This was the first book by Lisa Jewell that I have read, but now not the last.
Before I Met You alternates between the story of Betty (1983-1995) and that of Arlette (1919-1921). Arlette is the grandmother of Bettys mothers boyfriend. (Got that?) Arlette lived in London (Soho) in a fascinating period of time the Jazz Age when formerly forbidden behavior was more acceptable. But she left all that and went back to her home on the island of Guernsey. Betty lives on Guernsey and dreams of living in Soho. Perhaps this is why Arlette is so fond of Betty at the beginning of the novel. Arlette dies and lives an inheritance to her son and to Arlette. But she also leaves one to an unknown person, one Clara Pickle or Jones. With the inheritance Betty received she moves to Soho and takes it upon herself to find this Clara Pickle. This is when we learn the fascinating history of Arlette.
Betty strives to do well in the big city, just as Arlette did years before. Betty finds an apartment in Soho and eventually becomes a nanny to the children of a rock star. Arlette had also found a dwelling in Soho and fell in love with a jazz musician. Both women went through similar exciting times and heart-breaking times.
I really didnt know what to expect when I first started reading the book. As I mentioned already, I had never read a Lisa Jewell book. It was long though until I was hooked. I came to really care about the characters of Arlette, Betty, and the objects of their love. Two other characters I was rooting against as they were not worthy of these women. When the novel ended I had to sit a spell and reflect upon their journeys. What a delightful, yet at times, heart-breaking story. Thank you, Lisa Jewell, for this delightful tale.
Before I Met You alternates between the story of Betty (1983-1995) and that of Arlette (1919-1921). Arlette is the grandmother of Bettys mothers boyfriend. (Got that?) Arlette lived in London (Soho) in a fascinating period of time the Jazz Age when formerly forbidden behavior was more acceptable. But she left all that and went back to her home on the island of Guernsey. Betty lives on Guernsey and dreams of living in Soho. Perhaps this is why Arlette is so fond of Betty at the beginning of the novel. Arlette dies and lives an inheritance to her son and to Arlette. But she also leaves one to an unknown person, one Clara Pickle or Jones. With the inheritance Betty received she moves to Soho and takes it upon herself to find this Clara Pickle. This is when we learn the fascinating history of Arlette.
Betty strives to do well in the big city, just as Arlette did years before. Betty finds an apartment in Soho and eventually becomes a nanny to the children of a rock star. Arlette had also found a dwelling in Soho and fell in love with a jazz musician. Both women went through similar exciting times and heart-breaking times.
I really didnt know what to expect when I first started reading the book. As I mentioned already, I had never read a Lisa Jewell book. It was long though until I was hooked. I came to really care about the characters of Arlette, Betty, and the objects of their love. Two other characters I was rooting against as they were not worthy of these women. When the novel ended I had to sit a spell and reflect upon their journeys. What a delightful, yet at times, heart-breaking story. Thank you, Lisa Jewell, for this delightful tale.
Betty narration 1995 and Arlette, Betty's grandmother, narration from 1920. They live on Island of Guernsey but both moved to London during the late teen years. The story is about what happens to them in London during the 90's Britpop era and the 20's Jazz Age. Arlette left an inheritance for her son and Betty but also for a Clara Pickle. But who is Clara? Betty will find out while living in London.
Good, not great. Betty leaves Guernsey after caring for her grandmother to find adventure in Soho. And to find the mysterious person named in her grandmother's will. She meets a pop rock star and becomes the nanny for his children. She spends a night in his bed and he declares he loves her - that seemed a little far fetched! She also meets a very kind man who sells records and they sortof fall for each other. And then there is the hunt for the mystery woman and learning her grandmother's past. Her grandmother's story from 1920's Soho is told in alternating chapters. Both stories were interesting even if parts were a little far fetched. That is why I give this 3 stars. Also the stories were a tad disjointed. And her grandmother's story ultimately sad.
