‘Sorrow and Bliss’ book review: Never builds up but moves you

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2022, Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason has raving reviews on its covers. Ann Patchett, one of my favorite writers ever, says. “I was making a list of all the people I wanted to send it to, until I realized that I wanted to send it to everyone I know.” Jojo Moyes, the author of ‘The Giver of Stars’, says it’s funny and tragic. A review says it’s probably the best book you’ll read this year. Yet another calls it unforgettable.

The story revolves around Martha Friel. She’s a writer who hasn’t had much luck. She has a wonderful husband, Patrick, who has loved her since the day he first met her. But Martha isn’t happy and she can’t put a finger on what makes her tick. She believes something is wrong with her. Growing up with an alcoholic mother has somewhat scarred her. When she alienates her husband who has never been anything but kind to her, she is forced to return to her parent’s home. Will she be able to start over and write herself a better ending? 

I had high expectations from the book. I wasn’t disappointed. The story had its moments. But it took me longer than I had anticipated to get through it. The plot is heavy—with themes such as generational trauma, mental health, pregnancy, and family dynamics. Some subplots, though interesting, aren’t explored much and don’t align with the main story. I’m still undecided about how I feel. I could relate to many instances in the book but I also thought the protagonist was dull and annoying. The side characters were much more fascinating. I wish there was more about them in the story.

I was bored sometimes but I couldn’t stop reading the book either. I expected something to happen. But nothing much ever did. But then that’s life, I guess. Little things add up and make you who you are. You react the way you do because of what you have seen around you growing up. Most of the time, you are guided by your thoughts and beliefs, which shape you but can also be the reason for your downfall. The book made me mull over these.

Mason’s handling of mental health is a nuanced one. She never really names the illness Martha has. Even when a diagnosis is made, it’s referred to as ‘—  —’. It leaves a lot of room for imagination and makes empathizing with the character easier. Sorrow and Bliss is a poignant reminder of the fact that life is complicated and people respond differently to things. There is more sorrow than bliss in the storyline but it makes you think hard about some stuff you would rather not confront, depending on where you are in life. In that way, it’s quite an eye-opening read.

Fiction

Sorrow and Bliss

Meg Mason

Published: 2020

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicholson

Pages: 347, Paperback