This is the second book in a three-part series by Jojo Moyes, intended to follow ME BEFORE YOU. This one picks up shortly after the death of Will Traynor, with Louisa Clark struggling to overcome her grief. For fuller enjoyment, I DO recommend you read the series in order. Awarded four stars on Goodreads.
Despite the fact that a significant part of the book has to do with the ways people deal with the loss of a loved one, it’s actually quite an enjoyable read. And I attribute that to the humor that Moyes has sprinkled in. Yes, she tackles the crippling side of loss – but she also includes the more irreverent side. And you will likely find yourself chuckling at points.
Louisa is accompanied on her recovery by very fun characters. Her parents, for example, are in the middle of their own relationship issues — with her Mom’s newfound interest in feminism and her Dad’s desire to hold onto traditional gender roles. There’s Lily, a troubled teenager that Louisa comes to feel responsible for. Richard, Louisa’s boss at the pub, who is so annoyingly hyper-critical and wedded to corporate rules that you are certain to recognize him as a type you probably have come across in your own workplace. Plus, there are all the quirky folks that make up Louisa’s grief support group.
I don’t want to spoil any of surprising plot twists, including the ones that set up the third book in this series. But I found this book had a deeply engrossing plot that sensitively explores many of the most basic aspects that make us human — like the longing for love, the fear of loss, and the desire to belong.
You may be interested in my reviews of other Jojo Moyes books:
Toby A. Smith 