which has been filled with frustration, bitterness, and a sense of defeat since his accident.
The twist? Will has made plans to pursue assisted suicide, feeling that his former life was stripped away by his paralysis. Lou, determined to change his mind, embarks on a mission to show Will that life is still worth living. Together, they explore new experiences and learn more about each other, building an unexpected bond that redefines Lou’s understanding of love and choice. While Lou’s charm and optimism bring light to the novel, it’s Will’s raw emotions that lend it depth. Will is grounded and his refusal to sugarcoat his reality makes for a story that’s as honest as it is heartbreaking.
This book explores themes that are both tender and controversial. The ethics of assisted suicide, autonomy, and the impact of disability on one’s outlook on life are subtly addressed. Moyes handles these subjects delicately and has crafted a story that feels both authentic and respectful of real-life struggles.
If you are looking for a novel that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking; “Me Before You” is a moving choice, reminding readers that life’s value isn’t always about its length but its depth and meaning.
By Leo Sinali Onela Sedara Senarath
