Reviews

Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason

charlott's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

nkurzweg's review against another edition

super good

meekoh's review against another edition

4.0

Martha’s a mess. You probably gathered that much from the cover. But there is an appeal to reading about someone else’s life being in shambles. Your life may not be landing you in Time magazine, but at least you’re not as despicable as Martha.

I know she’s fictional, but it is so well written that it legitimately feels like it could be a memoir. The deadpan humour gives immaculate English vibes to even the darkest moments. Martha is an unreliable narrator because she’s such a pro at self-sabotage. I like that this forces us to be more perceptive and read between the lines.

I enjoyed it, but I don’t think this book is for everyone. It’s about struggling with your mental health and learning how to shoulder personal responsibility. It’s very reminiscent of The Bell Jar.

leafonthewind's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

celinayap's review against another edition

funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed the cadence of the book and the switches from past to present, third person to first was easy to follow. I like the subtle dark humor embedded in between. I like all the characters - even though we get to follow Martha's POV mainly. I like Martha, she's a true millenial at heart and maybe a Cancer? I empathize but the main dilemma which was boringly brought about towards the end of the book was just disappointing. Her character development and realizations were made in haste and felt flat. Nevertheless, I was too invested in the romance subplot that it's good favor won me in the end.

rosewolfeemery's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

shangraham's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

cdleonard's review against another edition

dark emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

lovelyday2day's review against another edition

Very smart book. LOL-funny at times with a lot of sadness and emotional depth. Loved the Martha / Ingrid sister relationship the most- would love a sequel focused on Ingrid.

julianaajaramillo's review against another edition

emotional funny

4.0