Book Review: Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson  - This Chick Reads
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Book Review: Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson 

Oh boy, do I have a ride of a book to share with you! So, I just finished “Before I Go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson, and let me tell you, it’s one of those psychological thrillers that grips you by the brain and doesn’t let go until the very last page. I picked this up on a whim because, honestly, the premise sounded wild, and I was in the mood for something twisty. Plus, a friend of mine couldn’t stop raving about it. I dove into it one rainy weekend, curled up on my couch with a hot cup of tea. Perfect setting for a book like this, right?

What’s it about?

Imagine waking up every morning not knowing who you are, where you are, or who the person lying next to you is. This is Christine Lucas’s life. Every day, she wakes up with no memory of her past due to a traumatic accident that has left her with a rare form of amnesia. Her husband, Ben, patiently explains their life to her each day, showing her pictures and recounting stories. It’s like “50 First Dates,” but way darker and more intense.

Christine’s world turns upside down when she starts seeing Dr. Nash, a neuropsychologist who encourages her to keep a journal. Hidden from Ben, this journal becomes a lifeline as Christine starts piecing together her fragmented memories. Each entry reveals more about her past and the disturbing reality of her present. Through her journal, Christine discovers she was involved in a car accident, but inconsistencies start to surface. The more she writes and reads, the more she realizes not everything is as it seems. People in her life, including her devoted husband, might not be who they say they are.

As Christine delves deeper, she uncovers secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew. The tension ramps up as she tries to uncover the truth about her past and present before time runs out, and she loses her memory once again.

What This Chick Thinks

Alright, let’s talk about the rollercoaster that is this book. From the get-go, “Before I Go to Sleep” hooked me with its intriguing premise. Amnesia as a plot device can be hit or miss, but Watson nails it. The way Christine’s confusion and fear are portrayed felt incredibly real. I found myself as anxious as she was, flipping pages late into the night because I just had to know what happened next.

Watson’s writing style is straightforward but effective. The journal entries format works well, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy. I felt like I was right there with Christine, living her terror and desperation. There’s this constant, underlying tension—every time Christine wakes up, you brace yourself for the fresh wave of confusion she’s about to experience.

Christine is a well-crafted character. Her vulnerability, frustration, and determination leap off the pages. Some readers might find her repetitive fears and rediscoveries tiring, but I thought they added to the realism. After all, if you woke up every day with no memory, you’d be terrified too. Her resilience is inspiring, and her journey to uncover the truth is both heartbreaking and thrilling.

Now, let’s talk about Ben. Oh boy, is he a complex character. He’s presented as this doting husband, but as Christine’s journal entries reveal more, you start to see cracks in his facade. The tension between what Christine remembers and what Ben tells her is palpable. Watson does a fantastic job of making you question Ben’s motives. Is he really the loving husband he appears to be, or is there something more sinister at play?

Dr. Nash adds another layer to the story. His role as the sympathetic neuropsychologist helps drive the plot forward, but he’s not without his own mysterious aura. The secrecy surrounding his treatment of Christine and his insistence on keeping the journal hidden from Ben adds to the overall suspense.

One of the book’s strengths is its pacing. Watson masterfully builds suspense, dropping hints and red herrings that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had figured things out, a new twist would throw me off balance. The climax is intense and satisfying, tying up the loose ends in a way that left me both shocked and satisfied.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. Some of the plot twists felt a bit far-fetched, and there were moments where I had to suspend my disbelief. The reliance on the amnesia trope might feel repetitive to some, and Christine’s daily rediscoveries can test your patience. But, for me, these were minor hiccups in an otherwise gripping narrative.

Final Thoughts

“Before I Go to Sleep” is a psychological thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense and intrigue. S.J. Watson has crafted a chilling story that explores the fragility of memory and the depths of human deception. Christine’s journey is both harrowing and captivating, making this book hard to put down. While it has its minor flaws, the overall experience is one of breathless anticipation and relentless tension. I’d give it a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

  1. “What Alice Forgot” by Liane Moriarty – If you enjoy stories about memory loss with a mix of mystery and emotional depth.
  2. Before I Wake” by Robert J. Wiersema – Another gripping tale where memory and reality blur, and a character must uncover hidden truths.
  3. “Remember Me” by Sophie Kinsella – For a lighter take on amnesia and rediscovery, with a good mix of humor and heart.

Happy reading, and may your next book be just as thrilling!

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