OPEN TO ALL REGIONS

About this session

This moving novel about mental illness and sisterly love finds hilarity and wisdom in anguish, without diminishing pain.

Martha Friel is 40, the writer of a “funny food column” that, once her editor has cut out all the jokes, is – as she sardonically acknowledges – just a food column. She has few friends but is intensely close to her sister Ingrid. Her husband Patrick adores her. It is clear from the start, though, that Martha does not make things easy.

Martha knows something wrong with her but she doesn’t know what it is. Her husband Patrick thinks she is fine. He says everyone has something, the thing is just to keep going.

Sorrow and Bliss has been justly compared to Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag: both perform that peculiar miracle of making us care deeply, desperately even, for a character who does unforgivable things. It is also very funny.

It is impossible to read this novel and not be moved. It is also impossible not to laugh out loud.

The discussion will take place on Zoom.  This will be a great opportunity to engage with others in the Women in Rail South community and a chance to give your suggestions for future books for us to read and share together.

Please add the event to your diary when you sign up.  We will send you a reminder with the Zoom link a few days before the event.

Time & date
Wednesday 30 March 2022.  7pm Welcome & Introductions. 7.10pm Book Discussion. 8pm approx end.

How to Register
Please register using the form below. Joining instructions will be sent nearer the time.

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