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TL;DR: Louisa Clark, a cheerful young woman from a small English town, takes a job caring for Will Traynor, a wealthy former banker paralyzed in an accident. Will plans to end his life in six months. Lou sets out to show him life is worth living, and they fall in love, but Will's decision tests everything.
Table of Contents
Me Before You at a Glance
| Author | Jojo Moyes |
| First published | 2012 |
| Type | Novel |
| Best for | readers who want an emotional, funny and heartbreaking love story |
Me Before You is a novel by Jojo Moyes, published in 2012. It became a global bestseller and a 2016 film. It is also controversial for its portrayal of disability and assisted dying. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes disability, assisted suicide and sexual assault in a character's past.
Main Characters
- Louisa Clark: A quirky, kind young woman who becomes Will's caregiver.
- Will Traynor: A former adventurer who became quadriplegic.
- Camilla Traynor: Will's mother.
- Nathan: Will's nurse.
- Patrick: Lou's fitness-obsessed boyfriend.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The job
Lou, twenty-six, loses her job at a café. Her family needs money, so she takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, who has been a quadriplegic since being hit by a motorcycle. Will is bitter and sarcastic, and Lou struggles at first.
The secret
Lou overhears that Will has agreed to give his parents six months before traveling to Dignitas, a clinic in Switzerland that offers assisted dying. She plans adventures to change his mind: a horse race, a concert and a birthday dinner.
Falling in love
Will encourages Lou to break out of her small life and take chances. She reveals a traumatic event from her past. As they grow closer, her relationship with Patrick ends.
Mauritius
Lou plans a trip to Mauritius. They share a romantic night and confess their love. But Will tells her that he still wants to die, because he does not want to live a smaller life than the one he had.
The ending
Heartbroken, Lou at first refuses but then joins Will in Switzerland, and he dies with her by his side. Will leaves her money and a letter urging her to “live boldly.” Lou reads it in a café in Paris, beginning her new life.
5 Key Takeaways
- Love can change people.
- Life can be lived boldly.
- Choices about one's body are deeply personal.
- Disability representation matters.
- Grief can begin a new chapter.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- You only get one life. It is actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.
- Push yourself. Don't settle.
- Love does not always mean a happy ending.
Who Should Read Me Before You?
Read Me Before You if you want a moving romance with humor. It suits adults and older teens who are ready for a sad ending.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Me Before You:
- Was Will's choice his to make?
- How does Lou change?
- Why do disability advocates criticize the book?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Me Before You is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Me Before You, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
It depends. Many readers love Lou's warmth and find the story deeply moving. Disability advocates have criticized the book for suggesting that life with a severe disability is not worth living. Reading it with those critiques in mind leads to richer discussion.
Check price of Me Before You on Amazon
What to Read Next
- After You by Jojo Moyes: the sequel
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: love and illness
- One Day by David Nicholls: a love story across years
Related: 15 Books Like Me Before You You’ll Love · The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Me Before You about?
A young woman falls in love with a paralyzed man who wants to end his life.
Does Will die?
Yes, at a clinic in Switzerland.
Is there a sequel?
Yes, After You and Still Me.
Is there a film?
Yes, a 2016 film.
Why is it controversial?
For its portrayal of disability and assisted dying.
What is Will's letter about?
He urges Lou to live boldly and gives her money.
How long is it?
About 370 pages.
Where is it set?
A small English town and Switzerland.
Why does Lou wear bright clothes?
Her quirky outfits, including bumblebee tights, show her playful personality, which first annoys Will and later delights him.
Who is Nathan?
Will's nurse, who handles his medical care and becomes a friend and ally to Lou.
Who are the main characters in Me Before You?
The main characters are Louisa Clark, Will Traynor, Camilla Traynor, Nathan and Patrick. Louisa Clark: A quirky, kind young woman who becomes Will's caregiver. Will Traynor: A former adventurer who became quadriplegic. Camilla Traynor: Will's mother.
Is Me Before You worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want an emotional, funny and heartbreaking love story. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.