Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

Louisa is 27 years old, has a boyfriend and still lives at home with her parents, sister and nephew. Her life has no real direction; she has had the same job for years and has not experienced anything of life. She has no ambitions to do so. It’s a simple life and one she feels at ease in. However, all this changes when she loses her job.

Louisa accepts a job as a carer for a young local man Will, who has been in an accident and is now a quadriplegic. He is full of sadness, anger and resentment at the hand that fate has dealt him. He certainly doesn’t want Louisa in his life. Will feels he no longer has any control over his life but is determined to change that in a shocking decision. What he doesn’t reckon on is the impact Louisa will have in her attempts to convince him life is worth living. Louisa herself is in for a shock at how Will begins to change her own life. Both continually fight a losing battle around the influence each has on the other both giving a little of themselves.

This book is a triumph to JoJo Moyes talent. An emotionally raw book that had me sobbing like a baby. Sensitive subjects such as euthanasia, disability and the right to choose life are tackled here. It poses a moral dilemma for the reader and takes you on an emotional roller coaster, leaving you feeling drained but glad you let this book be a part of your life.