What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

Kinsella Tackles Life’s Toughest Challenge

We’ve all giggled our way through Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, haven’t we? Those delightful misadventures of Becky Bloomwood, maxing out credit cards and hiding purchases from her long-suffering husband. But hold onto your designer handbags, folks, because Kinsella’s latest offering is about as far from retail therapy as you can get.

“What Does It Feel Like?” is Kinsella’s most personal and profound work to date. It’s a slim volume that packs an emotional wallop, chronicling one woman’s journey through a devastating brain cancer diagnosis. And here’s the kicker—it’s based on Kinsella’s own experiences. Talk about life imitating art in the most brutal way possible.

Meet Eve: Novelist, Mother, and Reluctant Cancer Patient

Our protagonist is Eve Monroe, a successful author known for her feel-good novels with happy endings. Sound familiar? Eve’s life is turned upside down when she wakes up in a hospital bed, unable to remember how she got there. Her devoted husband, Nick, breaks the news: she’s had surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor.

What follows is a series of vignettes, each one a snapshot of Eve’s new reality. We witness her struggles to relearn basic tasks, her fears about the future, and her determination to maintain some semblance of normalcy for her five children. It’s raw, it’s honest, and at times, it’s surprisingly funny.

From Red Carpets to Hospital Corridors

Kinsella’s trademark wit shines through even in the darkest moments. Eve’s attempts to equate her radiotherapy sessions to a fancy spa treatment had me snorting with laughter. And her musings on the irony of being a writer who can’t control her own story? Brilliant.

But make no mistake, this isn’t a lighthearted romp. The weight of Eve’s diagnosis hangs heavy on every page. The scenes where she grapples with telling her children about her illness are particularly gut-wrenching. And the constant refrain of “It could be worse” becomes a poignant reminder of how we try to find hope in the bleakest situations.

A Love Story at its Core

At its heart, “What Does It Feel Like?” is a love story. Not the rom-com variety we’re used to from Kinsella, but something deeper and more profound. The relationship between Eve and Nick is beautifully portrayed. Their early morning conversations, filled with dark humor and raw vulnerability, are some of the most touching moments in the book.

Nick’s unwavering support, even as he grapples with his own fears and grief, is truly heartwarming. Their love story isn’t about grand gestures or passionate declarations. It’s about holding hands during hospital visits, playing Scrabble with the kids, and finding joy in small moments of normalcy.

Kinsella’s Writing: A New Level of Depth

Longtime fans of Kinsella might be surprised by the change in writing style. Gone are the breezy, chatty narratives of her previous works. Instead, we get short, punchy vignettes that feel almost like diary entries. It’s a format that perfectly captures the disjointed nature of Eve’s thoughts and the fragmented way she experiences her new reality.

The prose is stripped back, raw, and at times, brutally honest. Kinsella doesn’t shy away from the ugly aspects of cancer treatment—the nausea, the fatigue, the cognitive difficulties. But she also finds moments of beauty and humor in unexpected places.

Balancing Humor and Heartbreak

One of Kinsella’s greatest strengths has always been her ability to find humor in difficult situations, and that skill is on full display here. Eve’s attempts to create a bucket list that consists mainly of finding better marmalade had me in stitches. And her musings on whether her symptoms are due to brain cancer or just a really bad hangover? Classic Kinsella.

But these moments of levity are balanced by scenes of profound sadness and fear. The constant uncertainty, the “scanxiety” before each MRI, the guilt Eve feels for putting her family through this ordeal—it’s all portrayed with unflinching honesty.

A Window into the Cancer Experience

For those who’ve never experienced cancer firsthand (and I count myself lucky to be in that group), “What Does It Feel Like?” offers a unique and valuable perspective. It’s not just about the medical aspects of treatment, but the emotional and psychological toll as well.

Eve’s struggles with memory loss and cognitive function are particularly eye-opening. As a writer, her identity is so tied to her ability with words. Watching her struggle to name simple objects or write her own name is truly heartbreaking.

The Ripple Effect on Family

Kinsella doesn’t just focus on Eve’s experience, but on how her diagnosis affects the entire family. The scenes where they break the news to their children are some of the most powerful in the book. Each child’s reaction is unique and beautifully portrayed, from the eldest’s stoic support to the youngest’s innocent questions.

The way the family rallies around Eve, finding ways to maintain normalcy while acknowledging the gravity of the situation, is both inspiring and heartbreaking. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of adversity.

Not Your Typical Cancer Narrative

What sets “What Does It Feel Like?” apart from other cancer narratives is its refusal to fall into easy sentimentality or clichéd inspirational messaging. Eve doesn’t suddenly gain profound wisdom or a new lease on life. She’s scared, she’s angry, she’s confused—and that’s okay.

Kinsella resists the urge to tie everything up neatly with a bow. The ending is hopeful but uncertain, much like Eve’s prognosis. It’s a brave choice that feels true to the reality of living with cancer.

A Celebration of Life’s Small Pleasures

Despite the heavy subject matter, the book is ultimately a celebration of life’s small pleasures. Eve finds joy in a cup of tea, in family game nights, in walks with her husband. It’s a powerful reminder to appreciate the everyday moments we often take for granted.

The Verdict: A Must-Read, But Bring Tissues

“What Does It Feel Like?” is a departure from Kinsella’s usual fare, but it showcases her talents as a writer in a whole new light. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s life-affirming – often all on the same page.

Is it an easy read? Absolutely not. There were moments when I had to put the book down and take a deep breath. But it’s an important read, offering insight and empathy to anyone touched by cancer.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of Sophie Kinsella who are ready for a more serious, introspective work
• Anyone who’s been touched by cancer, either personally or through a loved one
• Readers who appreciate honest, unflinching portrayals of illness and its impact on families
• Those looking for a quick but emotionally impactful read

Who Might Want to Skip It?

• Readers looking for a light, escapist read (maybe stick to the Shopaholic series for now)
• Those who find medical details or discussions of mortality triggering
• Anyone expecting a traditional narrative structure (the vignette format might not be for everyone)

Final Thoughts: A Brave and Beautiful Book

“What Does It Feel Like?” is not just a good book—it’s an important one. Kinsella has taken her own harrowing experience and turned it into something that can offer comfort, understanding, and even moments of joy to others facing similar challenges.

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 book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you want to hug your loved ones a little tighter.

In the end, “What Does It Feel Like?” feels like a gift—from Kinsella to her readers, from Eve to her family, and from all those who’ve faced cancer to those who love them. It’s a reminder of the power of love, the importance of family, and the resilience of the human spirit.

So, grab a copy, curl up with a cup of tea (and maybe that fancy marmalade), and prepare for an emotional journey. Just don’t forget the tissues. Trust me, you’re going to need them.