I feel so honoured I got to read an early copy of What Does It Feel Like by Sophie. I fell in love with her books in the early 2000s when her Confessions of a shopaholic released. I’ve since then read all her books so of course I had to read this one!!

My heart broke to hear of Sophie’s cancer diagnosis and I really enjoyed the story of Eve and how her journey of diagnosis affected her and how life continued for her.

I feel people who have been diagnosed or cared for a love one will be able to relate to this book and know they aren’t alone.

This novella brought many tears. It follows Eve who was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. It explores her life with her husband and 5 children after her diagnosis in a brutally honest way. She share her hopes and sorrows for missing the milestone’s in her child’s lives after her death. Eve does not remember her cancer diagnosis, surgery, and many medical appointments. She had to learn how to walk again. Eve honestly shows how one struggles with cognitively to talk after brain surgery. It delves in explaining the cancer diagnosis to her children and handling their emotions. It examines planning her own funeral and to have or not have a bucket list. This novella is an autobiographical account of the author’s story. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced e-copy to read.

Initially, I found the pacing a bit jarring. I was aware it was a novella, but the chapters felt disjointed, and I thought the pacing could have been improved. But what do I know?

Despite this, I quickly became engrossed in the story, which was basically an autobiography of Sophie’s battle with cancer. It was a rollercoaster of emotions—scary, funny, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at once.

I particularly loved the portrayal of the husband, who is clearly inspired by her own partner. I hope she remains cancer-free and defies the odds. Though brief, this work delivers a powerful emotional impact.

Wow wow wow - What a beautifully written piece - I only wish it was longer. Eve's story is Sophie Kinsella's story and she wrote her tragedy into a beautiful story. The relationship between her and her husband was so touching as was the way she wrote of her children. Her strength, both physical and mental, is inspiring. On a personal level, I pray she has longer with her kids and her family.

Thank you very much to Sophie Kinsella and to Netgalley, and to the publishing house, for having had the opportunity to preview this novella. It touched my heart deeply, I have been reading Kinsella since the first book, and will continue to read everything she publishes, even her shopping list. This novella unfortunately has a somewhat sad theme, which affects the author directly, but despite this the author's style remains the same, with a few more tears.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

That was not what I have expected. It was so raw and powerful and gut-wrenching. It is an extremely intimate piece of writing and truly cathartic. It is the author’s own life story fictionalised to a degree but no less if not more heart-breaking. I can only express my deepest respect to this author for putting to the pen all the pain but also all the optimism she experienced.

This novella tells a fictionalized version of Sophie Kinsella's journey with brain cancer. It is stunning, it is gritty, and it is absolutely worth reading.

The main character, Eve, is a successful novelist who has surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor. .Although the story is fiction, it is a thinly- veiled autobiography of Kinsella. She has changed the names and minor details, but overall the story is of her battle with brain cancer. It is a short book, but the subject matter is serious. Despite addressing the subject of incurable brain cancer, the story has many light moments, and even some comedic ones. If you are expecting the usual, light-hearted Sophie Kinsella, you are going to be surprised. This is NOT the usual. This is so much more.

Oof. This was a hard read. It was so short and it took several hours to really absorb this story.

I have followed Sophie Kinsella's novels since 2005 and have read everything she has written multiple times. She has been my favourite author for 20 years and her cancer announcement devastated me. Her prognosis has weighed heavy on my mind over the last months.

I knew that What Does It Feel Like? was meant to be somewhat autobiographical, but I did not anticipate the emotional ride that this book was. I am so hopeful that Sophie will live out her days and watch her children grow up, whether while continuing to write or not. I will deeply miss her wit and whimsy should she choose to retire, but I am so grateful for Eve's story, and every other heroine's story that came before her.

Sophie Kinsella is truly one in a million. This deeply personal novel was incredible. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.

What Does It Feel Like by Sophie Kinsella
Publishing date - 10/08/24
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages - 144

This is an autobiographical novella although some facts and events were changed by the author. Living high on the success of her new book , Eve wakes in the hospital facing a cancer diagnosis. Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end. This is a must read! Such an emotional read!! 😭

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for this e-arc.

What an amazing emotional read. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows this book touched on all the feelings. Living high on the success of her new book Eve wakes in the hospital facing a host of problems and a cancer diagnosis. Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end. This is a must read.

