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A review by amyvl93
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wasn't expecting this to be my favourite of the Women's Prize shortlisted books - this was a novel that was everywhere but I had slightly badged as being part of the 'messy millennial fiction' trend and I feel quite bad that I nearly skipped over this.
At the centre of <i>Sorrow & Bliss</i> is Martha - a woman who has just turned 40 and has lived a, from the outside, a life of privilege. When the novel opens, her husband has just moved out of their home in a Oxford new build estate and Martha has returned to her parents home, to reflect on her life and the mental illness that has had at times, devastating consequences on the life she wants to lead.
Her narrative is at times frustrating, but ultimately moving - she's funny and heartbreaking to be around all at once. Her frustrated sculptress mother feels that Martha just demands attention, her not-really-a-writer father is loving but largely frozen when it comes to helping her - with only Patrick (her husband) and her sister coming close to supporting her. I found this to be a really compelling depiction of mental illness, and the impact it can have on those around you.
At the centre of <i>Sorrow & Bliss</i> is Martha - a woman who has just turned 40 and has lived a, from the outside, a life of privilege. When the novel opens, her husband has just moved out of their home in a Oxford new build estate and Martha has returned to her parents home, to reflect on her life and the mental illness that has had at times, devastating consequences on the life she wants to lead.
Her narrative is at times frustrating, but ultimately moving - she's funny and heartbreaking to be around all at once. Her frustrated sculptress mother feels that Martha just demands attention, her not-really-a-writer father is loving but largely frozen when it comes to helping her - with only Patrick (her husband) and her sister coming close to supporting her. I found this to be a really compelling depiction of mental illness, and the impact it can have on those around you.