‘Sorrow and Bliss’ by Meg Mason

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Recently appearing on my favourite book list (the long-list for the Women’s Prize for Fiction), this book was a recommendation from a books podcaster I listen to regularly, only this time I was a guest on her show! What Should I Read Next Anne (Episode 324 Gems across all genres).

Anne Bogel is a “literary matchmaker” who puts books and people together. I had to choose three books I love, one book I don’t, and tell her why. Then she came up with three titles that she thought I might like, based on the discussion of my chosen books and my reading life. It was fun! Thanks Anne. This was one of the three and I really liked it, although I found the novel did have to “grow” on me. The story is told in flashbacks, with small clues slowly revealing the present situation. It took me a bit to get used to that style.

Martha Friel is a complex character. A person should never be defined by one thing. Martha is loved by her family and husband, but that ‘one thing’ was so hard it slowly dawns on the reader that all is not well with Martha, due to mental illness. The illness is fictitious and never named–just always referred to as ______. It’s a clever move. The mental illness is only ever described as “a little bomb that went off in Martha’s brain and that she has never been the same since.” Early on we learn that not only has Martha driven away and alienated countless people, but it gets really real for her when her long-suffering husband moves out as well.

This novel has sharp, dark humour that (almost) tempers the dark subject matter and an undercurrent of sadness. The Guardian calls it “dark material handled lightly.” It has endearing characters (loved the sister), and many tender moments too. It’s a close and honest look at how mental illness affects everyone involved. The love story was beautifully written and the book ends realistically.

It should be noted that even though the light tone makes the difficult subject matter of mental illness easier for readers who appreciate the insight and understanding provided, it could also be triggering for others.