Sorrow and Bliss

by Meg Mason
Sorrow and Bliss cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1740
  • Added: 2025-10-09
  • Updated: 2025-10-09
  • ISBN: 9781474623001
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2020-12-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Martha Friel, a woman in her 40s, finds herself at a crossroads in life. Despite being told she is clever and beautiful, Martha struggles with sadness, a broken marriage, and a sense of being unfulfilled. She returns to her childhood home to live with her bohemian parents, seeking answers and a chance to rebuild her life. Her journey is marked by a past trauma from her teenage years, which has left an unexplained impact on her life. As Martha navigates her new reality, she grapples with questions about her own identity and the possibility of starting over. The novel delves into themes of mental health, relationships, and the search for meaning, blending humor with emotional depth. With its vivid characters and relatable struggles, 'Sorrow and Bliss' offers a powerful exploration of resilience and the human condition.

Reviews
Judith McKinnon · 2021-12-03
moving 4.00

The novel offers an intimate look at mental illness, which could be overwhelming if not for the humor and warmth that balance the darker themes. The protagonist's journey is both moving and relatable.

This reviewer appreciates the intimate and unflinching look at mental illness presented in the novel. They note that the story could be quite heavy if not for the humor and warmth that counteract the darker themes. The protagonist's journey is found to be both moving and relatable, making it a compelling read. The reviewer highlights how the author's ability to balance the seriousness of mental health with moments of levity is particularly effective, making the story accessible and engaging.

Quick quotes

    This novel is a very intimate look at someone's mental illness, which could in itself drive the reader into a depressed state if it weren't for the humor and warmth.

    The protagonist's journey is both moving and relatable, making it a compelling read.

    The author's ability to balance the seriousness of mental health with moments of levity is particularly effective.

Lucy Danser Blog · 2021-08-19
insightful 4.50

The book's handling of mental health, particularly from a woman's perspective, is both intriguing and thoughtfully executed. The narrative's blend of humor and raw emotion makes it a compelling read.

This reviewer was immediately drawn to the book for its nuanced portrayal of mental health, especially as experienced by a woman. They appreciate how the story balances humor and seriousness, making it both entertaining and deeply moving. The author's ability to capture the complexities of mental illness is particularly praised, offering a relatable and authentic perspective. The reviewer finds the protagonist's journey both poignant and engaging, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The reason I was so intrigued by the book when I first heard about it is its handling of mental health, specifically as experienced by a woman.

    It's a story that balances humor and raw emotion beautifully.

    The author's ability to make sense of the nonsensical aspects of mental illness is truly commendable.

The Guardian · 2021-05-31
entertaining 3.50

The novel is a witty and entertaining exploration of the English middle class, though it lacks originality in its approach. The protagonist's struggles with mental illness are depicted with sharp humor and insight.

This reviewer finds the novel to be a sharply entertaining comedy that delves into the quirks of the English middle class. While they note that the story isn't particularly original, they appreciate the sharp humor and the insightful portrayal of mental illness. The reviewer highlights how the protagonist's journey is both relatable and amusing, making it a engaging read despite its familiar themes. The balance between comedy and the serious subject matter is particularly well-executed.

Quick quotes

    First, it's a sharply entertaining – if not especially original – comedy of the maladjusted English middle class.

    The novel's strength lies in its ability to blend humor with the serious subject of mental illness.

    The protagonist's struggles are depicted with a wit that makes the story both engaging and insightful.

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