What do you think?
Rate this book
Before You Go
Some people stare love in the face for years before they find it. Zoe and Ed fumbled their way into adulthood, both on different paths - but always in the same direction. Years later, having navigated dead-end jobs and chaotic house shares, romance finally blossoms. Their future together looks set . . .
Then the unthinkable happens.
One morning, on his way to work, Ed is knocked off his bike and dies. Now Zoe must find a way to survive. But she's not ready to let go of the memories. How can she forget all of the happy times, their first kiss, everything they'd built together? Zoe decides she has to tell Ed all the things she never said.
Now it's too late. Or is it?
Then the unthinkable happens.
One morning, on his way to work, Ed is knocked off his bike and dies. Now Zoe must find a way to survive. But she's not ready to let go of the memories. How can she forget all of the happy times, their first kiss, everything they'd built together? Zoe decides she has to tell Ed all the things she never said.
Now it's too late. Or is it?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2017
138 people are currently reading
1922 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
February 9, 2017
Taken from Proof Copy:
Some people stare love in the face for years before they find it. Zoe and Ed fumbled their way into adulthood, both on different paths - but always in the same direction. Years later, having navigated dead-end jobs, and chaotic house share, romance finally blossoms. Their future looks set...
The story starts with Zoe going to Ed's funeral and she is stuck in her grief not able to move on. Guilt over things said and unsaid and the struggles of every day married life have her unable to move on. Then something happens and she is back at the start of her time with Ed, knowing the future but living the past. Finally a chance to change their future. And we get to go along with her on her journey.
I feel Jealous of Zoe (I had a personal issue this week and the chance to go back in time would have been amazing) She got a chance to change herself in dealing with the issues that come up,while also being made aware of people she loved and had not been spending time with But this can only happen in stories. Us humans only get one chance yes we will do well but we will also fail and we need to forgive each other and be gentle on ourselves and support one another through good times and bad.
This is why I gave this 5 stars.
Some people stare love in the face for years before they find it. Zoe and Ed fumbled their way into adulthood, both on different paths - but always in the same direction. Years later, having navigated dead-end jobs, and chaotic house share, romance finally blossoms. Their future looks set...
The story starts with Zoe going to Ed's funeral and she is stuck in her grief not able to move on. Guilt over things said and unsaid and the struggles of every day married life have her unable to move on. Then something happens and she is back at the start of her time with Ed, knowing the future but living the past. Finally a chance to change their future. And we get to go along with her on her journey.
I feel Jealous of Zoe (I had a personal issue this week and the chance to go back in time would have been amazing) She got a chance to change herself in dealing with the issues that come up,while also being made aware of people she loved and had not been spending time with But this can only happen in stories. Us humans only get one chance yes we will do well but we will also fail and we need to forgive each other and be gentle on ourselves and support one another through good times and bad.
This is why I gave this 5 stars.
July 15, 2017
Mais uma óptima estreia! Um romance bom que passa uma mensagem importante, gostei muito. Perfeito para quem gosta do estilo da Jojo Moyes.
(...)
O livro começa pelo fim e o próprio título já revela mais ou menos como acaba e apesar disto tudo, gostei imenso de ler esta obra da estreante Clare Swatman.
Gostei do voltar atrás no tempo e mostrar toda a relação da Zoe e do Ed e como eles chegaram ali, de como se conheceram nos tempos de faculdade, as viagens que fizeram e os problemas matrimoniais. Ao longo de todos estes acontecimentos, Zoe tenta perceber o que tem de fazer para mudar o futuro e o mais interessante no livro é isso, ir vendo as datas passarem até chegar ao dia em que Ed morre e como tudo vai acabar. Será que podemos mesmo mudar o destino?
É um livro romântico, talvez um bocadinho cliché mas que passa várias mensagens sobre relacionamentos, amor e até mesmo sobre a vida. Gostei da escrita da autora, muito contemporânea e fácil de ler, tanto que devorei este livro em 3 dias.
Gostei imenso da Zoe e do Ed, em momento algum me irritaram e gostei como as personagens eram realistas. Por exemplo Zoe quer apostar na carreira e não tem vontade de constituir família tão cedo, ao contrário de Ed que anseia por ter um filho. Este tipo de problemas são comuns em muitos casais, quando os desejos individuais interferem no relacionamento de ambos e gostei muito dessa parte e de como eles tentam resolver os seus problemas.
Opinião completa:https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
(...)
O livro começa pelo fim e o próprio título já revela mais ou menos como acaba e apesar disto tudo, gostei imenso de ler esta obra da estreante Clare Swatman.
Gostei do voltar atrás no tempo e mostrar toda a relação da Zoe e do Ed e como eles chegaram ali, de como se conheceram nos tempos de faculdade, as viagens que fizeram e os problemas matrimoniais. Ao longo de todos estes acontecimentos, Zoe tenta perceber o que tem de fazer para mudar o futuro e o mais interessante no livro é isso, ir vendo as datas passarem até chegar ao dia em que Ed morre e como tudo vai acabar. Será que podemos mesmo mudar o destino?
É um livro romântico, talvez um bocadinho cliché mas que passa várias mensagens sobre relacionamentos, amor e até mesmo sobre a vida. Gostei da escrita da autora, muito contemporânea e fácil de ler, tanto que devorei este livro em 3 dias.
Gostei imenso da Zoe e do Ed, em momento algum me irritaram e gostei como as personagens eram realistas. Por exemplo Zoe quer apostar na carreira e não tem vontade de constituir família tão cedo, ao contrário de Ed que anseia por ter um filho. Este tipo de problemas são comuns em muitos casais, quando os desejos individuais interferem no relacionamento de ambos e gostei muito dessa parte e de como eles tentam resolver os seus problemas.
Opinião completa:https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
February 6, 2017
The story starts with the present and then takes you back to the beginning of Zoe’s relationship with Ed. After reading the prologue, I honestly thought the story would break me. The events of that morning are something that could happen to anyone, at any time, and it really does make you think about the fragility of life and how the guilt of something that is said or even unsaid, could cause so much regret and heartache.
