Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes, blends a burning ethical dilemma and a highly unlikely love story, kind of a British mash up of Jodi Picoult and Nora Roberts.
Will Traynor is a bitter 35 year old quadraplegic, formerly a corporate raider and worldwide adventurer, now confined to his parents' estate and determined to end his life on his own terms. Louisa Clark is a 26 year old unemployed waitress, cowed by her younger and smarter sister, marking time in a dead end relatoinship, and emotionally crippled from a long buried secret. When Louisa is hired to be Will's daily companion, it's only a matter of time before Will begins to thaw and Louisa begins to assert herself. Well written, fast paced, appealing characters, touches of dry British wit, and loads of heartrending detail on the lives of quadraplegics. Kudos to the author for not giving in to a sappily ever after ending. Gave it the dignity this story deserved.
I have seen the recommended books you put on our Staff Picks, and I think that you would enjoy this one, for the storyline and for its British setting.
Have you read "White Truffles in Winter" by Kelby? It's a fictionalized account of the life and career of the famous chef Escoffier. His turbulent personal life and mercurial career as the top chef in several countries makes for a fast-paced novel. Set in London and Paris with descriptions of high society and historical event this is an interesting and enjoyable novel.
Another author you might enjoy is Margaret Forster. Unfortunately BCPL doesn't own any of her titles but they are available through ILL. I read two recently:
The Seduction of Mrs.Pendlebury and The Unknown Bridesmaid.
I'm recommending these because I know you like Rendell writing as Barbara Vine. In both titles there's the hint of wierdness and tension that borders on the psychopathic. The storylines are fast-paced and keep you turning the pages
Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes, blends a burning ethical dilemma and a highly unlikely love story, kind of a British mash up of Jodi Picoult and Nora Roberts.
ReplyDeleteWill Traynor is a bitter 35 year old quadraplegic, formerly a corporate raider and worldwide adventurer, now confined to his parents' estate and determined to end his life on his own terms. Louisa Clark is a 26 year old unemployed waitress, cowed by her younger and smarter sister, marking time in a dead end relatoinship, and emotionally crippled from a long buried secret. When Louisa is hired to be Will's daily companion, it's only a matter of time before Will begins to thaw and Louisa begins to assert herself. Well written, fast paced, appealing characters, touches of dry British wit, and loads of heartrending detail on the lives of quadraplegics. Kudos to the author for not giving in to a sappily ever after ending. Gave it the dignity this story deserved.
I have seen the recommended books you put on our Staff Picks, and I think that you would enjoy this one, for the storyline and for its British setting.
Have you read "White Truffles in Winter" by Kelby? It's a fictionalized account of the life and career of the famous chef Escoffier. His turbulent personal life and mercurial career as the top chef in several countries makes for a fast-paced novel. Set in London and Paris with descriptions of high society and historical event this is an interesting and enjoyable novel.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marlene
DeleteAnother author you might enjoy is Margaret Forster. Unfortunately BCPL doesn't own any of her titles but they are available through ILL.
ReplyDeleteI read two recently:
The Seduction of Mrs.Pendlebury and The Unknown Bridesmaid.
I'm recommending these because I know you like Rendell writing as Barbara Vine. In both titles there's the hint of wierdness and tension that borders on the psychopathic. The storylines are fast-paced and keep you turning the pages