For Lou Clark, life is passing her by. Still living at home with her parents, having a boyfriend who is more interested in exercise than her and losing her waitressing job, life has to change – doesn’t it? More problems arise when her father is made redundant from his job, forcing her to seek employment as the carer of Will, once a handsome and adventurous man, changed forever after his accident.
The premise of the story is quite bleak – in the first half of the story, we told that Will intends to end his life. However, Moyes does manage to bring some humour and happiness to the story. Lou Clark is a well written character – as a reader, you find her optimism endearing; she is a witty, clever and compassionate character. I was really interested in her story and her relationship with Will.
The story is very emotional – I was in tears towards the last stages of the book. It doesn’t end like a typical chick-lit book, but then again, this isn’t your typical chick-lit book in the first place. The ending of the book sees Lou explore her freedom and embrace life to the full, and this is an effect Will has had on her. Whilst the book doesn’t have the happiest endings it does end of some sort of positive note.
I would recommend this story – it is thoroughly engaging and well written. This has been made into a movie starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Clafin, and there is also a book sequel called After You. For some, the subject matter is too controversial, but read the story before you make up your mind.
Chocolate Digestive Biscuit 