Watching Zoe grieving for Ed, my heart broke for her. If only she could have changed the things she said and the way she behaved that morning. There was so much she needed to say to Ed that she should have said before and she never thought she would get another chance.
This is a wonderful poignant story of love, regret and the difficulties of trying to make relationships work. Zoe and Ed (and indeed most of the supporting characters including her best friend Jane, and families) are all so expertly portrayed, you find yourself drawn into their world of university student flatshares and then later on, into their lives together – the failure to communicate properly what they both want for the future – and do they want the same things, at the same time? They certainly both have some tough times to deal with during their relationship and there are moments when it seems that love is not enough to get them through. “I stare blankly at the details of the waiting room. The pale green walls, the posters offering counselling, help, advice, the rows of green chairs nailed to the floor, as though anyone was going to sneak one under their coat and walk out with it…”
I loved this story. The writing is beautiful and perceptive and I took the characters to my heart, flaws and all. Do put this on your reading lists, you won’t regret it.
Watching Zoe grieving for Ed, my heart broke for her. If only she could have changed the things she said and the way she behaved that morning. There was so much she needed to say to Ed that she should have said before and she never thought she would get another chance.
This is a wonderful poignant story of love, regret and the difficulties of trying to make relationships work. Zoe and Ed (and indeed most of the supporting characters including her best friend Jane, and families) are all so expertly portrayed, you find yourself drawn into their world of university student flatshares and then later on, into their lives together – the failure to communicate properly what they both want for the future – and do they want the same things, at the same time? They certainly both have some tough times to deal with during their relationship and there are moments when it seems that love is not enough to get them through. “I stare blankly at the details of the waiting room. The pale green walls, the posters offering counselling, help, advice, the rows of green chairs nailed to the floor, as though anyone was going to sneak one under their coat and walk out with it…”
I loved this story. The writing is beautiful and perceptive and I took the characters to my heart, flaws and all. Do put this on your reading lists, you won’t regret it.
July 21, 2017
Um livro que me deixou curiosa até ao desfecho final!
Triste, mas tão real...
Mais uma boa estreia.
Triste, mas tão real...
Mais uma boa estreia.
April 24, 2019
Das Buch hat mein Herz gebrochen und es wieder zusammen gefügt. Ich liebe es und ich liebe Ed und Zoe und alles und ich weine omg dieses Buch😭❤️
January 17, 2022
Nuostabi, jautri, šilta meilės istorija, tiks ir patiks visiems kas nori romantikos, bet ne per saldžios!!
Labai knyga priminė mano geriausią mantytą filmą "If only"... knygos galas apskritai išmušė mane ir pravirkau... Manau ši knyga būtų tobula ekranizacijai!! Jei kam patiko knyga, privaloma ir filmą pamatyti su Jenifer Love Hewitt!
P.S iš tiesų, ne viską gyvenime galime pakeisti kardinaliai, bet galime pakeisti - šią dieną, o ji suteiks kiek kitokią ateitį...
10/10!
Labai knyga priminė mano geriausią mantytą filmą "If only"... knygos galas apskritai išmušė mane ir pravirkau... Manau ši knyga būtų tobula ekranizacijai!! Jei kam patiko knyga, privaloma ir filmą pamatyti su Jenifer Love Hewitt!
P.S iš tiesų, ne viską gyvenime galime pakeisti kardinaliai, bet galime pakeisti - šią dieną, o ji suteiks kiek kitokią ateitį...
10/10!
May 3, 2018
This might not be the best book you'll ever read (often it is very clear that the writing is young and that it is done by a debut novelist). Yet, I do recommend this book since it deals with a subject that is incredibly valuable - the fragility of relationships, especially when tragic loss happens.
The book is an emotional roller coaster but in a very relatable way. The author managed to capture the specter of problematics when it comes to degradation of relationship and our inability to fix them before it's too late. It will definitely make you think about leaving the house before an argument is settled, it would make you think about the importance of that "I love you" or a kiss before we leave the house. It will make you want to send a message to that one friend who meant so much to you, but you kinda lost touch at some point. Like I said, these things are incredibly important and we tend to not deal with them until it might be too late and fixing is no longer an option.
The book is an emotional roller coaster but in a very relatable way. The author managed to capture the specter of problematics when it comes to degradation of relationship and our inability to fix them before it's too late. It will definitely make you think about leaving the house before an argument is settled, it would make you think about the importance of that "I love you" or a kiss before we leave the house. It will make you want to send a message to that one friend who meant so much to you, but you kinda lost touch at some point. Like I said, these things are incredibly important and we tend to not deal with them until it might be too late and fixing is no longer an option.
August 17, 2020
Oj koks klaidinantis viršelis. Tikėjausi visai nesudėtingos knygelės, lengvo skaitinio, kad pailsėt nuo visokių nelaimingų meilių ir karų... o gavau knygą apie gedinčią moterėlę ir jos „keliones laiku“ ir bandymus pakeisti praeitį.
Zoe po netikėtos vyro žūties atsibunda praeityje... ir taip vis netikėtomis datomis, tomis dienomis, kurios buvo kažkuo svarbios jos santuokoje. Nenoriu atskleisti daugiau. Bet knygos esmė būtent tokia.
Kas matė filmą "If Only", prisimins, kad siužetas praktiškai analogiškas, tik ne diena kartojosi, o svarbias dienas Zoe gavo progą pakartoti. Buvo skaudu skaityti apie jų nesėkmes ir Zoe naivų tikėjimą, kad gali kažką pakeisti. O juk iš visų knygų ir filmų žinome, kad su laiku negalima žaisti ar jam daryti įtaką.
Žavėjo jų abiejų stiprybė ir pastangos; ne visos santuokos tą atlaikytų, esu tikra. Didelė dalis moterų nuleistų rankas arba pasiaukotų, o vyrai pasipustytų padus... esu garantuota.
