iz arts & entertainment February 29, 2012 - Over the Edge otay Up All Night Reading Again Before | Go to Sleep Disturbs DARCIE SMITH ARTS EDITOR efore I Go to Sleep is the debut novel B of English author §.J. Watson, and it is a noble and creative effort. The novel centres around Christine, a woman in her late 40’s who has lost her memory from an accident about 15-20 years prior. It delves into the strug- gle for her to accept her relationship with her husband and learn to trust and live each day, one day at a time. Each night when Christine falls asleep, her memories from the day erase. She wakes up be- lieving that she is still in her 20’s. She does not recognize her husband or herself, her home, pic- tures from her past, the clothing she wears. She does not realize that she had a son and that she has written novel. The only history she under- stands is what her husband, Ben, must explain to her each day when she wakes up in shock and For just $29.95, walk in with your taxes, walk out with your refund. Instantly. You'll also get a free SPC Card to save big at your favourite retailers. instant cash back & free SPC Card Follow us on Twitter and Facebook we make taxes painle$$ H&R BLOCK’ hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) ©2042 H&R Block Canada, Inc. *$29.95 valid for regular student tax preparation only. Cash Back service included. To qualify for student pricing, student must present either () aT22022 documenting g or more months of fulltime attendance at a college or university during 20% or (ji) a valld high school identification card, Expires fuly 32, 2012. Valid only at participating H&R Block locations in Canada. SPC Card offers valld from 08/01/11 to 07/32/12 at participating locations in Canada only. For Cardholder only. Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. Usage may be restricted when used in conjunction with any other offer or retailer layalty card discounts. Cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards or certificates. panic. Christine was hospitalized for many years following the accident, and she was unable to properly look after her son or herself. She be- comes paranoid and does not understand what the doctors are doing to her. Over time, Chris- tine’s violent behaviour gradually improves and she is sent home to live with Ben and be in his care. At some point, a doctor manages to con- tact her and they being having appointments to try and help her cope with her sense of loss. Dr. _J.WATSO Thee best dat puro! That aver reoel Yess canes Nash recommends that she start to keep a jour- nal every day so that she can have some con- crete things in her own writing to review every day. He believes that over time, her memory may start to strengthen. The concept is intriguing but it is not as well executed as it could be. For a debut, it is quite good. However, it really starts to slow down and lose momentum for the majority of the novel. It is an easy read and the reader cer- tainly becomes curious over how the novel will resolve. There are some disturbing twists as Christine realizes she’s being taken advantage of, but overall it is underwhelming. Once the twist has been discovered, the novel ends and there is very little explanation. The loose ends are tied up, but it does not feel like you just read a great book at the end. It is a mildly compelling novel that could use a little more thought and editing. Hopefully S.J. Watson continues to write and further develop his curious style and story telling ability.