Before I go to sleep by SJ Watson is the talk of the town right now and seeing as I’m a sucker for any hype, I naturally had to see what all the fuss was about. This former healthcare worker’s debut novel was hailed as the must-read book of the summer and I honestly couldn’t agree more. Before I go to Sleep has already been translated into 30 languages and the movie rights have also been bought by Ridley Scott’s production company Scott Free, so Watson has struck gold with this clever and compelling thriller.
The book revolves around Christine, who loses her memory when she goes to sleep. Every morning she wakes up next to a man she doesn’t know but he tells her he is her husband and that she had a car accident almost 20 years ago and as a result she has no short term memory. She begins to keep a journal, writing down what happens to her each day as recommended by her doctor who calls her each morning to remind her of her journal and where it's hidden. Her husband however doesn’t know she’s seeing as doctor because on the first page of the journal she has written that he isn’t to be trusted…
The entire story takes place during the course of one day and she spends about 75% of the novel reading her journal entries, trying to piece together her so called life. This book is a real page turner because you simply have to know what’s going on, it’s that good. Well written, interesting characters and some genuine insight into one woman’s fragile psyche make this novel a joy to read. The story however, is exciting but I couldn’t help thinking that it was the literary love child of Memento and 50 First Dates. Before I go to Sleep is nonetheless my favorite book of the summer so far and I’d highly recommend it if you are looking for an engrossing and thrilling time.
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