Tikėjausi vieno, gavau ką kita. Bet nuo to knyga tikrai netapo prastesnė. Tik jau vertėjai su redaktore duočiau velnių. Ir stipriai. Gaila, nerankiojau perliukų, o tokių, deja, buvo ne vienas ir ne du. Pavyzdžiui, kalba apie Delį, ir staiga atsiduria Peru... ar šiaip visokie neaiškūs, tarsi iš kosmoso nukritę vertimai. Sunku nepastebėti net jei neturi daug bendro su kalbomis, o aš, deja... turiu.
Tokia labai romantiška istorija, atrodytų, lengva, bet man ji paprasta nepasirodė. Privertė susimąstyti apie brangius žmones, ir kaip mes jų nevertiname kol juos turime šalia. Ir mąsčiau ne tik apie tai, bet ir apie visokias smulkmenas, iš kurių ir susideda mūsų gyvenimai. Patiko. Ypač pabaiga. Tikėjausi tam tikrų dalykų, kurie įvyko, bet šiaip autorė puikiai viską susuko, kad buvo ir netikėtų sprendimų.
Susitikime instagrame:
www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
Visas apžvalgas rasite čia:
www.gretabrigita.lt
Zoe po netikėtos vyro žūties atsibunda praeityje... ir taip vis netikėtomis datomis, tomis dienomis, kurios buvo kažkuo svarbios jos santuokoje. Nenoriu atskleisti daugiau. Bet knygos esmė būtent tokia.
Kas matė filmą "If Only", prisimins, kad siužetas praktiškai analogiškas, tik ne diena kartojosi, o svarbias dienas Zoe gavo progą pakartoti. Buvo skaudu skaityti apie jų nesėkmes ir Zoe naivų tikėjimą, kad gali kažką pakeisti. O juk iš visų knygų ir filmų žinome, kad su laiku negalima žaisti ar jam daryti įtaką.
Žavėjo jų abiejų stiprybė ir pastangos; ne visos santuokos tą atlaikytų, esu tikra. Didelė dalis moterų nuleistų rankas arba pasiaukotų, o vyrai pasipustytų padus... esu garantuota.
Tikėjausi vieno, gavau ką kita. Bet nuo to knyga tikrai netapo prastesnė. Tik jau vertėjai su redaktore duočiau velnių. Ir stipriai. Gaila, nerankiojau perliukų, o tokių, deja, buvo ne vienas ir ne du. Pavyzdžiui, kalba apie Delį, ir staiga atsiduria Peru... ar šiaip visokie neaiškūs, tarsi iš kosmoso nukritę vertimai. Sunku nepastebėti net jei neturi daug bendro su kalbomis, o aš, deja... turiu.
Tokia labai romantiška istorija, atrodytų, lengva, bet man ji paprasta nepasirodė. Privertė susimąstyti apie brangius žmones, ir kaip mes jų nevertiname kol juos turime šalia. Ir mąsčiau ne tik apie tai, bet ir apie visokias smulkmenas, iš kurių ir susideda mūsų gyvenimai. Patiko. Ypač pabaiga. Tikėjausi tam tikrų dalykų, kurie įvyko, bet šiaip autorė puikiai viską susuko, kad buvo ir netikėtų sprendimų.
Susitikime instagrame:
www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
Visas apžvalgas rasite čia:
www.gretabrigita.lt
May 29, 2017
16/20
Une chouette histoire que l’on ne peut s’empêcher de lire à toute vitesse. L’héroïne va avoir l’occasion de revivre les moments clés de son histoire d’amour, en espérant changer le cours de son destin. Ce livre évoque des sujets profonds et raconte le couple dans tout son réalisme, avec ses moments difficiles et ses sacrifices qui rendent l’amour encore plus fort.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
Une chouette histoire que l’on ne peut s’empêcher de lire à toute vitesse. L’héroïne va avoir l’occasion de revivre les moments clés de son histoire d’amour, en espérant changer le cours de son destin. Ce livre évoque des sujets profonds et raconte le couple dans tout son réalisme, avec ses moments difficiles et ses sacrifices qui rendent l’amour encore plus fort.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
July 19, 2023
Istorija kupina vilties, meilės, skausmo ir nežinomybės.
Ši knyga puikus priminimas, kad reikia gyveni ne praeitimi, ne ateitimi, o dabartimi - džiaugtis tuo, ką turi, vertinti ir branginti žmones, ķol jie dar čia su mumis. 🩷
Ši knyga puikus priminimas, kad reikia gyveni ne praeitimi, ne ateitimi, o dabartimi - džiaugtis tuo, ką turi, vertinti ir branginti žmones, ķol jie dar čia su mumis. 🩷
August 4, 2020
I didn’t know what to expect from this book and actually even had my doubts. Justifiably, as it turns out. I didn’t like Swatman’s way of writing or telling the story. The meaning or purpose behind whole story was a little blurry. I don’t know what she wants to tell us with it. Neither was I a fan of the main character Zoe: She was quite egoistic and “off” most of time. The on-and-off relationship between her and Ed was always about the same old problems and never seemed to develop. On the contrary.
The only good thing: is was a fast read.
The only good thing: is was a fast read.
May 18, 2017
Зачем мне мужик? Лучше ребенка рожу!
Что у нас стало с романами о любви(
Что у нас стало с романами о любви(
December 17, 2020
Lengvai skaitoma knyga. Pati istorija man patiko, verčianti susimąstyti, kad reikia iš namų išeiti nesusipykus nes nežinai kas gali nutikti važiuojant į darbą...
January 17, 2023
Ok wow! The Book is so nice. I didn’t thought it would be but it was. It’s written really well. The ending is so sad but it Turned out so Sweet.
