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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
I felt unsettled a lot while reading this book, but that may have been the point. so many of the characters had moments of tenderness and kindness as well as selfishness and cruelty. The relationships were so complex. The absolute heartbreak of Martha's condition was well balanced with the humorous texting with her sister and witty moments sprinkled throughout. I sometimes got a little confused by the sentence structure and writing style, but again, that may have been the point. There was nothing logical about Martha's thinking and this was revealed in the choppy nature of the writing sometimes. I found the author's understanding of family dynamics in general and specifically when mental illness is involved (and lets be real, what family does not have that to some degree), was fascinating and very realistic. The genetic nature of mental illness and generational trauma was also captured in a subtle way. Finally, the parent daughter relationships and the descriptions around the expectations of motherhood were particularly resonant with me.
I think I’m tired of depressed women books
While feeling more and more hopeless as I got halfway through, I continued because of the stellar writing. The last quarter rewarded me with a tidy wrap up and creative circling back to previous content.
Sorrow and Bliss centres on Martha Friel, from her childhood to her middle ages, we watch as she attempts to navigate life and try to not let it overwhelm her along the way. With a husband whom everyone tells... read the full spoiler-free review here: https://www.amysbookshelf.co.uk/2022/09/sorrow-and-bliss-book-review/
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think I would have liked this book more at another time in my life. I struggled through the first half or so, but really came around in the end.
Might add more thoughts later
Might add more thoughts later
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Such a sad book but the writing and the subject is so emotive. I tore through this one and couldn't wait to pick it up again. Would recommend but with a trigger warning around mental health (depression and suicide).
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Strong well -formed (albeit very frustrating) characters. Really moving depiction of relationships, mental illness etc