What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

A Departure from Shopaholic Laughs to Heartfelt Tears

Sophie Kinsella, the queen of chick lit and the mastermind behind the beloved Shopaholic series, has taken a sharp turn from her usual lighthearted fare with her latest novel, “What Does It Feel Like?” And boy, does it pack a punch. This isn’t a story about maxing out credit cards or navigating romantic mishaps—it’s a raw, honest look at facing mortality head-on. But don’t worry, Kinsella fans, her signature wit and warmth still shine through, even in the darkest moments.

The Plot: When Life Throws You a Curveball

Eve Monroe, a successful novelist (sound familiar?), wakes up in a hospital bed with no clue how she got there. Turns out, she’s just had surgery to remove a whopping brain tumor. What follows is Eve’s journey through recovery, treatment, and coming to terms with her new reality. It’s told through a series of vignettes—little slices of life that build up to create a powerful whole.

From Red Carpets to Hospital Corridors

We follow Eve as she relearns to walk, struggles with memory loss, and grapples with how to tell her five children about her diagnosis. There are moments of frustration (like when she can’t remember Christmas carols) and moments of triumph (like when she finally ditches the Zimmer frame). Through it all, Eve’s determination and humor shine through.

A Family United

Eve’s husband, Nick, is a rock throughout the story. Their relationship is tender and real, full of inside jokes and shared memories. The scenes with their children are particularly touching—from the oldest son’s quiet support to the youngest daughter’s tearful questions. Kinsella captures the complexities of family dynamics in the face of crisis with nuance and heart.

Writing Style: Bite-Sized Brilliance

Kinsella’s usual flowing narrative style has been replaced with short, punchy chapters. It’s a departure, but it works brilliantly for this story. Each vignette feels like a snapshot, a moment frozen in time. Some are funny, some are heartbreaking, but they all feel authentic.

Humor in the Darkness

Even in the midst of heavy subject matter, Kinsella’s trademark humor shines through. Eve’s attempts to turn her radiotherapy sessions into a spa day had me chuckling despite the circumstances. And her “Normal Plus” bucket list (featuring marmalade and Come Dine with Me) is just so… relatable.

Raw Emotion

But make no mistake, this book will make you cry. The early morning conversations between Eve and Nick are particularly gut-wrenching. Their discussions about death, bucket lists, and the irony of Eve’s situation are handled with a delicate touch that feels incredibly real.

Themes: Living in the Face of Death

At its core, “What Does It Feel Like?” is about how we live when faced with our own mortality. It’s about finding joy in small moments, about the strength of family bonds, and about facing fear head-on.

The Power of Optimism

Eve’s unwavering optimism is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her mantra of “It could be worse” becomes a running theme throughout the book. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always room for hope.

The Importance of Memory

Memory plays a huge role in the story. Eve’s struggles with short-term memory loss are frustrating and sometimes funny, but they also highlight how our memories shape who we are. The fear of forgetting—or being forgotten—is palpable.

Comparisons: A New Direction for Kinsella

If you’re coming to this book expecting another Shopaholic adventure, you might be in for a shock. This is Kinsella at her most vulnerable and personal. It’s more akin to works like “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes or “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green—books that tackle serious issues with humor and heart.

A Departure from Chick Lit

While Kinsella’s previous works like “Can You Keep a Secret?” and “I’ve Got Your Number” were firmly in the chick lit category, “What Does It Feel Like?” defies easy classification. It’s part memoir, part fiction, and entirely captivating.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

1. Authenticity: Knowing that this story is based on Kinsella’s own experiences gives it an undeniable authenticity. The medical details, the emotional ups and downs – it all feels incredibly real.
2. Balance of humor and pathos: Kinsella manages to find moments of levity even in the darkest situations, without ever trivializing the seriousness of Eve’s condition.
3. Character development: Eve’s journey feels genuine, and the supporting characters (especially Nick) are well-rounded and believable.
4. Unique structure: The vignette style keeps the pacing brisk and allows for a wide range of emotional tones.

Weaknesses:

1. Lack of plot complexity: While the episodic nature works well for the subject matter, readers looking for a more traditional narrative structure might find it disjointed.
2. Limited perspective: The focus is almost entirely on Eve and her immediate family. A wider exploration of how her illness affects her career or broader social circle could have added depth.
3. Potentially triggering: For readers who have personal experience with cancer or brain tumors, some sections might be difficult to read.

Final Verdict: A Brave and Beautiful Book

“What Does It Feel Like?” is a departure for Sophie Kinsella, but it’s a risk that pays off beautifully. It’s a testament to her skill as a writer that she can tackle such heavy subject matter with grace, humor, and unflinching honesty.

This isn’t an easy read—it’ll make you laugh, cry, and hug your loved ones a little tighter. But it’s also a celebration of life, a reminder to appreciate the little things, and a powerful exploration of what it means to face our own mortality.

For longtime Kinsella fans, it’s a chance to see a different side of a beloved author. For newcomers, it’s an introduction to her wit and warmth, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of Sophie Kinsella who are ready for a more serious read
• Anyone who’s been touched by cancer or serious illness
• Readers who enjoy emotional, life-affirming stories
• Those looking for an honest, sometimes funny take on dealing with a health crisis

Who Might Want to Skip It?

• Readers triggered by discussions of cancer and mortality
• Those looking for a light, escapist read
• Fans who only enjoy Kinsella’s more comedic works

In Conclusion: A Triumph of the Human Spirit

“What Does It Feel Like?” is not just a good book—it’s an important one. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s room for love, laughter, and hope. Sophie Kinsella has bared her soul on these pages, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary.

So grab a copy, settle in with a cup of tea (and maybe some marmalade), and prepare for a reading experience that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Just don’t forget the tissues – you’re gonna need ’em.