Book Review: Jojo Moyes' After You

It’s almost been a year since I read Jojo Moyes’ first book about Louisa Clark, Me Before You, but I finally managed to read the sequel. After You takes place 18 months after the loss of her love, Will. We find Louisa in a bit of a rough spot. She is stuck in a frustrating job at an Irish-themed airport pub, she is distant from her family, doesn’t wear the quirky vintage clothes that made her unique, and she has hardly unpacked anything in her apartment to make herself at home. When she accidentally gets spooked and falls off the roof of her apartment, she lands herself back in her family’s lives as she recovers. At the wish of her family, she also, reluctantly, joins a grief support group. As she gets back into her gloomy life, an unexpected visitor connected to Will surprises her and instantly becomes as big part of her life. While she deals with this abrupt change, she also begins to connect with the paramedic who saved her life. As her life moves forward, new fears arrive, along with new opportunities, all while continuing to deal with life after Will.

When I read the first book, the movie version hadn’t quite come out yet, but reading the sequel, I couldn’t help but image Emilia Clarke (who wonderfully played Louisa in the film) in the role. While I had my ups and downs reading this book, I did find myself still fond of Louisa and her family. The scenes with her mom, dad, and sister were my favorites and I could have done with more of their interactions. There were a few moments I found myself uninterested in where the story was going (all dealing with the unexpected visitor I mentioned), and didn’t think it captured the warm, often humorous, spirit of the first. While the first book was certainly sad, this book gets pretty dark in a few scenes. I did appreciate the journey of grief, and found Louisa’s struggles realistic. As I finished the book, I felt more content and couldn’t help but want to read another book detailing the next chapter in Louisa’s life. Considering where the book does end, there certainly would be an opportunity to explore her more. I just wish this book maybe would have went in that direction in the first place.

Update: I guess the story I wanted may actually be happening!