Heartburn

by Nora Ephron
Heartburn cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Comedy/Humor
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 394
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9781405522304
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2012-08-14
  • Formats: 64
  • Reviews: 4

Heartburn is a witty and poignant novel by Nora Ephron, the acclaimed screenwriter behind When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. The story follows Rachel, a cookery writer who discovers her husband's infidelity during her pregnancy. As she navigates the tumultuous emotions of betrayal and heartbreak, she shares her favorite recipes, adding a unique and comforting touch to her narrative. The novel is a roller coaster of emotions, blending humor and sorrow in a way that resonates deeply with readers. It's a roman a clef, drawing from Ephron's own experiences, and it's celebrated for its sharp wit and relatable portrayal of a crumbling marriage./n/nThe book is not just a story of love and loss but also a celebration of food and the comfort it can bring. Ephron's recipes are interspersed throughout the narrative, offering a delightful distraction from the emotional turmoil. Heartburn is a timeless exploration of the complexities of relationships, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of love.

Reviews
Sam Still Reading · 2023-10-26
brilliant 4.20

The book is a hilarious and heartbreaking tale of a marriage breakdown. It's a quick read that balances humor and emotion perfectly.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron is a brilliant and funny book that captures the essence of a marriage breakdown. The humor is sharp and the emotional depth is palpable, making it a compelling read. The story is told with such wit and charm that it's hard to put down. It's a very funny read that I read in just over 24 hours. The story is about the end of a marriage. And yes, it is very, very funny in places.

Quick quotes

    It's a very funny read that I read in just over 24 hours.

    The story is about the end of a marriage. And yes, it is very, very funny in places.

    A brilliant funny book of a marriage breakdown based on the true story of Nora Ephron and her husband Carl Bernstein.

Pages and Coffee Cups · 2023-10-10
great 4.50

The book is a delightful blend of humor and heartbreak, making it a quick and enjoyable read. The recipes interspersed throughout add a unique touch.

This book is a gem for anyone who enjoys a good laugh mixed with a bit of heartache. The protagonist's journey through the end of her marriage is both hilarious and poignant. The recipes scattered throughout the narrative add a charming and personal touch, making the reading experience even more enjoyable. It's a short book, but it packs a punch with its wit and emotional depth.

Quick quotes

    Heartburn is a short but sweet offering from the patron saint of romantic comedies.

    The recipes interspersed in the text here and there in a way that actually sort of works.

    It's a very funny read that I read in just over 24 hours.

newyorker.com · Unknown · 2021-06-24
brilliant 4.50

Nora Ephron's 'Heartburn' is a sharp, witty roman à clef that remains relevant and entertaining 40 years after its publication. The novel, based on her breakup with Carl Bernstein, is celebrated for its humor and biting commentary on relationships and infidelity.

Nora Ephron's 'Heartburn' is a delightful and timeless novel that continues to resonate with readers decades after its initial release. The story, a thinly veiled account of Ephron's own messy breakup with Carl Bernstein, is filled with sharp wit and insightful observations about love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The novel's humor and biting commentary on relationships make it a classic of literary revenge. Its enduring appeal lies in Ephron's ability to blend personal experience with universal themes, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and widely relatable. The audiobook version further enhances the experience, bringing Ephron's voice and wit to life in a way that feels intimate and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The book is no 179-page weakling.

    To celebrate its milestone and longevity in our culture, Vintage is publishing an anniversary paperback edition next month with a one-page intro by actor and fellow gourmand Stanley Tucci.

    The novel's humor and biting commentary on relationships make it a classic of literary revenge.

motherbookerblog.com · Unknown · 2020-06-17
disappointing 3.00

The reviewer found Heartburn by Nora Ephron to be funny and charming but ultimately lacking in emotional depth. They appreciated the recipes and the unique storytelling approach but felt the book was one-note and didn't fully connect with them.

The reviewer had high hopes for Heartburn, given its autobiographical elements and the therapeutic potential of Nora Ephron's writing. They found the book funny and charming, with a unique approach to storytelling through recipes. However, they felt that the novel relied too much on humor to mask deeper emotions, making it feel one-note and preventing a strong emotional connection. The reviewer appreciated the clever integration of recipes but wished for more sincerity and depth. Overall, they were not blown away by the book and felt it didn't live up to the hype, though they might revisit it in the future to see if their opinion changes.

Quick quotes

    I really wanted to love Heartburn. I was all behind it. The autobiographical elements. The therapy that must have come out of writing this story her way. It could have a wonderful and empowering thing.

    It’s all very funny but I wish there’d been a bit more sincerity. Every time you think Ephron is going to embrace her emotions, the story jumps ahead to the next funny episode.

    I don’t know. Maybe I’m just being a bit miserly with this because it seems so inconsequential to what I’ve been reading later? Or maybe I was just expecting great things?

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