Defently worth 5 stars
Defently worth 5 stars
February 7, 2022
4⭐ Visų pirma tai sužavėjo viršelis knygos. Antra, pati istorija. Tačiau skaitant pritrūko jautrumo įvykiams, gal per ilgai viskas, gal kažkaip ne taip sukosi vienas po kito įvykiai, kad mane verksnę net dėl smulkmenų vo vos tik sugraudino, bet tikrai ne sugriebė širdies, palyginti kokie įvykiai vyko ir kokios skaudžios temos paliestos. Istorija apie tai, ką pakeistume, jei turėtume galimybę grįžti atgal, ir tai suvoktume. Atrodo kiek daug nereikšmingų rodos dalykų išimtume, kad išvengtume pykčių, nereikalingų kivirčų... Bet ar tikrai įmanoma pakeisti ateitį... Jei tik ši knyga būtų į rankas pakliuvusi prieš skaitant Karma Brown ar Taylor Jankins Reid, tai tikrai būtų jautriau palietusi. Tiesiog dabar kai su jomis palyginu, tai to jautraus rašymo ir pritrūko ☺️
October 11, 2023
Jausminga, graži, ir liūdna meilės istorija. Nematytas siužetas, kuris buvo įdomus. Keičiant savo gyvenimo istorija, ir pergyvenant viską iš naujo, susitaikant su dabartimi. Skaitant vis galvojau, kuo gi tai pasibaigs. Pabaiga jau į galą darėsi nuspėjama, pokalbiai lėkštoki ir tušti.
March 12, 2017
June 2013: Edward Williams, "Ed", Zoe's husband has been hit by a bus and pronounced dead upon impact. On this very day, their last interaction went horribly.
Grieving for two months, she loses her composure, and blacks out on her front porch gardening, only to wake up in 1993, at eighteen years old.
Reliving moments between her and Ed, every night Zoe she goes to sleep, she wakes up in another date significant to their lives in the past. 1993. 1999. 2005. 2007 etc. Each of these days comes with her omniscience on how the rest of their lives will map out and in turn she tries to create subtle shifts to change the trajectory of Ed's life - hopefully not leading to his demise.
I was expecting Ed to be someone charming, and witty. Vulnerable. He meets her in 1993, but they don't start dating until 1999. It's life-like. He was the classic "yo-yo" guy who throws you into heartache. A man who couldn't own up to his feelings, who didn't want to complicate things so in turn never starts a relationship with a woman who could be the one. She watches him proceed to date over the years until he finally chases her. She wasn't pining for him, don't get me wrong, but it just left me a little bereft. There was so much time wasted on trivialities. But that's also what people do. We are too scared to own up to our feelings, and too scared to be happy. Most of the time we live our lives as cynics.
“Yes, Ed. Come on, Zo, you know what I’m talking about. You have a great night together, and then he buggers off and leaves you pining for four months, and still no word. That’s more than irritating. That’s just rude.”
These glimpses into their lives finally come with the cracks. The bitterness. The altercations. His obstinate disregard of marriage as a constitution despite her will to be married to him. Zoe never wanting to be a mother, but Ed desperately needing a family with her. Desperately wanting to be a father.
And here I am, on my way to meet Ed again. As the Tube rattles towards central London my heart thumps wildly, thinking about enjoying a date with Ed again, a date when we still actually like each other.
Before, back in 2013, Ed and I had hardly been friends any more, let alone lovers. We were at breaking point. Life had become less about ‘us’ and more about trying to get pregnant, and in the process, it was as though we’d forgotten who we were.
I felt infinitely sad witnessing their mistakes. Their desire for a child later on in their lives. The failures. The IVF. The resentment. Both of them could have been so much better to one another. I wanted more from Ed. He could have been better to her. It's about compromise. And when they both do, it puts them through the wringer. I wanted a chapter where we could witness the depth of his love like we can see hers.
Although the days haven’t been exactly the same, detail for detail, as they were the first time round, the result has been the same so far. But that doesn’t mean things can’t change. That doesn’t rule out the possibility that, if I keep trying to do things differently, Ed might be OK and we might get the chance to grow old together, just as we’ve promised to do today.
When Ed died the first time it comes with the knowledge that their marriage was in tatters. When he dies the second time, albeit slightly differently (car accident) it's with the gift that Zoe isn't alone. And that perhaps, though Ed is no longer alive, a part of him is finally with her.
But, I think the part of Before You Go which annoyed me most is that, a baby - something he desperately wanted, was a dream he never got to see to fruition or even hear the news of. He deserved to know he was going to be a father, even if he did die. Ed wanted a life with Zoe. It was cruel to the reader. Just...cruel. I mean I would have been happier if he just died a minute after hearing the news on the phone. Ah well, we can't have it all now, can we?
Grieving for two months, she loses her composure, and blacks out on her front porch gardening, only to wake up in 1993, at eighteen years old.
Reliving moments between her and Ed, every night Zoe she goes to sleep, she wakes up in another date significant to their lives in the past. 1993. 1999. 2005. 2007 etc. Each of these days comes with her omniscience on how the rest of their lives will map out and in turn she tries to create subtle shifts to change the trajectory of Ed's life - hopefully not leading to his demise.
I was expecting Ed to be someone charming, and witty. Vulnerable. He meets her in 1993, but they don't start dating until 1999. It's life-like. He was the classic "yo-yo" guy who throws you into heartache. A man who couldn't own up to his feelings, who didn't want to complicate things so in turn never starts a relationship with a woman who could be the one. She watches him proceed to date over the years until he finally chases her. She wasn't pining for him, don't get me wrong, but it just left me a little bereft. There was so much time wasted on trivialities. But that's also what people do. We are too scared to own up to our feelings, and too scared to be happy. Most of the time we live our lives as cynics.
“Yes, Ed. Come on, Zo, you know what I’m talking about. You have a great night together, and then he buggers off and leaves you pining for four months, and still no word. That’s more than irritating. That’s just rude.”
These glimpses into their lives finally come with the cracks. The bitterness. The altercations. His obstinate disregard of marriage as a constitution despite her will to be married to him. Zoe never wanting to be a mother, but Ed desperately needing a family with her. Desperately wanting to be a father.
And here I am, on my way to meet Ed again. As the Tube rattles towards central London my heart thumps wildly, thinking about enjoying a date with Ed again, a date when we still actually like each other.
Before, back in 2013, Ed and I had hardly been friends any more, let alone lovers. We were at breaking point. Life had become less about ‘us’ and more about trying to get pregnant, and in the process, it was as though we’d forgotten who we were.
