Book Review: What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella – Love, Loss, and Resilience @KinsellaSophie @randomhouse

What Does It Feel Like? is a poignant story of love, resilience, and life after brain surgery written with the author’s trademark warmth and sense of humour.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Dial Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Eve, a successful novelist, awakens in a hospital bed with no memory of the events that led her there. Her devoted husband gently informs her that she has undergone surgery to remove a large, malignant brain tumor. As Eve embarks on a challenging journey to relearn basic skills like walking, talking, and writing, she grapples with the weight of her diagnosis and the difficult decision of when to share the news with her beloved children. Through a series of poignant anecdotes, Eve reflects on the simple joys that truly matter in life—like holding her husband’s hand during long walks and cherishing family game nights. This deeply personal and emotionally resonant novel is a celebration of life, filled with warmth, humour, and the bittersweet truths of navigating grief, ultimately offering a heart-wrenching yet hopeful experience for readers.

My Thoughts:

Sophie Kinsella has long been one of my favorite authors. I’ve spent countless hours laughing out loud reading her books, admiring her knack for creating characters that are not only interesting but also deeply relatable. When I learned of her glioblastoma diagnosis earlier this year, my admiration for her grew tenfold. Her courage and resilience in facing brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments are nothing short of inspiring. While What Does It Feel Like? is a work of fiction, knowing it is largely autobiographical adds a layer of poignancy that makes this story even more compelling.

The novel follows Eve, a successful author who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. She soon learns from her devoted husband that she has undergone surgery to remove a malignant brain tumour – a point he is forced to remind her of frequently due to memory loss. From there, we witness Eve’s arduous journey of relearning how to walk all while grappling with her diagnosis and the daunting task of when and how to explain it to her children.

Kinsella’s insight into the experience of brain surgery is profound. Eve’s struggles feel heartbreakingly real, yet the story is also infused with warmth and humour, which is a hallmark of Kinsella’s style. I was deeply moved by the depiction of Eve’s husband, who remains a constant, calming presence throughout her recovery. Their relationship, as well as the love and support from friends and family, is portrayed with such tenderness that it’s impossible not to feel the depth of their bond.

The narrative unfolds through brief anecdotes, each one addressing the kind of questions that anyone navigating grief or a life-altering illness might face. Kinsella masterfully balances the heartache with moments of levity, making this short novel a celebration of life in all its messy, beautiful complexity. I found myself laughing, crying, and ultimately marveling at Eve’s extraordinary journey.

Final Thoughts:

What Does It Feel Like? is an emotional rollercoaster that will break your heart and then put it back together. It’s a powerful story of love, resilience, and the simple joys that make life worth living. I highly recommend this book—it’s one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I wish Sophie Kinsella all the best in her own private journey.

Some of the Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Sophie Kinsella:

The Burnout

The Party Crasher

Love Your Life