Before I go to Sleep by J S Watson. Released January 2, 2012 by Black Swan. 384 pages. Amazon Best-sellers Rank: 87 in Books; #4 in Psychological Fiction, #56 in Contemporary Fiction.
“Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love – all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story. Welcome to Christine’s life.”
This is the blurb on the back, along with the details held on Amazon. Not that I would have read the blurb, it is not a genre of book that I read. It was the choice for Septembers Book Club.
I joined the club because I wanted to be able to have a reason to read more, a thing that I love but find little time for, and to discover more books. The first book club I went to, I hadn't actually read the book! And then when I did get to read the book, I fractured my rib and couldn't go! But I read the book.
It was a tough starting, and if it was needing to be read, I would have likely stopped reading – all due to the Prologue. But don’t let that put you off. Oh no! Once you get into the main part of the novel, the meaty part, as you will. The part that delves into the actual memory loss and remembrance. And gets more intriguing with every turn.
The writing style was completely different to anything I had read before, but it is hard to describe the thriller aspect of his work. All I can say is that, by the end, you are left wanting more.
I would, wholeheartedly, recommend this book. And even with knowing the outcome, I will be reading it again. Some will say I am being generous, but I give it a 4.5 out of 5.