The Old You

by Louise Voss

Orenda Books

Publication Date : May 15, 2018 (UK) January 1, 2019 (US)

Pages : 300

Synopsis from Publisher : 

Lynn Naismith gave up the job she loved when she married Ed, the love of her life, but it was worth it for the happy years they enjoyed together. Now, ten years on, Ed has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, and things start to happen; things more sinister than missing keys and lost words. As some memories are forgotten, others, long buried, begin to surface... and Lynn's perfect world begins to crumble. But is it Ed s mind playing tricks, or hers...?

Every now and then, I come across a very special book. One that makes me think about things I have never pondered, makes me look at things from a different perspective, and stays with me long after I have finished reading the book. I am sure other readers can relate to this feeling. If you have not experienced this from your past reads, then I urge you to pick up The Old You. 

Lynn and Ed Naismith are the perfect couple. They are the type of couple others aspire to be. Ten years into their marriage Ed is diagnosed with early onset dementia. Lynn now faces a future unlike the one she and Ed have planned, but she is prepared to stand by him. Lynn expects items to appear in places they should not be as well as Ed's lack of memories they share. Then things begin to take a more alarming turn. Lynn begins to doubt if she ever really knew her husband. 

What makes The Old You so special is it's surprising turn. The turn is not really a twist in the plot. The turn occurs when an element is added. The first quarter of the story, is mostly Lynn coming to terms with Ed’s diagnosis. The way in which she is trying to adjust to her new normal. Voss then adds a very interesting piece of information which then sheds a whole new light on the story. This will be the point in the story where readers will not be able to stop reading. This certainly was the case for me. 

The addition of this element was brilliantly done. It turned the story from a tale of marriage fractured by illness to a complex tale of lies, twists, and shocking revelations. I have never read a book which by adding one element, completely changes the story. In my opinion, The Old You was already a great story without the surprising element, adding it made the story so much better. Usually the success of a book hinges on the shock value and thrills. To read a book containing more subtle malice and intrigue was truly refreshing. 

I am used to reading books where I change my mind about the main characters. I like them then I don’t like them or vice versa. While reading The Old You, my feelings about the main characters changed many times. My feelings ranged from, dislike, pity, frustration, admiration. These changes of heart were new to me, I usually change my mind once maybe twice. The way Voss was able to reinvent almost all the characters throughout the entire book was amazing. This was also one of reasons I found it so hard to stop reading. 

I know we are still pretty early on in the year, but I am calling The Old You one of my favorite reads of 2018. The story is filled with anxiety, understated danger, and delivered with well timed  surprises and finesse. Fans of Clare Macintosh and B. A. Paris should add The Old You to their list of must reads.

Murder and Moore Rating :

5 out of 5 Stars

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