I got to know about this novel when the movie came out. This is my-kind of movie but somehow I have not watched it yet. Instead, I read the book and books are always better in terms of the story development. You can let your imagination go wild indulging in every word and sentences written. That's why I consider myself a slow reader, taking my time to appreciate the author's work.
The book starts by describing how William Traynor was living his normal busy life and got hit in a road accident outside his apartment. Will, who was a successful man living a full life, became a quadriplegic who was only able to move his head and with limited movement in one arm only. The story is written mainly from Louisa Clark’s point of view. She is a girl living in a small town of England, who became jobless when the cafe she was working in closed down. She has worked as a hairdresser and in a chicken factory before, and it was hard to find another job at the agency without some skill-set. Then, there’s a caretaker job whereby she needs to look after Will, a 35 year old man, taking care of his daily needs and emotional well-being. Nathan, a nurse, would take care of the physical cleaning and medical needs. Mrs Camilia Traynor has given Louisa the offer despite her having no prior experiences with quadriplegic because she seemed like the outspoken kind of person who might cheer Will up.
Initially, Will was very cold towards Lou and she hated her job. She gave him a piece of her mind, saying she that she was just doing her job. Eventually, they started communicating and got more used to each others' sarcastic jokes. When Georgina, Will’s sister, came back from Australia, Lou found out their dark secret. Will will give Camilia 6 months time to change his mind about living. After which, they would have to agree to send him to Switzerland Dignitas for the assisted suicide process because there was no chance of recovery.
Shocked, Lou quit her job. When Camilia came to question her, she found out the reason why and urged her to help Will change his mind. Lou decided to fill her calendars up with various activities that quadriplegics can participate in and even posted her queries and progress in a quadriplegic forum. After the very first outing to watch the horses, Will was very angry and told Lou that that was exactly what he hated, that they did not even bother asking him for his opinion. People just did what they think is good for him. He went to her birthday dinner at her place, and gave her two pairs of yellow and black bumblebee tights, to replicate those which she lost during her childhood. They both got a tattoo each too. As time goes, I guess she fell for him and realized so much inadequacy in her relationship with Patrick. They broke up when Patrick refused to allow her overseas with Will for work purposes to cheer him up.
Lou planned for a big getaway as the deadline was nearing but Will caught Pneumonia which got rather serious. They changed the plan to going Mauritius instead, just sitting by the beach and enjoying the daily beauty. When Lou confessed to Will that she loves him and kissed him, he kissed her back but still, he wanted to go ahead with the assisted suicide. He loves her but it was not enough, he was not him anymore, that man full of life, full of possibilities. He does not want to live his life depending on other people.
As they flew back to England, she headed home without any goodbyes. Till the day before the process starts, Camilia called Lou, begging her to come to Will. Everything was prepared for her leaving and she left, despite strong opposition from her mum Josie. She had to be there for him for the last time and support his decision. By his side, he requested her to tell her something good and she described their story to him. The story ended with how Will’s last letter was read by Lou specifically at Will’s favourite cafe in Paris. He gave her money and wanted her to live her life to the fullest. Go for further studies and better herself. Life is too short to waste it away like this.
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This book touches on a very sensitive topic of assisted suicide. In the process of reading, you can feel the frustration and indignity of Will. While some may argue on the moral issues of taking away a life, it is also important to consider the quality of living and the emotions involved. I feel that there is no 100% right or wrong in every situation and it depends on your perspective.
As Will was a person who has made the most out of his life, he cannot understand how and why Louisa was letting her life slip by. A conversation between them has given me a very much needed reminder. He told Lou that if he were her, he would do things that would push him to his limits. He would do something that taps into his talent and he would go experience life.
Because one day, you might wish you had done all those, he said.
We do not know when is our expiry date, but we can enjoy life better when we make the most out of every single day. I was reading this during another down point in my career and I still have not figured out what I am supposed to do. I felt like Louisa. However, I realized that the answer might take ages to come. Rather than lamenting over my inability to understand myself fully, I decided to take small steps in the present moment to better myself. I will continue to read and who knows, inspiration might just come to me and change my whole life. Learning shall be my new hobby.