<P> Me Before You is a romance novel written by Jojo Moyes . The book was first published on 5 January 2012 in the United Kingdom . A sequel titled After You was released 29 September 2015 through Pamela Dorman Books . </P> <P> Twenty - six - year - old Louisa Clark lives with her working - class family . Unambitious and with few qualifications, she feels constantly outshone by her younger sister, Treena, an outgoing single mother . Louisa, who helps support her family, loses her job at a local café when the café closes . She goes to the Job Centre and, after several failed attempts, is offered a unique employment opportunity: help care for Will Traynor, a successful, wealthy, and once - active young man who was paralysed in a motorcycle accident two years earlier . Will's mother, Camilla, hires Louisa despite her lack of experience, believing Louisa can brighten his spirit . Louisa meets Nathan, who cares for Will's medical needs, and Will's father, Steven, a friendly upper - class businessman whose marriage to Camilla is strained . </P> <P> Louisa and Will's relationship starts out rocky due to his bitterness and resentment over being disabled . Things worsen after Will's ex-girlfriend, Alicia, and best friend Rupert reveal that they are getting married . Under Louisa's care, Will gradually becomes more communicative and open - minded as they share experiences together . Louisa notices Will's scarred wrists and later overhears his mother and sister discussing how he attempted suicide shortly after Camilla refused his request to end his life through Dignitas, a Swiss - based assisted suicide organisation . Horrified by his attempt, Camilla promised to honour her son's wish, but only if he agreed to live six more months . Camilla intends to prove that, in time, he will believe his life's worth living . </P> <P> Louisa conceals knowing about Will and Camilla's agreement . However, she tells Treena, and together they devise ways that will help convince Will to abandon his death wish . Over the next few weeks, Will loosens up and lets Louisa shave his beard and cut his shaggy hair . Louisa begins taking Will on outings and the two grow closer . </P>

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