Still Me by Jojo Moyes
I approached the third novel with Lou Clark as the main character with a great deal of anticipation. I have been a huge fan of Jojo Moyes novels even before the staggering success she has enjoyed with Me Before You. And I wasn't disappointed. I feel like Jojo Moyes is a writer going from strength to strength and I loved everything about her latest work.
Still Me opens with Lou Clark arriving in New York ready to start a new adventure. She is confident that she can keep her relationship with paramedic Sam going strong, even though he remains back in England. She is immediately thrown into the world of the super-rich with her job as assistant to Agnes, the much younger wife of businessman Leonard Gopnik. Lou is determined to make the most of this opportunity, although mixing in New York high society at first seems too much of a challenge.
But as Lou becomes confident with the New York high life, other challenges are thrown her way. She finds herself jealous of Sam's new work partner back in the UK, an attractive young woman who seems to like Sam more than just as a work colleague. And then there is the complication of meeting Joshua Ryan who looks so much her lost love from Me Before You. And her employer Agnes proves to be a complicated woman, with secrets that will have a terrible impact on Lou's life in New York and will see her on the brink of losing everything she holds dear.
Still Me is a fabulous read, with brilliant characters and a plot line that is extremely well done. The ending, I have to say, is cliched – but it's so perfect for this book when taking into account the main character, that I can't imagine a better ending. The book, and the final scene, will translate well to the big screen. This is a novel about overcoming heartbreak, healing and finding a new pathway, and it is written with humour and insight. Still Me is a book that will ultimately make you feel a little better about the world, it has a great deal of warmth and heart.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Penguin Random House, RRP $38.00