Still Me by Jojo Moyes Summary

Still Me follows Louisa Clark’s journey as a social secretary for a wealthy New York family, navigating cultural clashes, self-discovery, and complex relationships. Amid personal losses and workplace secrets, she rebuilds her identity through friendships, vintage fashion entrepreneurship, and reconciling her English roots with her bold new life. Themes include resilience, authenticity, and balancing love across continents.

Fans of heartfelt women’s fiction and book clubs will enjoy Louisa’s relatable growth, witty voice, and New York City backdrop. Readers who appreciate themes of reinvention, cross-cultural experiences, and emotional resilience—or those following Louisa’s journey from Me Before You—will find this conclusion uplifting.

Yes—critics praise its blend of humor, poignancy, and rich character development. While the series began as a romance, Still Me shifts toward self-empowerment, offering satisfying closure for Louisa’s arc. The vivid NYC setting and supporting cast (like sharp-witted Mrs. De Witt) add depth, making it a standout in contemporary fiction.

Key themes include self-discovery (Louisa forging her path beyond societal expectations), resilience (adapting to grief and betrayal), and belonging (balancing her English identity with NYC ambitions). The novel also explores class divides, ethical choices in wealthy circles, and how love evolves through distance.

Louisa’s strained relationship with Sam highlights challenges like miscommunication and shifting priorities. The novel contrasts this with her brief New York romance, ultimately emphasizing trust and shared growth. A pivotal quote reflects her struggle: “You always have one foot in two places… the cost of who we are”.

Fashion symbolizes Louisa’s self-expression and entrepreneurship. Inheriting Mrs. De Witt’s vintage wardrobe sparks her business idea, blending her quirky style with NYC’s glamour. Clothing choices also mirror her confidence shifts—from feeling judged by Josh to embracing her uniqueness.

Unlike Me Before You’s tragic romance, Still Me focuses on Louisa’s independence post-Will. It retains humor and emotional depth but expands her world through new settings (NYC), multifaceted side characters, and mature themes like career-building and ethical dilemmas.

The library, renamed after Will, represents Louisa’s commitment to honoring the past while building her future. Her campaign to save it bridges her English roots and NYC life, showcasing her growth from a caregiver to a community advocate.

Louisa evolves from a people-pleaser to a self-assured entrepreneur. Key moments include rejecting Josh’s elitism, championing Mrs. De Witt’s legacy, and reconciling with Sam on her terms. Her witty narration and vulnerability make her arc both inspiring and relatable.

Some reviewers note predictable plot twists in the Gopnik family drama. However, most praise Moyes’ balance of lighthearted moments (e.g., Louisa’s fish-out-of-water NYC experiences) with deeper emotional layers, particularly in depicting grief and reinvention.

The Gopniks’ elite world contrasts with Louisa’s working-class roots and her bond with marginalized characters like Agnes. The novel critiques superficial wealth through Louisa’s refusal to conform, emphasizing integrity over social climbing.

• “You can never be truly happy because… you are two selves.”
• “Happiness is an inside job.”

These lines underscore the book’s focus on authenticity and inner resilience.