'Before I Saw You' by Emily Houghton

 

'Before I Saw You' front cover (Goodreads)

'Before I Saw You' by Emily Houghton - ARC Review

*There are no spoilers in this review!*

A huge thank you to Net Galley and Random House UK for letting me be lucky enough to be able to read an ARC of this book and review it for my blog!

Description:

Alfie Mack has been in hospital for months recovering from an accident. A new face on the ward is about exciting as life gets for him right now, so when someone moves into the bed next to him he's eager to make friends. But it quickly becomes clear that seeing his neighbour's face won't happen any time soon.

Alice Gunnersley has been badly burned and can't even look at herself yet, let alone allow anyone else to see her. Keeping the curtain around her bed firmly closed, it doesn't stop Alfie trying to get to know her. And gradually, as he slowly brings Alice out of her shell, might there be potential for more?

Goodreads Rating: 4.00        My Rating: 4.5

First Impressions

What first drew me to this book was the originality of it! I don't think I have ever come across a story quite like this one, so I was keen to jump straight in and learn about Alfie and Alice and their lives before hospital, as well as where they would wind up at the end. I have also never been in the same situation as these characters, so being able to have an insight into their struggles really made me much more mindful of the experiences other people may have been through!

Within the first few chapters, I was already fond of the characters. I believe that it was much easier to be invested in this story because it was so raw, and the characters were always in a position of vulnerability. I couldn't help but respect the strength each character shows throughout the story. As well as this, Emily Houghton's style of writing is very easy to follow and flows really nicely and consistently, which can be rare to find!

The Characters

Alfie is a very bubbly and loving guy, which makes everybody around him like him and enjoy his company! However, he definitely puts his all into being compassionate for others as a way of distracting from his own emotions, so he really did need someone to talk to and be a comfort for him. At the start, he almost seems like an open book, but as the novel progresses, more information is unpacked about his life, his thoughts, and his feelings that he doesn't want to show. 

Alice is intriguing from the get-go! She is very strong-willed and independent, but has lots of hidden fragility which she has suppressed for a really long time. Much like Alfie, she needed somebody she could trust and could break down the walls that she had built up to protect herself which would stop her from shutting herself out from the world. 

Emily Houghton created two very different characters, and connected them in a beautiful way. It was so moving to allow their relationship to form and blossom in an authentic way, and it really felt as though I was with them every step of the way!

Final Thoughts

I was DREADING reaching the end of this book, since I had fallen in love with the characters and wanted to follow where their lives were leading them! It felt so bittersweet to finish for this reason! As the reader, you're anticipating the final moments and can't help but have a huge smile on your face (I definitely couldn't)! I would love to know more about what would have happened once the book had ended, but the story itself was stunning, so I wouldn't be disappointed if that is where it should end - I'm more than happy to imagine the possibilities for myself!

Conclusion

During multiple moments throughout the book, Emily really expressed some intense emotions and left me with teary eyes and a sniffly nose! The journey that each character had been on was truly inspiring and my heart constantly felt full of love and admiration. This book is definitely one that I will remember and hold in my heart for a range of reasons, and I have no doubt that it would be the same for many others. I genuinely cannot WAIT to be able to have a physical copy so I can revisit Alfie and Alice when I am in need of grounding or warmth! 

I definitely recommend adding 'Before I Saw You' to your TBR list or wishlist as it isn't one to miss out on! 

Let me know what you think! :)