I felt infinitely sad witnessing their mistakes. Their desire for a child later on in their lives. The failures. The IVF. The resentment. Both of them could have been so much better to one another. I wanted more from Ed. He could have been better to her. It's about compromise. And when they both do, it puts them through the wringer. I wanted a chapter where we could witness the depth of his love like we can see hers.
Although the days haven’t been exactly the same, detail for detail, as they were the first time round, the result has been the same so far. But that doesn’t mean things can’t change. That doesn’t rule out the possibility that, if I keep trying to do things differently, Ed might be OK and we might get the chance to grow old together, just as we’ve promised to do today.
When Ed died the first time it comes with the knowledge that their marriage was in tatters. When he dies the second time, albeit slightly differently (car accident) it's with the gift that Zoe isn't alone. And that perhaps, though Ed is no longer alive, a part of him is finally with her.
But, I think the part of Before You Go which annoyed me most is that, a baby - something he desperately wanted, was a dream he never got to see to fruition or even hear the news of. He deserved to know he was going to be a father, even if he did die. Ed wanted a life with Zoe. It was cruel to the reader. Just...cruel. I mean I would have been happier if he just died a minute after hearing the news on the phone. Ah well, we can't have it all now, can we?
March 1, 2018
Simplesmente maravilhoso
É engraçado que este foi o único livro que comprei mesmo o ano passado. Como não faz parte de uma série, tive algum receio de o ler assim que o comprei, porque assim ficava lido e, caso gostasse muito, ficaria tipo "à deriva", como é habitual sempre que gosto muito de um livro. Ao mesmo tempo, rezava para que não me fosse arrepender de o ter comprado, não fosse a leitura ser rebuscada. Felizmente, consegui o meio termo. Não fiquei desgostosa por o ter lido e ter adorado, nem fiquei arrependida de o ter comprado.
Este livro conta aquelas histórias que é praticamente impossível não gostar. No meu caso, adorei desde o princípio ao fim.
Opinião Completa
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.pt...
É engraçado que este foi o único livro que comprei mesmo o ano passado. Como não faz parte de uma série, tive algum receio de o ler assim que o comprei, porque assim ficava lido e, caso gostasse muito, ficaria tipo "à deriva", como é habitual sempre que gosto muito de um livro. Ao mesmo tempo, rezava para que não me fosse arrepender de o ter comprado, não fosse a leitura ser rebuscada. Felizmente, consegui o meio termo. Não fiquei desgostosa por o ter lido e ter adorado, nem fiquei arrependida de o ter comprado.
Este livro conta aquelas histórias que é praticamente impossível não gostar. No meu caso, adorei desde o princípio ao fim.
Opinião Completa
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.pt...
July 15, 2017
Um 3* que corresponde, concretamente, a 2,5*.
Não é o estilo de livro que leia, ainda por cima com viagens no tempo à mistura, mas algo fez-me despertar curiosidade em lê-lo. Julgo que foi a ideia prévia de que seria algo do género "Romeu e Julieta".
Apesar de passar uma mensagem importante que, julgo, poderia ter sido mais bem trabalhada, são mais os pontos negativos que positivos que detectei nesta obra. Logo de início embirrei com a escrita da autora. Está bem que é uma primeira obra, mas a escrita é demasiado límpida. Pobre, até. Depois, não há página que não tenha erros de revisão. Ao preço que estão os livros penso que tal é imperdoável. Ainda por cima sendo referido o nome da revisora...
Por último, a partir de certa altura, a estória é demasiado previsível. O que a autora poderia era ter explorado mais a parte das técnicas de reprodução medicamente assistida. Até essa parte foi analisada de forma simplória...
Não é o estilo de livro que leia, ainda por cima com viagens no tempo à mistura, mas algo fez-me despertar curiosidade em lê-lo. Julgo que foi a ideia prévia de que seria algo do género "Romeu e Julieta".
Apesar de passar uma mensagem importante que, julgo, poderia ter sido mais bem trabalhada, são mais os pontos negativos que positivos que detectei nesta obra. Logo de início embirrei com a escrita da autora. Está bem que é uma primeira obra, mas a escrita é demasiado límpida. Pobre, até. Depois, não há página que não tenha erros de revisão. Ao preço que estão os livros penso que tal é imperdoável. Ainda por cima sendo referido o nome da revisora...
Por último, a partir de certa altura, a estória é demasiado previsível. O que a autora poderia era ter explorado mais a parte das técnicas de reprodução medicamente assistida. Até essa parte foi analisada de forma simplória...
August 7, 2017
Voor je weggaat van Clare Swatman is een roman over twee geliefden, Ed en Zoe. Wanneer eerstgenoemde komt te overlijden, lijkt het er op dat het boek gaat over het leven van Zoe na de dood van Ed. Niets is minder waar, na het proloog neemt dit verhaal namelijk een onverwachtse wending.
Wanneer Zoe na een klap op haar hoofd wakker wordt, is het niet 2013 (het ‘heden’), maar 1993. Het jaar waarin ze Ed ontmoette. Even lijkt het er op dat Zoe haar man nog één laatste keer te zien krijgt, maar al snel kom je er achter dat ook de rest van het verhaal bestaat uit dagen uit het verleden. Al snel maakt Zoe er een missie van om het dit keer ‘anders’ te doen. Er is ontzettend veel gebeurd in haar relatie met Ed en met deze tweede kans hoopt ze een verschil voor de toekomst (of het ‘heden’, hoe je het maar wilt zien) te kunnen maken. Of dit wel of niet lukt, verklap ik natuurlijk niet. Daarvoor moet je het boek echt zelf gaan lezen. Waar ik wel wat over zal zeggen is de stijl van het boek.
