This book really wasn’t what I was expecting. It’s a heart warmer, a heart breaker, and I’m not ashamed to say that it left me in tears.
Louisa Clark is a small town girl, in a desperate search for a job. In a last ditch attempt she interviews with a high flying family, as a carer for their quadriplegic son. With no experience, Lou seems an unlikely choice, but the lady of the house is charmed by her friendly demeanor and chatty nature. But little does Lou know what the job will entail, and how far from her quiet life it will lead her.
Throughout the novel there is a real tugging at your heart strings, it’s emotional and heartfelt. There was some concern about the books potential, as it deals with some controversial issues and opens the floor for debate.
Previous high-flyer and adventurer Will was left paralysed from the neck down, in constant pain and prone to life threatening illness and infection, after a shocking motorbike collision. The book reveals his torment since the accident, as he’s forced to realise that his life will never be the same, never be enough.
As Lou Clark comes tumbling into his life, with her quirky clothing and small town charm, things begin to change for both the characters. You’re torn between their relentless bickering and obvious chemistry. But despite her best efforts Will is battling his conviction that this is not the life he wants, and he would rather have no life at all. As the 6 months decision time he promised his family cascades to a close, the novel reaches a nail biting, choking on tears climax.
The first person narrative is engrossing, and the change of narrators keeps the plot moving in an interesting way. I was however disappointed that Will didn’t become the narrator, echoing his struggle for independence.
Moyes writes beautifully, taking you on a roller coaster of emotion. You’re left considering your own choices in life, and engrossed in the challenging debate over assisted suicide. The shocking subject matter is dealt with in a delicate and sympathetic way. It shows both sides of the coin, and the impact this choice can have. As this is ultimately what this boils down to: a choice, and a person’s right to that choice.