Great and engaging book with interesting plot line. I loved how the main Character went from the highest of highs in life to the lowest of lows in the second half. I wish the book was much longer and had more detail about the aftermath. Reading the Afterward, and finding out the book was based on the authors real life, made it even more interesting and made me reread the book again.

A must read for Sophie Kinsella fans!

My heart!! This was so amazing and vulnerable and I loved every word of it. This novella by Sophie Kinsella about her cancer diagnosis was so poignant. I know there are some fictional parts, but it's mostly autobiographical and just amazing to read. I can't even imagine what that must have been like for her and her family, but being able to read her story is touching. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!! ❤️❤️

Sophie Kinsella is one of the only authors who could write about such a heart wrenching subject and manage to make me both laugh AND cry. This autobiographical novella is certainly different (much more sad) than her other light hearted books, but she still managed to write about the heavy subject matter in a way that was easy to read. Her positive attitude and great sense of humor shine in the book- I wouldn't be surprised if these qualities helped her recovery! Ultimately this book felt very real, but also hopeful. I hope the author knows how many people are rooting for her and a full recovery.

The only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars is because I wish it was longer! I really enjoyed it and was left wanting a little more. I hope we are lucky enough to read more full length books from her in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

This autobiographical novella follows Eve as she and her family navigate her incurable brain cancer diagnosis. It’s honest and beautiful, and if you or someone you love has had a cancer diagnosis in the past, have some tissues nearby when you read this. I was hesitant to read this at first since cancer has touched multiple members of my family, and I prefer reading to be my “happy place” where everything always works out in the end. However, I found myself laughing, crying, and feeling hopeful as I turned the last page. This is a must read!

Sophie Kinsella is a long time favorite of mine. When I got approved for this eARC, I was really excited. 

At first, I thought out loud "this is nothing like what I'm used to reading from her" but I kept on. Wow. What a story and her author's note at the end...🫂 I thought this was an honest novella that will touch anyone who takes the time to read it. 

The MC was beautiful and engaging. The story was sad and hopeful all at the same time. I'm so glad she wrote this.

What Does it Feel Like is a heart wrenching and heart breaking story that is well written'

This was a tough book for me to read as I lost my 37 son to the same tumor after a long struggle three years ago.

I persevered and admired Sophie Kinsella for writing this book (it must have been hard to do ) and I did find myself laughing and crying along like many of the writers.

It is also a tough book for me to review but I certainly would say its well worth reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Random House/The Dial Press for the opportunity to read and review What Does it Feel Like.

Oh, my heart. Eve is such a beautiful character going through a very difficult situation. It must be so frustrating to lose time again and again, waking up disoriented and upset. Realizing that you keep asking the same questions over and over…but to you it’s all new.

The optimism Eve demonstrates is admirable and uplifting, and I do hope the ending for her (and the author) will be a happy one. Best wishes to Ms. Kinsella and her family.

I encourage everyone to read this and to also support brain cancer research.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for this eARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sophie Kinsella’s What Does It Feel Like? is an emotionally charged autobiographical novella that is both heart-wrenching and profoundly inspiring. Despite some fictionalization, the raw, poignant narrative offers a glimpse into Kinsella’s own battle with stage 4 glioblastoma, a brain tumor.

The story follows Eve Monroe, a beloved novelist, wife, and mother of five, who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of her diagnosis or recent events. As Eve grapples with her new reality, she faces the daunting challenges of memory loss and the impacts of her illness. Through it all, Eve’s humor, bravery, and unwavering optimism shine through.

Kinsella’s writing, though laced with humor, does not shy away from the gravity of her experience. The moments of deep sorrow are balanced by glimpses of hope and love—particularly in Eve’s cherished family moments and her poignant interactions with her husband.

What Does It Feel Like? is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the strength found in the face of adversity. Sophie Kinsella’s heartfelt storytelling and bravery in sharing her personal journey make this novella a must-read.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC.

I love Sophie kinsella and all her novels. She hadn't written one yet that I did not like.

Unfortunately I am unable to read this due to subject matter that hits too close to home as my brother had the same tumor and has passed a few years ago. I feel badly but it is super triggering to me and I'm sure it's a great novel. It is my own fault I just saw her name and requested it.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and publisher for this arc

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this title. A remarkable love story that is heartbreaking, raw, poignant, powerful and inspirational. Do yourself a favor and read this book.