Een boek voor de echte romanticus
Het gegeven van een tweede kans is zeker origineel, maar de uitvoering wat minder. Naar mijn mening is de stijl net iets te zoetsappig. Ik kan de personages daarom weinig serieus nemen. Ieder hoofdstuk wordt afgesloten met een onzekere Zoe die zich afvraagt of dit dan eindelijk echt de laatste keer is dat ze Ed ziet. En elk hoofdstuk begint met de vraag ‘waar word ik wakker?’ of ‘zie ik Ed vandaag weer?’ Voor het overige deel bestaat het boek uit eindeloze liefdesserenades. Elke dag kan immers Zoe’s laatste dag samen met Ed zijn. Ze probeert er dus alles uit te halen wat er in zit. Ze weet precies de juiste dingen te zeggen en te vragen. Iets waar stiekem natuurlijk iedereen naar verlangt. En misschien juist daarom zo frustrerend is.
Persoonlijk vond ik het allemaal net iets te zoet. Er mocht voor mij wel wat meer pit en spanning in. Dat neemt natuurlijk niet weg dat iemand anders dit boek heerlijk kan vinden. Wegdromen kun je zeker. Net als zwijmelen. En veel moeite om het verhaal te volgen hoef je ook niet te doen. Wat dat betreft is dit een perfect boek voor aan het strand. Je bladert het zo weg. Ben je op zoek naar meer spanning of diepgang? Dan is dit geen boek voor jou. Wel wil ik nog even benadrukken hoe mooi ik het einde vond. Hoewel ik me zo nu en dan ergerde aan de zoete schrijfstijl en voorspelbare dialogen, maakten de laatste hoofdstukken veel goed. Het was mooi, lief en ingetogen. Het maakte het verhaal rond. En daar krijgt Swatman zeker bonuspunten voor.
Sterren: 3 van de 5. ★★★
Wanneer Zoe na een klap op haar hoofd wakker wordt, is het niet 2013 (het ‘heden’), maar 1993. Het jaar waarin ze Ed ontmoette. Even lijkt het er op dat Zoe haar man nog één laatste keer te zien krijgt, maar al snel kom je er achter dat ook de rest van het verhaal bestaat uit dagen uit het verleden. Al snel maakt Zoe er een missie van om het dit keer ‘anders’ te doen. Er is ontzettend veel gebeurd in haar relatie met Ed en met deze tweede kans hoopt ze een verschil voor de toekomst (of het ‘heden’, hoe je het maar wilt zien) te kunnen maken. Of dit wel of niet lukt, verklap ik natuurlijk niet. Daarvoor moet je het boek echt zelf gaan lezen. Waar ik wel wat over zal zeggen is de stijl van het boek.
Een boek voor de echte romanticus
Het gegeven van een tweede kans is zeker origineel, maar de uitvoering wat minder. Naar mijn mening is de stijl net iets te zoetsappig. Ik kan de personages daarom weinig serieus nemen. Ieder hoofdstuk wordt afgesloten met een onzekere Zoe die zich afvraagt of dit dan eindelijk echt de laatste keer is dat ze Ed ziet. En elk hoofdstuk begint met de vraag ‘waar word ik wakker?’ of ‘zie ik Ed vandaag weer?’ Voor het overige deel bestaat het boek uit eindeloze liefdesserenades. Elke dag kan immers Zoe’s laatste dag samen met Ed zijn. Ze probeert er dus alles uit te halen wat er in zit. Ze weet precies de juiste dingen te zeggen en te vragen. Iets waar stiekem natuurlijk iedereen naar verlangt. En misschien juist daarom zo frustrerend is.
Persoonlijk vond ik het allemaal net iets te zoet. Er mocht voor mij wel wat meer pit en spanning in. Dat neemt natuurlijk niet weg dat iemand anders dit boek heerlijk kan vinden. Wegdromen kun je zeker. Net als zwijmelen. En veel moeite om het verhaal te volgen hoef je ook niet te doen. Wat dat betreft is dit een perfect boek voor aan het strand. Je bladert het zo weg. Ben je op zoek naar meer spanning of diepgang? Dan is dit geen boek voor jou. Wel wil ik nog even benadrukken hoe mooi ik het einde vond. Hoewel ik me zo nu en dan ergerde aan de zoete schrijfstijl en voorspelbare dialogen, maakten de laatste hoofdstukken veel goed. Het was mooi, lief en ingetogen. Het maakte het verhaal rond. En daar krijgt Swatman zeker bonuspunten voor.
Sterren: 3 van de 5. ★★★
February 15, 2021
Ein sehr trauriges Buch. Innerhalb der ersten Seiten bekommt man mit, das Ed - Zoes Mann - stirbt. Nachdem Zoe ebenfalls einen Unfall hat, durchlebt sie die wichtigsten Tage, die sie mit Ed hatte nochmal und versucht dabei alles, um den schrecklichen Unfall zu verhindern. Bis zum Ende war ich mir absolut unsicher, wie das Ende aussehen wird. Wie es endet spreche ich natürlich nicht an, ich möchte ja niemanden Spoilern. Nur so viel: Ich hab bitterlich geweint... ob auf die positive oder negative Art lasse ich hier einfach mal unkommentiert. Ich habe das Buch vollständig als englisches Hörbuch gehört und kann nur sagen, dass es vor allem auch für Einsteiger sehr gut ist. Man kommt gut mit und versteht alles. Insgesamt gebe ich dem Buch 4 von 5 Sternen ⭐️.
May 9, 2020
Son derece keyifli ve bir o kadar da hüzünlü bir hikayesi ile akıcı bir kitaptı.Klişeler var mıydı,hem de bolca.Ağladım,üzüldüm ama sonundaki minik umut ışığını sevdim.Sonu cidden oldukça ters köşeydi benim için.Kafam dağılsın,akıcı olsun,beni yormasın tarzında bir kitap arayanlara mutlaka öneriyorum.
January 30, 2019
Une romance/ un drame loin des niaiseries creuses que l'on peut lire souvent. C'est très réaliste et bouleversant.
Pour un avis plus complet, une chronique est disponible ici : https://www.mellitdeslivres.fr/blog/q...
Pour un avis plus complet, une chronique est disponible ici : https://www.mellitdeslivres.fr/blog/q...
