Memories are what define us. So what would happen if we lose them all? The pages of S.J Watson’s novel, Before I Go to Sleep, highlight the importance and value of memories. Christine, the unfortunate character, is diagnosed with amnesia due to an “accident”. Ben, who claims to be her husband, dictates that piece of information, along with everything else she knows. Waking up every day with no memory of what happened right before she went to sleep elicited a continuous train of thoughts which drive her to doubt her reality and fear that her history and past have been nothing but a big lie made up by her so-called husband who does not turn out to be true to his identity either. One could only imagine the inner turmoil she goes through, not being able to trust the person she shares a bed with while simultaneously being incapable of remembering anything on her own. Dr. Nash aids her on her journey of discovering the truth and healing by advising her to keep a journal to record the events of each day. She utilizes it as an outlet to her thoughts and emotions; hence, it helps her keep track of her life, hoping that reading it will fill the gaps that have formed in her memory.
The novel is a bestselling psychological thriller that is successful in fulfilling its purpose. It is a pure page-turner which is bound to have your attention from the cover page until the very last one. Every revelation that Christine finds intensifies the reader’s need to find out more. It casts light on the fact that, in spite of the human brain’s complexity and power, it is very fragile, as one event was able to wipe her memories clean as though they never resided in the corners of her head.
No book can be flawless. Many have come close to perfection but none has ever met that high expectation yet. In spite of the suspense that is laced throughout the story’s events and the excitement which it triggers in the reader’s mind, one cannot deny that it was monotonous and slow-paced in some parts. Nevertheless, the monotony and repetition of certain ideas and events is essential to the plot development and accurately drives the story towards its resolution. Christine must discover and meet herself on a daily basis, and for the reader to remain involved in the story, one must accompany her throughout her journey even if it means that the same events and lies must be read repetitively.
S.J Watson chooses simple diction to construct his novel, for it is evident that it is an easy read lacking any flamboyant or archaic language. That does not deem it appropriate for children though, as it is most suitable for young adults. This brilliant novel was recommended to me recently and I urge you all to find yourselves a copy and allow yourselves to indulge in the beautiful, intricate story of the amnesiac Christine. Moreover, due to the creative and entrancing plot, the book was eventually turned into a thrilling movie starring Nicole Kidman as Christine.