Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles: "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes

1. Love and Relationships:

   • Analyze the central relationship between Louisa "Lou" Clark and Will Traynor. How does their initial dynamic evolve throughout the novel? What challenges do they face as a couple, and how do they navigate them?
   • Discuss the role of secondary relationships, such as Lou's relationship with her family and Will's relationship with his parents, in shaping the characters' lives and decisions.

2. Disability and Identity:

   • Explore the portrayal of disability in the novel, particularly Will's quadriplegia. How does Moyes depict Will's struggles with his disability and his sense of identity? How does society's perception of disability impact Will's experiences?
   • Discuss the ways in which Lou's relationship with Will challenges her preconceived notions about disability and forces her to confront her own biases.

3. The Right to Die:

   • Examine the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding the topic of assisted suicide as portrayed in the novel. How do characters like Will and Lou grapple with the idea of the right to die? What arguments are presented for and against Will's decision to pursue assisted suicide?
   • Discuss the novel's portrayal of autonomy and personal choice in the face of debilitating illness. How do societal norms and legal constraints influence Will's ability to make decisions about his own life?

4. Friendship and Sacrifice:

   • Explore the theme of friendship in the novel, particularly the bond between Lou and Will. How does their friendship evolve over the course of the story, and what sacrifices do they make for each other?
   • Discuss the impact of Lou's presence in Will's life and how their friendship enriches both characters. How does Lou's friendship with Will change her perspective on her own life and ambitions?

5. Change and Personal Growth:

   • Analyze the ways in which the characters, particularly Lou, undergo personal growth and transformation throughout the novel. How does Lou's relationship with Will challenge her to reassess her priorities and pursue her own dreams?
   • Discuss the significance of the title, "Me Before You," and its implications for the characters' journeys of self-discovery and self-fulfillment.

6. The Ending and Resolution:

   • Reflect on the ending of the novel and the resolution of Will's storyline. How does Moyes handle the sensitive subject matter of assisted suicide, and what emotions does the ending evoke in readers?
   • Discuss the novel's exploration of grief, loss, and acceptance in the aftermath of Will's death. How do characters like Lou and Will's family members cope with their grief, and what lessons do they ultimately take away from their experiences?

7. Film Adaptation:

   • If applicable, compare and contrast the novel with its film adaptation. How does the film interpret the themes and characters of the book, and how does it impact the emotional resonance of the story?

Jojo Moyes, born Pauline Sara Jo Moyes on August 4, 1969, is a British author known for her emotionally resonant and bestselling novels. Here's a brief biography of Jojo Moyes:

Early Life and Education: Jojo Moyes was born in London, England, and grew up in London, London and Maidstone, Kent. She attended Royal Holloway, University of London, where she studied English Literature and later pursued a postgraduate journalism degree at City University, London.

Career: Moyes began her career as a journalist, working for various publications, including The Independent newspaper, where she worked as an arts and media correspondent. She later worked for The Sunday Times for ten years, where she became the newspaper's assistant news editor.

In addition to her work in journalism, Moyes has always had a passion for writing fiction. She published her first novel, "Sheltering Rain," in 2002, followed by "Foreign Fruit" in 2003 and "The Peacock Emporium" in 2004. While these early novels received positive reviews, it was Moyes's later works that garnered widespread acclaim and commercial success.

Moyes achieved international success with her novel "Me Before You," published in 2012. The novel tells the story of Louisa Clark, a young woman who becomes a caregiver for a wealthy quadriplegic man named Will Traynor. "Me Before You" became a bestseller and was adapted into a successful film in 2016, starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.

Moyes has since written numerous bestselling novels, including "After You" (2015) and "Still Me" (2018), which continue the story of Louisa Clark. She has also authored standalone novels such as "The Girl You Left Behind" (2012), "The One Plus One" (2014), and "The Giver of Stars" (2019).

Moyes's novels are known for their engaging characters, emotionally charged storytelling, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and personal growth. She has received several awards for her work, including the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Personal Life: Jojo Moyes currently resides in Essex, England, with her husband, journalist Charles Arthur, and their three children. She continues to write and is actively involved in various literary projects and initiatives.

Jojo Moyes's distinctive voice and storytelling style have earned her a loyal readership and critical acclaim worldwide. Through her novels, she explores the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit with depth, empathy, and authenticity.