Author: Meg Mason

“Sorrow and Bliss” by Meg Mason is a poignant novel that delves into the complexities of mental illness and its impact on relationships. The story follows Martha Friel, who has struggled with an undiagnosed mental health condition since her teenage years. The narrative is both heart-wrenching and darkly humorous, capturing Martha’s journey through her personal struggles and the effects on her family and marriage¹².

Summary

Martha, the protagonist, is a woman in her forties who has faced mental health challenges since she was 17. Despite numerous doctors and treatments, she remains undiagnosed and continues to grapple with her condition. The novel explores her relationships, particularly with her husband Patrick, who eventually leaves her due to the strain of her illness. Martha’s journey is marked by her attempts to understand herself and her condition, leading her back to her childhood home and her eccentric family¹².

Themes

• Mental Illness: The novel provides a raw and honest portrayal of living with mental illness, highlighting the misunderstandings and stigma associated with it.
• Family and Relationships: It examines the dynamics within Martha’s family and her marriage, showing how mental illness can strain even the closest bonds.
• Self-Discovery: Martha’s journey is also one of self-discovery, as she seeks to understand her condition and find a way to live with it¹².

Reviews

• Critical Acclaim: Critics have praised the novel for its sharp wit, emotional depth, and compassionate portrayal of mental illness. It’s often compared to works by Sally Rooney and Eleanor Oliphant for its psychological insight and humor²4.
• Reader Reception: Readers have found the book to be both heartbreaking and uplifting, appreciating Mason’s ability to blend dark humor with serious themes. Some have noted that the novel’s portrayal of mental illness is particularly resonant and relatable³5.

Overall, “Sorrow and Bliss” is a compelling read that offers a deep and nuanced look at mental health, relationships, and the journey towards self-acceptance.

Source:
(1) Sorrow and Bliss Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary. https://www.supersummary.com/sorrow-and-bliss/summary/.
(2) Summary and Reviews of Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason – BookBrowse. https://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4233/sorrow-and-bliss.
(3) Review of Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason – BookBrowse. https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4233/sorrow-and-bliss.
(4) Sorrow And Bliss Review: The Book That Divided PRIMER. https://primer.com.au/sorrow-and-bliss-meg-mason-review/.
(5) Book Review: Sorrow and Bliss // Meg Mason : The Indiependent. https://www.indiependent.co.uk/book-review-sorrow-and-bliss-meg-mason/.