Oh, fuck it. Generally, I've kept my shelf classification to the typical definition of a romance; one that has a happy-ever-after ending, or at least a happy-for-now. But I think it might be time to expand that. I've just made my way to the RWA site and had another look at their definition, and it includes two things: a central love story, and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. And you know what, I think this counts. Me Before You doesn't have the typical happy ending, as one of the central pairing actually dies (I don't think it's a spoiler to say so at this point). But they die on their own terms, at peace with their decision, and more importantly, supported by their partner, who is in turn supported by them. The ending is hopeful.

I think what I like about this best is the idea that love is sometimes not enough. Will is loved by Louisa, and by his family, and it's not enough to make his life bearable. It just isn't. Constant pain, eternal incapacity... his life is a misery, and he's loved, and both these things can be true at the same time. One doesn't make the other less important, and I was glad that both these things were treated respectfully.