54 pages • 1 hour read
Before I Go to Sleep
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
London, England • Contemporary
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson, forty-seven-year-old Christine Lucas suffers from amnesia, waking each day with no memory of her identity or life. She reconstructs her reality through a journal she keeps and information from her husband, Ben, and neuropsychologist Dr. Nash. As Christine pieces together her past, she starts to question the truthfulness of what she's told, uncovering unsettling secrets. This narrative contains depictions of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
380,727 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
S. J. Watson's Before I Go to Sleep delivers a compelling psychological thriller with a gripping premise and intricate plot. Positive reviews praise its suspense and pacing, though some critics find the narrative repetitive and the conclusion predictable. Overall, it effectively hooks readers with its mysterious, amnesiac protagonist.
Who Should Read Before I Go to Sleep?
Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and intricate mysteries, such as Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train, will be captivated by S. J. Watson's Before I Go to Sleep, which delves into themes of memory loss, identity, and trust.
380,727 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mike / Ben
Mike / Ben
A character initially perceived as Christine's husband but is later revealed to have a complex and deceptive role in Christine's life.
Dr. Nash
Dr. Nash
A neurophysiologist aiding Christine in her memory recovery process with a suggested journal, and involved in a complex personal and professional relationship with her.
Claire
Claire
Christine's college best friend, remembered for her warmth and loyalty, who becomes a significant connection to Christine's past.
Ben
Ben
Christine's real husband, an architect and loving father who cared for their son, Adam, and appears in significant memories and the narrative's conclusion.
Adam
Adam
Christine's son, whom she initially believes to have passed, but whose presence and survival play a crucial, motivating role in her journey.
368
Novel • Fiction
London, England • Contemporary
2011
Adult
18+ years
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