Me Before You

For the 2016 film based on the book, see Me Before You (film)

Me Before You

File:'Me Before You'.jpg
Author	Jojo Moyes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Genre	Adult novel Realistic fiction
Publication date	5 January 2012 (Penguin Books)
Media type	Print (hardcover, paperback) e-book
Pages	480
ISBN	0-71-815783-4

Me Before You is a romantic novel written by Jojo Moyes. The book was first published on 5 January 2012 in the United Kingdom. A sequel entitled After You was released 29 September 2015 through Pamela Dorman Books.

Plot

Will Traynor was a successful, wealthy man who enjoyed all aspects of his life until being paralyzed in an accident.

Two years later, 26-year-old Louisa Clark loses her job at a local café. Unambitious and with few qualifications, Louisa lives with her working-class family. She is constantly outshone by her younger sister, Treena, an outgoing single mother. Louisa, whose job helped support her family, goes to the Job Centre and is offered a unique employment opportunity: help care for a disabled man. Will's mother Camilla hires Louisa as caretaker for Will, despite her lack of experience. She believes Louisa can brighten his spirits. Louisa notices how falsely everyone behaves in Granta House, the Traynors' castle. For example, Will's father is having an affair and wants to divorce his wife.

Under Louisa's care, Will becomes more communicative and open-minded. Louisa notices Will's scarred wrists and later overhears his mother and sister discussing how he attempted suicide shortly after Camilla refused his request to end his life through Dignitas, an assisted suicide organization. Horrified by his suicide attempt, Camilla promised to honour her son's wish, but only if he agreed to live six more months. Camilla intends to prove that, in time, he will believe his life is worth living.

Louisa conceals knowing about Will and Camilla's agreement. However, she tells Treena and together they devise ways to help convince Will to abandon his death wish. Over the next few weeks, Will loosens up and lets Louisa shave his beard and cut his shaggy hair. Louisa begins taking Will on outings, and although Will is significantly happier, she senses he will not abandon his plan. Louisa becomes overwhelmed and decides she cannot participate in his assisted death. Camilla recognizes the positive effect Louisa has had on Will and persuades her to come back. In a last effort, Louisa tells Will’s family that she wants to take him on a trip. Meanwhile, Louisa's father loses his job, causing more financial difficulties. Fortunately, Mr. Traynor offers Mr. Clark a position.

Will and Louisa have frequent talks. He notices that she has a limited life and few ambitions. Will tries to motivate Louisa to change. She continues seeing her longtime boyfriend, Patrick, though they break up due to her relationship with Will.

With the help of the Internet and Treena, Louisa plans a fun holiday for Will on the island of Mauritius. The night before returning home, Louisa tells Will that she loves him. Will says he wants to tell her something, but she admits that she already knows about his plans with Dignitas. Will says their time together has been special, but that he cannot bear to live in a wheelchair. He will be following through with his plans. Angry and hurt, Louisa storms off and does not speak to him for the remainder of the trip. When they return home, Will's parents are pleasantly surprised to see him in such good physical condition. Louisa, however, resigns as his caretaker, and they understand that Will intends to follow through with his plan.

On the night of Will's flight to Switzerland, Louisa visits him one last time. They agree that the past six months have been the best in their lives. He dies shortly after in the clinic, and it is revealed that he left Louisa a considerable inheritance, meant to continue her education and to fully experience life.

Characters

• Louisa (Lou) Clark – a 26-year-old woman who is creative, talented and funny but underestimates herself and has few ambitions. Her life changes when she begins working as a caretaker for a paralyzed man. Over time, she learns to harness her capabilities and step out of her limited comfort zone.
• William (Will) Traynor – a 35-year-old man who became quadriplegic after a motorbike accident. He is intelligent and wealthy, but his impairment has left him moody, angry, and bitter. Unable to accept never being the active and adventurous man he once was, he wants to end his life.
• Camilla Traynor – Will’s mother who has a strained relationship with her son. She is severe and strict but she cares about her son’s well-being.
• Steven Traynor – Will’s father who was mostly absent from his children’s lives; Camilla Traynor blames him for destroying their family. He wants to divorce Camilla.
• Katrina (Treena) Clark – Louisa’s younger sister who is an unemployed single mother. She has always been regarded as the most intelligent sibling. Even though the sisters have always been competitive, they support each other.
• Patrick – Louisa’s boyfriend who works as a personal trainer. He is obsessed with sports and diet.
• Nathan – Will’s nurse and caretaker who is also his friend.
• Alicia Dewar – Will’s ex-girlfriend who marries his colleague, Rupert. She is beautiful and delicate, but lives her life according to the standards of upper society.
• Georgina Traynor – Will’s sister who does not care much about her brother, concerned only about her life and her accomplishments. Georgina feels that Will’s mishap should not affect her success.
• Rupert Freshwell – An old friend of Will's from work. He is married to Alicia.
• Frank – Louisa's previous employer.
• Thomas – Louisa's young nephew and the son of her sister Katrina, a single mother.

Reception

Reception for Me Before You has been positive and the book was placed on the Richard and Judy Book Club. USA Today and the New York Times both praised the work, with the New York Times reviewer commenting that "When I finished this novel, I didn’t want to review it; I wanted to reread it."

Film adaptation

Main article: Me Before You (film)

In 2014 MGM announced its would make a film adaptation of Me Before You, to be directed by Thea Sharrock. and released via Warner Bros. The film was initially set to release in August 2015 but was pushed back to 3 June 2016.

Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin portray the main characters, and filming began in the spring of 2015.

External links

• Me Before You on Penguin Books site
• Jojo Moyes official website

• Schaap, James C. "Me Before You (Book Review)." Pro Rege 42.1 (2013): pp. 32-33