64 pages • 2 hours read
Sorrow and Bliss
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
London, England • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason follows Martha Friel as she navigates life with mental illness, impacting her relationships with family and friends. The story explores her struggles, including marriage dynamics and the quest for understanding her condition, guiding her through loss, self-discovery, and healing. It also delves into themes of motherhood, communication, and the impact of untreated mental health issues. The novel includes scenes of substance use, self-harm, and other sensitive topics.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
131,708 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Meg Mason's Sorrow and Bliss captivates with its insightful portrayal of mental health and relationships. Critics hail its blend of humor and pathos, appreciating the depth of the protagonist's emotional journey. Character development and witty dialogue earn praise, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a compelling, nuanced read.
Who Should Read Sorrow and Bliss?
Readers who would enjoy Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason are typically drawn to character-driven contemporary fiction exploring mental health and complex relationships. Fans of witty yet poignant narratives akin to Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner or Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman will find this book compelling.
131,708 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Patrick Friel
Patrick Friel
Martha's love interest and eventual husband, who is a calm and supportive presence in her life, facing challenges in their relationship due to Martha's mental health issues.
Ingrid
Ingrid
Martha's younger sister, known for her outspoken nature, who balances her own family life with supporting Martha through her difficulties.
Fergus Russell
Fergus Russell
Martha and Ingrid's father, a poet who serves as a stable and supportive figure in Martha's life, especially during her early struggles with mental illness.
Celia Barry
Celia Barry
Martha and Ingrid's mother, whose initial self-centeredness and alcohol dependency strain her relationship with Martha, but who later seeks to improve her life and her relationships with her daughters.
352
Novel • Fiction
London, England • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
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