Why read Sorrow and Bliss?

Book cover of Sorrow and Bliss

Book description

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION

THE BOOK EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT

'Just read it. It's unforgettable'
India Knight, The Sunday Times

'It is impossible to read this novel and not be moved. It is also impossible not to laugh out loud... Extraordinary'
Guardian

'Full of snappy one-liners but,…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Sorrow and Bliss as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Meghan Dairaghi

Author

I enjoyed reading this novel because of how tangible Martha and her struggle felt to me—both with her own mental illness and with her failing marriage.

This novel illuminated for me the idea that a character can be sad and lonely but at the same time retain a sense of humor and a comedic level of exasperation. I especially loved the relationship Martha has with her sister, Ingrid, and the sharp reflections this novel offers on motherhood and family.

From Meghan's list on Meghan Dairaghi's favorite books with messy characters (that we love anyway).

Maribeth Fischer

Author

I fell in love with Martha, the main character who is struggling with an unnamed depression and who because of this assumes she can never be a good mother. She is so surprising and real and sad and impossible to love and funny—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see if things would work out for her.

From Maribeth's list on The best books about complicated motherhood.