I have a rule in my house that states: If a book is being made into a movie, you’d better read the book first. I’ve had this rule since my kids were little and if I make the kids follow it, I should probably lead by example. The movie came out last summer and while I didn’t manage to catch it in theatres I still played by the rules and read the book first before watching the movie on-demand.
Me Before You was
an easy read. I don’t mean simplistic in its plot or writing style but rather
it’s a book you won’t want to put down.
It follows the rather crazy life of Lou, a young woman who finds herself
job hunting yet again after her long-time waitressing job comes to an end.
After a series of temporary offerings she stumbles across an ad searching for a
companion for a quadriplegic man. Her quirky personality eventually wins over
her churlish patient, Will who, despite his physical limitations and often
angry demeanor, manages to charm Louisa in his own way. Will’s unexpected plan
however, forces Lou to alter her thoughts regarding her job and eventually her
entire outlook on life.
This might be classified as classic chick-lit but I enjoyed
it anyway. It was heartwarming and
amusing in ways that only British writers can be. It’s also rather sad, which I hadn’t been
expecting. I found myself hoping for a
different ending then what was foreshadowed and sobbing as events unfolded in a
way that although it was expected, it really was the only possible ending. Good thing I had my box of Kleenex
handy.
I’ve always thought that after seeing a movie based on a
book, more often than not, the book is better by far and while this movie was
very enjoyable, with a great cast and captures the essence of the story, the book, in my humble opinion, is better. The author delves into the relationship that
blossoms between Will and Louisa, its roots in employment soon becoming
friendship and then love. She allows us to savour their growing bond, revealing
it slowly and intimately whereas the movie has a time restraint and as a result,
the interactions that lead the characters towards their feelings for each other
seems, at times, abrupt.
I know that Jo Jo Moyes is a rather prolific writer with
many novels in bookstores. If you
haven’t read any of her books yet, this novel would be a great one to start
with and I am very glad I followed the house rule and read the book first. Until
next time…have you read a book today?
Julie
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