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soaringjennywren's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
nattorama's review against another edition
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
tluk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
woolpierogi's review against another edition
4.0
For fans of Fleabag and Where'd You Go Bernadette
Genre: Australian fiction; First person narratives; New Zealand fiction; Relationship fiction
Character: Ability diverse
Storyline: Character-driven
Tone: Heartwrenching; Sardonic
Writing Style: Candid; Engaging; Witty
Genre: Australian fiction; First person narratives; New Zealand fiction; Relationship fiction
Character: Ability diverse
Storyline: Character-driven
Tone: Heartwrenching; Sardonic
Writing Style: Candid; Engaging; Witty
rosadrinkbooks's review against another edition
5.0
The title of a book, has never been more descriptive of its contents. Martha’s constant state between elation and depression captures the cruel narcissistic parts of illness that are not discussed.
It is her self cantered nature which is the villain of the novel and makes the reader to at some points vehemently dislike her. As someone training as a nurse as I have rarely seen this ugly side of mental health represented in comtemporary media where “trauma” has become a ping word. Yet is far away from “the hysterical woman” trope in showing Martha’s intelligence and dark humour which Patrick fell in love with.
Most of all I like how the novel makes me question if her illness is a scapegoat for her own faults or whether they symptoms of her own personality.
It is her self cantered nature which is the villain of the novel and makes the reader to at some points vehemently dislike her. As someone training as a nurse as I have rarely seen this ugly side of mental health represented in comtemporary media where “trauma” has become a ping word. Yet is far away from “the hysterical woman” trope in showing Martha’s intelligence and dark humour which Patrick fell in love with.
Most of all I like how the novel makes me question if her illness is a scapegoat for her own faults or whether they symptoms of her own personality.
zoetemple's review against another edition
5.0
loved this book, a thoughtful and comedic portrayal of mental illness. I have many thoughts for book club
summerzinger's review against another edition
5.0
Do you too like protagonists who are largely unlikeable people? I know some (most) people hate this, but I find it makes for an extremely interesting story. Humans are flawed, humans are assholes, and humans sometimes blame everyone but themselves because it is easier. And also, humans sometimes have severe mental illnesses which are overlooked or not fully understood.
Sorrow and Bliss covers a tough subject matter unflinchingly, but the undercurrent is a black humour that really clicked with me. There are also many genuinely funny and touching moments, particularly between Martha and her sister Ingrid. As you read, your feelings towards Martha swing rapidly between frustration, sorrow, annoyance, understanding, and perhaps by the end, empathy.
Sorrow and Bliss covers a tough subject matter unflinchingly, but the undercurrent is a black humour that really clicked with me. There are also many genuinely funny and touching moments, particularly between Martha and her sister Ingrid. As you read, your feelings towards Martha swing rapidly between frustration, sorrow, annoyance, understanding, and perhaps by the end, empathy.
zenamarpet's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A devastating book! Incredible writing, funny at times but not for the faint of heart. Appreciate the uplifting quality of how the book ends.
emsprincex's review against another edition
4.75
Yet another stunning book!! Such a heartbreaking and beautiful story. Maybe love does exist