March 6, 2021
oeh. see oli nii tore raamat.
4.5. idee sellisest lõpust meeldib, aga lõpp ise mitte.
4.5. idee sellisest lõpust meeldib, aga lõpp ise mitte.
March 22, 2022
Väga tore raamat. Ma pole varem lugenud sellist lugu, kus peategelane saab oma mineviku muuta.
July 5, 2019
Ik weet niet goed wat ik er van vond!! Enerzijds vond ik het een lekker geschreven verhaal, anderzijds vond ik het ook wel heel ver gezocht! Doordat het zo makkelijk leest 3*
August 29, 2017
Recensione sul blog: http://laspacciatricedilibri.blogspot...
August 26, 2019
pre warning... personal experiences and so on discussed alongside the book..
I am one for a bit of romance. I have been on many dates and many dates have stood me up, used me in some way or just are not very nice people. This book i finished in one sitting- i could not put it down, i was obsessed. This book gripped me because even though i have never lost a lover in the sense they have died, i have lost lovers in which i truly saw a future with and loved with everything i had.... It was like the book was doing what i do after an argument or after being ignored for periods of time. I often ask myself "what if i said this or did this or made this happen or changed or waited a few minutes". In my life, i have had people use me and leave me over things that i never questioned- until i read this. Why is it that men think us women are mind readers? How am i supposed to know what is going on if men don't speak? It is a two way street, if you are nice then your partner would be nice, seems fairly straight forward doesn't it? In this book they explore what it is like when time passess between lovers and when the "time is not right" constantly, the effects of a relationship and workload whilst living in london, then the effects of marriage on top of that and the things expected with marriage and children and what grief can do to a person. Froj reading the book, i realised that grief and going through a breakup are fairly similar (for me anyway, my partners tend to live miles from me so i don't see them unless i decide to take a holiday there), where you go through the phases of working out how to do the things you loved without them there, how to go to the gym without the odd comment of how good your butt looks in your gym pants, or when you buy new victoria secret to treat yourself and have no one to show the to- they're all fairly similar. Before you go, has inspired me not to take things for granted and hope they'll message me back after being ignored. It has inspired me to do my own thing and live my life to the fullest regardless of what has happened in my life.
People ask me why am i happy i have been ignored for weeks after being friendly with someone and seeing them- I can't make someone like me if they dont like me there's nothing i can do about it apart from just carrying on with my usual daily routine and move on. My life is not going to stand still because a guy decided they wanted nothing to do with me: That is the only thing different about grief and breakups- with grief you're constantly hurting because you knew the person well and you'll never be able to say the things you wanted to say to them whereas in a relationship, you can say what you want to say over and over until you get a restraining order or a response.
I rarely am able to relate to a book so much, but when i love something i give it my everything and it breaks me every time when things come to an end (especially when i feel things are going well and there's no communication). This book spoke to me and i thank the author for expressing what relationships are like and how to prevent regretting what you "should have done or could have done" and how to engage and enhance a relationship. Beautifully written, heartfelt and very relatable.
I am one for a bit of romance. I have been on many dates and many dates have stood me up, used me in some way or just are not very nice people. This book i finished in one sitting- i could not put it down, i was obsessed. This book gripped me because even though i have never lost a lover in the sense they have died, i have lost lovers in which i truly saw a future with and loved with everything i had.... It was like the book was doing what i do after an argument or after being ignored for periods of time. I often ask myself "what if i said this or did this or made this happen or changed or waited a few minutes". In my life, i have had people use me and leave me over things that i never questioned- until i read this. Why is it that men think us women are mind readers? How am i supposed to know what is going on if men don't speak? It is a two way street, if you are nice then your partner would be nice, seems fairly straight forward doesn't it? In this book they explore what it is like when time passess between lovers and when the "time is not right" constantly, the effects of a relationship and workload whilst living in london, then the effects of marriage on top of that and the things expected with marriage and children and what grief can do to a person. Froj reading the book, i realised that grief and going through a breakup are fairly similar (for me anyway, my partners tend to live miles from me so i don't see them unless i decide to take a holiday there), where you go through the phases of working out how to do the things you loved without them there, how to go to the gym without the odd comment of how good your butt looks in your gym pants, or when you buy new victoria secret to treat yourself and have no one to show the to- they're all fairly similar. Before you go, has inspired me not to take things for granted and hope they'll message me back after being ignored. It has inspired me to do my own thing and live my life to the fullest regardless of what has happened in my life.
People ask me why am i happy i have been ignored for weeks after being friendly with someone and seeing them- I can't make someone like me if they dont like me there's nothing i can do about it apart from just carrying on with my usual daily routine and move on. My life is not going to stand still because a guy decided they wanted nothing to do with me: That is the only thing different about grief and breakups- with grief you're constantly hurting because you knew the person well and you'll never be able to say the things you wanted to say to them whereas in a relationship, you can say what you want to say over and over until you get a restraining order or a response.
I rarely am able to relate to a book so much, but when i love something i give it my everything and it breaks me every time when things come to an end (especially when i feel things are going well and there's no communication). This book spoke to me and i thank the author for expressing what relationships are like and how to prevent regretting what you "should have done or could have done" and how to engage and enhance a relationship. Beautifully written, heartfelt and very relatable.
October 21, 2019
Recensione integrale sul blog de
La lettrice controcorrente
- Senza rimpianti -
Chi non vorrebbe poter tornare indietro? Chi non vorrebbe rivivere, anche solo per cinque minuti, un momento con una persona che non c'è più? Ma soprattutto chi non vorrebbe salvare la vita a qualcuno che ama?
Prima che sia domani è un racconto fantasioso ma con tanta, tantissima realtà. Ed e Zoe sono due persone ordinarie ma che sentono di vivere un amore straordinario.
