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Review

“You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE AND EMOTIONALLY STUNNING.

6 MASSIVE STARS

Every now and then a book comes along that completely knocks you on your ass, forces you to think and feel deeply, and reminds you of why you became a book lover in the first place. For me – this is one of those books. I can honestly say that this is one of the most incredible books I have ever read.

I knew before I started that it would be a heartbreaker, and it took me a while to work myself up to reading it, but I’m so glad that I took the chance. Yes, I feel like a wrecked, shattered shell of a person right now, but Lou and Will’s story absolutely blew me away. I was sucked in from the very first page, and couldn’t put it down.

I’m not going to talk about the story, because you just need to dive in and experience it. I just need to say that I love Lou and Will (and on a side note, they are 26 and 35, so this is not actually the NA book that I was expecting). They are both amazing characters – witty, sarcastic, and both dealing with a shitty hand. From their stilted, awkward beginning, when Lou is hired as a carer/companion to quadriplegic Will, through ups and downs to beautiful, heart-clenching tenderness, every little moment is special. The way they find their way together, the relationship that they develop, and the impact that they have on each other’s lives is life changing and extraordinary, and I adored every moment of their journey together – from the little moments that had me smiling and laughing (carrots, stripy tights, tattoos and dancing) to the absolute heartbreak of their situation.

The writing is beautifully stunning! It’s emotive, but Moyes manages to keep it light, which sounds really strange, but it’s the best way I can think to describe it. I laughed so many times while reading this – the sarcasm and banter, and the way that Lou and Will deal with their situation is just brilliant.

Moyes’ style is poetic but easy to read, and it’s deep and profound without trying to be. And it sets a beautiful mood for the story – which is somewhat controversial, but handled extremely well.

And it’s such a REAL story. The characters are so real – from Lou’s crazy family to Will’s stuffy parents, and of course Lou and Will themselves, I could understand and empathise with everything. I thought the reactions and the direction of the storyline were believable and every little moment was perfect. I actually think this would make a fantastic movie. I could picture everything that happened as if it were right in front of me the entire time I read.

And the emotion! OMG, this book wrecked me. I don’t think a book has ever made me cry so much. My heart literally ached, and I sobbed for long sections of this book, and then finished it off with an ugly crying fit that lasted around half an hour after I was done. I think I may have traumatised my children :\ The feeling that Moyes has put into this story is incredible. I’m tearing up now just thinking about it.

And about the ending…

 I thought it was beautifully done. So, so cleverly written – showing what I needed to see without showing too much. It was perfect.

I’m sitting here writing this with tears still streaming down my face. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

“Live boldly. Push yourself. Don’t settle.”

6 incredible stars.

 

Me Before You Duet