Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, Michael Joseph, $29.95
Anyone who has filled the role of a carer — volunteer or paid — will identify with the unique and intensely personal relationship that develops between two opposites in Jojo Moyes’ latest novel.
Working class 26-year-old Lou, and 35-year-old high-flying London toff Will, are thrown together by a motorcycle accident which leaves the extreme sports’ loving lawyer a quadriplegic.
Initially condescending and crotchety to the chatterbox carer who loves chips and cheesecake, Will eventually turns mentor, introducing his protégée to Nancy Mitford, subtitled French films and violin concertos.
With the potential to turn to a slushy climax, Moyes takes the tougher tack and instead steers a disciplined discourse on the right to die.
But don’t be put off, it also abounds with humour — “Don’t let him watch films like The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Major downer!” advises a chat room for spinal injuries as loveable Lou seeks help from support groups to cheer her broken man.
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