Me Before You (Movie Tie-In) Book Summary

A Novel

by Jojo Moyes30

TL;DR

Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes, is a poignant romance novel about Louisa Clark, a quirky young woman, and Will Traynor, a paraplegic man, whose unexpected relationship teaches them both about love, life, and the power of choice.

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What is Me Before You (Movie Tie-In) about

Me Before You is a moving love story by Jojo Moyes, featuring Louisa Clark, an ordinary girl with a unique fashion sense, and Will Traynor, a formerly adventurous man now confined to a wheelchair after a tragic accident. Louisa takes on the job of caring for Will and faces his initial bitterness and despondence. As they grow closer, Louisa learns of Will's shocking plan to pursue assisted suicide. Determined to show him that life is still worth living, she embarks on a journey that changes both their lives forever. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the moral complexities of euthanasia.

Me Before You (Movie Tie-In) 7 Key Takeaways

Louisa Clark is hired as Will Traynor's caregiver.

Louisa, a small-town girl with a quirky sense of style, is struggling to find work when she lands a job as a caregiver for Will, who is paralyzed from the neck down after a motorcycle accident.

Will's initial resistance and bitterness.

Will, once a successful and adventurous man, is now embittered by his condition. He initially resents Louisa's efforts to help him, leading to a tense and difficult start to their relationship.

Louisa and Will begin to connect.

As time passes, Louisa's genuine care and quirky charm begin to break down Will's defenses. They start to enjoy each other's company, leading to a deep emotional connection.

Louisa learns of Will's plan to end his life.

Louisa discovers that Will intends to pursue assisted suicide in six months' time, believing that his life no longer has value. This revelation propels her to show him the beauty and potential of life.

Louisa's efforts to change Will's mind.

Determined to change Will's outlook, Louisa plans various activities and adventures to reignite his passion for life. Their bond deepens, and they begin to fall in love.

The climax and Will's decision.

Despite Louisa's efforts and their growing love, Will ultimately decides to go through with his plan. He believes that choosing his own fate is his final act of control.

The aftermath and Louisa's growth.

In the aftermath of Will's death, Louisa is left heartbroken but profoundly changed. She uses the financial gift Will left her to pursue her dreams, carrying forward the lessons and love he gave her.

Me Before You (Movie Tie-In) Best Reviews

  • Kirkus Reviews: 'A heartbreaking novel that captures the complexity of love and the difficult choices we face. Moyes' characters are vividly drawn, making their journey all the more poignant and memorable.'
  • The New York Times: 'Moyes' novel is a thought-provoking, emotional exploration of what it means to live fully and the ethical dilemmas surrounding assisted suicide. A compelling read that will stay with you long after the final page.'

Top Me Before You (Movie Tie-In) Quotes

  • 'You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.'
  • 'I told him I loved him, and he said it wasn't enough.'

Who should read Me Before You (Movie Tie-In)?

Me Before You is perfect for readers who enjoy deeply emotional and thought-provoking romance novels. Fans of stories that tackle complex moral issues, such as euthanasia and the value of life, will find this book particularly compelling. It's also a great read for those who appreciate well-developed characters and heart-wrenching narratives.

About the Author

Jojo Moyes is a British novelist and journalist, best known for her romantic and emotionally charged novels. She has won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award twice, and her works have been translated into numerous languages, reaching readers worldwide. Among her most popular books are Me Before You, its sequels After You and Still Me, and The Giver of Stars.

Me Before You (Movie Tie-In) FAQs

Is Me Before You movie the same as the book?

With the screenplay and original book both written by Jojo Moyes, much of the dialogue and main story beats are intact. However, some small details were omitted to fit the movie's runtime.

Is there a movie based on the book Me Before You?

Yes, Me Before You is a 2016 romantic drama film directed by Thea Sharrock, adapted by Jojo Moyes from her 2012 novel of the same name.

What is the sequel to the book Me Before You?

The sequel to Me Before You is titled After You, which was released on 24 September 2015. A second sequel, Still Me, was published in January 2018.