Poi la vita di tutti i giorni, le difficoltà incontrate per formare una famiglia, fa si che i due si allontanino, perdendo di vista le cose importanti della loro vita. Nonostante la voglia di gridare in faccia ai personaggi: "Che combinate? Così rischiate di perdevi!", la verità è che a tutti capita, in alcuni momenti della vita, di non rendersi conto della fortuna che hanno avuto incontrando la persona amata, l'amica fidata, la famiglia desiderata. Sarebbe ipocrita dire che in ogni fase della nostra esistenza diamo giusto il valore alle cose, e alle persone che ci circondano. E' quello che banalmente succede ad Ed e Zoe. Finchè lui non viene coinvolto in un incidente e dà li tutto cambierà. Una folle corsa contro il tempo, una folle corsa contro la logica e il senso comune, porteranno Zoe a riflettere sui suoi comportamenti e a provare a cambiare il corso degli eventi.
Una domanda difficilissima, un viaggio a ritroso e indimenticabile da affrontare insieme a Zoe. Un percorso in cui anche tu lettore, trattieni il fiato e stringi i denti insieme a Zoe, lottando per cambiare un destino che sembra ineluttabile.
Prima che sia domani è...
È un romanzo scorrevole, romantico e nonostante possa sembrare scontato, fa riflettere molto sui comportamenti e sulle relazioni quotidiane. La riflessione è che non sempre possiamo avere una seconda possibilità, non sempre possiamo aspettare quella per risolvere i problemi.Questa recensione è stata pubblicata sul mio blog. Vieni a scoprire le altre recensioni de La lettrice controcorrente
Chi non vorrebbe poter tornare indietro? Chi non vorrebbe rivivere, anche solo per cinque minuti, un momento con una persona che non c'è più? Ma soprattutto chi non vorrebbe salvare la vita a qualcuno che ama?
Prima che sia domani è un racconto fantasioso ma con tanta, tantissima realtà. Ed e Zoe sono due persone ordinarie ma che sentono di vivere un amore straordinario.
La calma in mezzo al caos, il sorriso in mezzo alla tristezza. Sei tutto per me.
Poi la vita di tutti i giorni, le difficoltà incontrate per formare una famiglia, fa si che i due si allontanino, perdendo di vista le cose importanti della loro vita. Nonostante la voglia di gridare in faccia ai personaggi: "Che combinate? Così rischiate di perdevi!", la verità è che a tutti capita, in alcuni momenti della vita, di non rendersi conto della fortuna che hanno avuto incontrando la persona amata, l'amica fidata, la famiglia desiderata. Sarebbe ipocrita dire che in ogni fase della nostra esistenza diamo giusto il valore alle cose, e alle persone che ci circondano. E' quello che banalmente succede ad Ed e Zoe. Finchè lui non viene coinvolto in un incidente e dà li tutto cambierà. Una folle corsa contro il tempo, una folle corsa contro la logica e il senso comune, porteranno Zoe a riflettere sui suoi comportamenti e a provare a cambiare il corso degli eventi.
Cosa si fa quando ci si risveglia nella propria vecchia vita?
Una domanda difficilissima, un viaggio a ritroso e indimenticabile da affrontare insieme a Zoe. Un percorso in cui anche tu lettore, trattieni il fiato e stringi i denti insieme a Zoe, lottando per cambiare un destino che sembra ineluttabile.
Prima che sia domani è...
È un romanzo scorrevole, romantico e nonostante possa sembrare scontato, fa riflettere molto sui comportamenti e sulle relazioni quotidiane. La riflessione è che non sempre possiamo avere una seconda possibilità, non sempre possiamo aspettare quella per risolvere i problemi.Questa recensione è stata pubblicata sul mio blog. Vieni a scoprire le altre recensioni de La lettrice controcorrente
February 9, 2017
Before You Go is an absolute delight. It's the sort of story that comes along every now and again and totally takes over your heart. With characters who ooze charisma, a plot that has a little touch of magic and is deftly plotted this is one of those books that I will be recommending for a long time to come.
The story starts with an ending, with tragedy and sadness as Zoe's husband Ed is killed in an accident on his way to work. Zoe is numb with grief, the reader sees her struggle through the funeral and neglect Ed's beloved garden. Until one day when Zoe's anger comes to a head, she attacks the weeds in the garden, slips and falls ..... and Zoe and Ed's story begins again.
Before You Go is a difficult book to write about. Too much information will give away the plot and to try to explain the timing would spoil any surprises. You will have to take my word for it that at times it is quite magical, and it is often heartbreaking, yet it's also an uplifting story. A story of life and death, and of the people in between, and those left behind.
Clare Swatman is an incredibly talented author, her story is wonderfully imagined, full of characters who are flawed, yet charming and incredibly lifelike. The intricacies of a modern relationship are examined closely, those little nuances and those huge events, the ones that can make or break a love affair. Zoe's feelings of utter helplessness, regret and determination to right her wrongs are brilliantly portrayed, and the reader begins to long for an alternative ending, just as much as Zoe does.
Before You Go is moving, thought provoking and beautifully observed. With themes of love, marriage, grief and memory that comes highly recommended from me.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
The story starts with an ending, with tragedy and sadness as Zoe's husband Ed is killed in an accident on his way to work. Zoe is numb with grief, the reader sees her struggle through the funeral and neglect Ed's beloved garden. Until one day when Zoe's anger comes to a head, she attacks the weeds in the garden, slips and falls ..... and Zoe and Ed's story begins again.
Before You Go is a difficult book to write about. Too much information will give away the plot and to try to explain the timing would spoil any surprises. You will have to take my word for it that at times it is quite magical, and it is often heartbreaking, yet it's also an uplifting story. A story of life and death, and of the people in between, and those left behind.
Clare Swatman is an incredibly talented author, her story is wonderfully imagined, full of characters who are flawed, yet charming and incredibly lifelike. The intricacies of a modern relationship are examined closely, those little nuances and those huge events, the ones that can make or break a love affair. Zoe's feelings of utter helplessness, regret and determination to right her wrongs are brilliantly portrayed, and the reader begins to long for an alternative ending, just as much as Zoe does.
Before You Go is moving, thought provoking and beautifully observed. With themes of love, marriage, grief and memory that comes highly recommended from me.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews