Review: Before I Met You - Lisa Jewell

• Publisher: Century (19 July 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-1846059230

The blurb

Having grown up on the quiet island of Guernsey, Betty Dean can't wait to start her new life in London. On a mission to find Clara Pickle - the mysterious beneficiary in her grandmother's will - she arrives in grungy, 1990s Soho, ready for whatever life has to throw at her. Or so she thinks...

In 1920s bohemian London, Arlette - Betty's grandmother - is starting her new life in a time of post-war change. Beautiful and charismatic, Arlette is soon drawn into the hedonistic world of the Bright Young People. But less than two years later, tragedy strikes and she flees back to Guernsey for the rest of her life.

As Betty searches for Clara, she is taken on a journey through Arlette's extraordinary time in London, uncovering a tale of love, loss and heartbreak. Will the secrets of Arlette's past help Betty on her path to happiness?

Betty Dean doesn't know what to expect when she moves to Guernsey with her mother and step-father to care for her step-grandmother.  When she meets the old lady she is unsure of her, but over the years the two become very close and eventually Betty becomes full time carer for her Grandmother.

When the grandmother passes away, Betty is named in the will, but has the task of finding another beneficiary to the will, one Clara Pickle.  The search for Clara brings Betty back to Soho, England.  Who is this mysterious Clara and what is her connection with Betty's grandmother Arlette, who has never visited London?

Betty arrives in Soho ready to begin a new life after spending years caring for Arlette and with very few clues, sets about finding a job, accommodation and Clara Pickles.

I got so caught up in both Betty and Arlette's stories that ran parallel through the novel.  The 1920's is one of my favourite eras to read about and the author captured the period wonderfully. I enjoyed the mystery that Betty had to solve.  I cried at the end of Betty's story and at the end of Arlette's story for different reasons. 

With a beautiful cast and two very emotional and moving storylines, Lisa Jewell has written a gem here.

I have read other novels by Lisa Jewell that are usually more modern and lighter reads but still very enjoyable.  This one has to be my favourite Lisa Jewell to date.

A perfect 10 for me!  I loved it!  

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy.  This did not influence my review in any way.