A review by adelaidelivia
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason

dark emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I felt exposed, though I could not relate to everything Martha was feeling. But the point is that I was (or still am?) going through something and reading this book made me see myself from an outsider's view, and I don't like it. And that's what makes me love this book.

I like that there isn't any perfect character.

I love Martha and could understand (though I discourage it) how she self-sabotaged, and I only knew that she was doing it near the end. I could relate to her so much that I did not realize she was self-sabotaging. Or until Patrick pointed it out.

I love Ingrid and how she was so real for what she had to say about her marriage.

I love Patrick and how he isn't trying to be the nicest guy on earth. He's just... Patrick. He is a good person (a very kind one, actually), and that's enough for him. He acknowledges that he was wrong but he also doesn't try to belittle or diminish his suffering. 

And I love every other character too. 

You're the same as everybody else. But that's harder for you, isn't it. You'd rather be one or the other. The idea you might be ordinary is unbearable.

Geez, Patrick. 
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