A review by bookstolivewith
Before I Saw You by Emily Houghton
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Before I Saw You by Emily Houghton features Alfie and Alice, who are both receiving care for critical injuries in a long-term recovery unit at a local hospital, learning to navigate their new physical boundaries, opening up new emotional states and forming a true friendship without seeing each other (thus the name of the title).
(CW: traumatic flashbacks, car crash, amputation, burn victim, surgeries, general hospital environment)
It’s a sweet and emotional story, but it’s kinda like a Hallmark movie — enjoyable while it’s happening but really, it’s in one ear and out the other. It was a laidback Friday night read, and I was able to finish it in less than 24 hours, so it is somewhat compelling and keeps you hooked to find out what will happen next, as most hospital dramas do.
I liked the alternating points of view, since each chapter explores different scenes from different perspectives, and I think it does give a huge credence to the fact that physical and mental health are intertwined, which becomes a huge plot point especially for Alfie. Also, if you’re looking for a non-steamy romance adjacent book, this could be for you, since they quite literally have no physical contact other than some hand-holding!
However, I don’t think this is a book that will stick with me or that I will reread. I just wish there had been a bit more actual romance at the end.
(CW: traumatic flashbacks, car crash, amputation, burn victim, surgeries, general hospital environment)
It’s a sweet and emotional story, but it’s kinda like a Hallmark movie — enjoyable while it’s happening but really, it’s in one ear and out the other. It was a laidback Friday night read, and I was able to finish it in less than 24 hours, so it is somewhat compelling and keeps you hooked to find out what will happen next, as most hospital dramas do.
I liked the alternating points of view, since each chapter explores different scenes from different perspectives, and I think it does give a huge credence to the fact that physical and mental health are intertwined, which becomes a huge plot point especially for Alfie. Also, if you’re looking for a non-steamy romance adjacent book, this could be for you, since they quite literally have no physical contact other than some hand-holding!
However, I don’t think this is a book that will stick with me or that I will reread. I just wish there had been a bit more actual romance at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content and Medical trauma
Moderate: Death