Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. WatsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this compelling psychological thriller, S.J. Watson brings us a story about a woman who suffers a tragic accident and is left with brain damage so bad that it leaves her in a comma and with permanent amnesia. Christine Lucas is left with a rare form of amnesia which erases her memories--long and short term memory every time she falls asleep. With the help of her doctor, Dr Nash, a Journal , her best friend, Claire and her husband, Ben, she begins to piece back fragments of her life. Slowly, Christine regains her memory...but hold on to your hat........for it seems that what her husband, Doctor Nash and even her best friend, Claire tells her their stories form a different version of the truth. This Novel, a Debut, Novel by a man who once worked with Amnesia patients in the NHS is a brilliant, page-turner that will leave the reader intrigued and turning the pages. I was hooked since I read the first sentence! The plot has many twists and turns and I was shocked to learn the truth at the end.
Anteograde amnesia isn't new , but is a rare form of amnesia. I've read on the news about a woman who woke up one day and had the shock of her life when she looked in the mirror and discovered that she wasn't fifteen anymore and had a child.
The Novel is told in the first person. I like Watson's style of writing. The narration is mostly in the form of a journal. The reader can't help but feel empathy for Christine as she goes on her journey of re-discovery as she tries unsuccessfully to make sense of her past. The plot is fast-paced and it left me on the edge of my seat. I turned the pages thinking I solved the mystery behind Christine's tragic life, when BAM.............a plot twist..........and the author throws me off track again until the very end! Watson really knows how to keep the reader intrigued.
I was left with a sudden sadness for Christine. Her character sprung to life. Watson has created a well-rounded character whom everyone can empathize with. Memories are what defines us........points of references to base our future on. When our memories go, our lives are chattered. We are like zombies with no sense of direction. I don't know what is worse............having a photographic memory.......remembering every minute details of your life.........reliving every painful memory you've had, projecting those memories on the screen of your mind every single day.............or losing your memory altogether. I guess it's the latter..............loss of memory leaves us with a fragmented mind trying to make sense of ourselves and our world.
In closing, I praise the author for giving us a compelling book. Before I go to Sleep is a hell-of-a psychological thriller. I compared it to the likes of John Grisham and James Patterson. I look forward to reading more of this new Author.
BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP by SJ Watson - UK Trailer from S J Watson on Vimeo.
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