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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
Really a 2.5 for me. I am just not sure what this book was supposed to be. I think it is a searing look at mental illness and the effects it has on the family. For that it would be a higher rating but I was just a little bored and unsatisfied with the story. The best part was her mom and the relationship at the end. Do not want to give anything away.
Martha is a middle-aged woman whose life has been controlled by her unnamed mental illness. Her marriage is near destroyed. She's alienated family members. And yet, as this is from Martha's POV, it's also humorous and sad and compelling and frustrating. The ending was quite satisfying. A really fascinating portrayal of mental illness.
emotional
sad
inspiring
reflective
sad
I found this book enjoyable. It was a well-written exploration of a young woman's struggle with mental illness.
Throughout the story, we witness her grappling with mental health challenges, the breakdown of her marriage, and a strained relationship with her mother. The subject matter is undeniably bleak, yet Meg Mason skillfully infuses genuine humor into the narrative, even in the midst of such a depressing backdrop.
I often find myself drawn to books that lack a traditional plot, and while this one had less going on than most, its quality of writing truly shone through.
The impact of the story lingered with me for weeks after reading it, although I didn't become completely obsessed until towards the end. That's why I've settled on giving it four stars.
Throughout the story, we witness her grappling with mental health challenges, the breakdown of her marriage, and a strained relationship with her mother. The subject matter is undeniably bleak, yet Meg Mason skillfully infuses genuine humor into the narrative, even in the midst of such a depressing backdrop.
I often find myself drawn to books that lack a traditional plot, and while this one had less going on than most, its quality of writing truly shone through.
The impact of the story lingered with me for weeks after reading it, although I didn't become completely obsessed until towards the end. That's why I've settled on giving it four stars.
How would you feel if your parents hiding your illness for half of your life? does that give you right to blame people around you?
Sorrow and Bliss is a story of a 40 year old woman named Martha. She loves her father dearly, and her mother in her own way. Her only sister is her soul mate, despite both of them have totally different characters.
When Martha was 17, she fell ill. Her parents took her to see the doctor, and she was referred to a psychiatrist. Whom then gave her medicine, without thorough examination. Amazing how easy these medical practitioners give patients high dose of drugs. Perhaps it is what happened in a first country where drugs are cheap.
Despite the illness, Martha tried her best to continue her life. She went to college, fell in love, got married. divorced, fell in love again, and married (again). One thing for sure about her marriage is that she does not want to have children, which her husband agrees.
This is so far the most enjoyable read I had this year. Watching Martha cope, work, live, have affairs, weep, and cause her family terrible worry is a lot more entertaining than seems possible. It is not a preachy-teachy book. But it does show how humans are connected to each other in spite of themselves. What you say matters. Her family and friends move between patient sympathy and frustrated annoyance, when they scold and lecture her about taking their feelings into account. Is she just putting it on for attention? Her symptoms are so varied and the doctors’ assorted medications just make her feel awful.
The writing in this book really stood out to me. It’s bold, unashamed, blunt, and often hilarious. There’s been a lot of Fleabag comparison out there and i can absolutely see the overlap.
Sorrow and Bliss is a story of a 40 year old woman named Martha. She loves her father dearly, and her mother in her own way. Her only sister is her soul mate, despite both of them have totally different characters.
When Martha was 17, she fell ill. Her parents took her to see the doctor, and she was referred to a psychiatrist. Whom then gave her medicine, without thorough examination. Amazing how easy these medical practitioners give patients high dose of drugs. Perhaps it is what happened in a first country where drugs are cheap.
Despite the illness, Martha tried her best to continue her life. She went to college, fell in love, got married. divorced, fell in love again, and married (again). One thing for sure about her marriage is that she does not want to have children, which her husband agrees.
This is so far the most enjoyable read I had this year. Watching Martha cope, work, live, have affairs, weep, and cause her family terrible worry is a lot more entertaining than seems possible. It is not a preachy-teachy book. But it does show how humans are connected to each other in spite of themselves. What you say matters. Her family and friends move between patient sympathy and frustrated annoyance, when they scold and lecture her about taking their feelings into account. Is she just putting it on for attention? Her symptoms are so varied and the doctors’ assorted medications just make her feel awful.
The writing in this book really stood out to me. It’s bold, unashamed, blunt, and often hilarious. There’s been a lot of Fleabag comparison out there and i can absolutely see the overlap.
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
despite me probably not being the target audience for this book i very much enjoyed it. the characters felt so alive, like i knew them personally. the book was so vibrant and the descriptions of helplessness and uselessness and grip mental illness has on you was so incredibly. really emotional book that gripped me despite it not being what i usually would read!
I loved the writing and the story. Was the right book at the right time. May look like a flaky beach read but it isn’t.