This was a short, sweet, heartbreaking little novella. It's written so well, and knowing Kinsella's recent news, it's a hard read.

This was a hard book for me to read. I’ve never been diagnosed with cancer, but I had a staph infection that went septic and I almost died.
As a result, I had to learn to walk again. The bruising Eve describes happened to me because I fell, and my husband and I joked that people would think he beat me! I remember the frustration she describes and more.
I can honestly say her descriptions are actually “what it feels like” and I didn’t have cancer. 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A very raw and hopeful read. I have a family member currently battling the same cancer. This was a very helpful peek into the suffering of another.
Well done.

This book felt different from Sophie’s typical style but was still effortless to read. I only learned at the end that it was autobiographical which makes so much sense now. Instead of being plot driven, this story focused on the characters and their journey through a cancer diagnosis and treatment. I’ve been a longtime fan of Sophie’s work and really appreciate how she opened up to readers about a private and deeply personal experience through her writing. I can see how this book could help someone else going through a similar medical experience and could bring them hope. The way the author shares her husband/caretaker's point of view and her own was moving and beautiful.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.


This story is beautiful, heart wrenching, inspirational, powerful, raw, and made me sob so many times.

I could go on and on about how I loved this book.

This short story touched all of the feelings! I wish it was a full novel but it took you through a rollercoaster of emotions while telling a story that is the lives of some.

This was such an emotional read! Once I started, I could not put it down. Sophie Kinsella always writes beautiful stories and this was so moving knowing that it was based on her real life experience.

I have loved Sophie Kinsella's books for years and this was no exception. While it was different from her other books, this book was especially moving knowing it was based on her own life.

I loved This book. It was very emotional knowing how it was o similar to her own life. It was greatly written and a quick read for anyone, great book.

This novella gave us insight to a world that no one wants to be apart of. It was beautifully written! I recommend to those wanting to dive into a novella.

This was absolutely stunning and beautiful and heartbreaking to read. It feels disingenuous to write a review, it was beautiful and lovely and moved me every time I turned the page. Kinsella is a beautiful author worthy of all the praise.

This book was absolutely raw and heartbreaking. For someone who has lost several people in my life due to cancer Including my mom at a young age this was hard to read. I loved how absolutely honest this book was. You felt like you were feeling the pain as she went through it. Heart breaking but also shows so much courage.

This was beautiful and heartbreaking and very raw. I wish it was longer than 144 pages! This was such a personal writing piece for the author so I understand why it was a shorter book. Wishing Sophie Kinsella all the best in the world 🩷

Sophie Kinsella's novella, What Does It Feel Like?, marks a poignant departure from her signature lighthearted romantic comedies, delving into deeply personal and autobiographical territory. The narrative centers on Eve, a successful novelist who awakens in a hospital to the life-altering news of a malignant brain tumor diagnosis. What follows is a candid portrayal of her journey through surgery, recovery, and the emotional landscape of confronting mortality. The way that perspective is used in this novella is beautiful, and powerful.

Kinsella's writing retains its characteristic warmth and humor, providing moments of levity amidst the gravity of Eve's circumstances. The novella is structured through a series of vignettes, each offering insight into Eve's internal struggles and reflections on life's simple pleasures. This format allows readers to engage intimately with her experiences, fostering a deep sense of empathy and connection.

This could've been much longer, and I would have been happy to read every single page.

She is a favorite of mine. I was totally surprised and in tears at the end.lightheartedeven though it’s a tough storyline

What does it feel like is a very heartbreaking, raw, but beautiful autobiographical story written by Sophie Kinsella. Some facts and events were changed by the author. Honestly how do you rate and review someone’s real life experience with stage 4 Glioblastoma that involves 8 hours of brain surgery.
Sophie writes about her experience with uplifting, and positivity which I truly admire her.
It is a short novella packed with bravery, humour, hope, and inspiration. Do yourself a favour and read this book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

I first picked up a Sophie Kinsella book 10 or so years ago and have been a fan ever since. The humor and warmth she brings to her characters make her novels total comfort reads.

What Does It Feel Like? deals with some tough subject matter. Sophie Kinsella was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer a few years ago. This story is basically an autobiographical look at her journey processing this devastating news.

Raw, honest, and inspiring. I was blown away by Sophie’s positivity and class. To share something so deeply personal with the world is remarkable. Her story gave me the hope that I too can get through whatever hand I’m dealt. Thank you Sophie for everything.

Definitely a different type of book from this author, but clearly so personal and devastating.

Many reviewers have said they did not like the writing style, which at times was disjointed and repetitive, but I think that added a layer of believability to the story. The author was walking the red carpet and then woke up in the hospital, with no recollection of how she got there. As a result, neither did the reader which many did not like, but I thought it was quite effective.

My one complaint is that it came across as a little too . . . idealized? Sanitized? Hard conversations mostly ended up in tear-filled laughter and witty banter; while there was emotion, there was very little negative emotion - anger or resentment or even why me mentality. While the story was told through the author's lens, her husband at times seemed too good to be true and, at the risk of taking the author's agency away, I would have liked to see more of how her diagnosis affected those around her.

I wish the best for the author and her family.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. This novella was a privilege to read and gain the insight of what the author’s journey with cancer has looked like. It’s sweet and heartfelt and I’m so grateful Sophie was willing to share it with us all.

I had no idea the beloved author, Sophie Kinsella faced a horrific brain tumor diagnosis. “What Does It Feel Like?” Is her self-proclaimed most autobiographical work. Although she chose to fictionalize her own story, Kinsella is raw and real - sharing her experience with humor and humanity. This is more of a short story and Kinsella obviously had a different tone to her writing. If you’re looking for the light hearted, funny romances she best known for, this is not read for you. However I imagine by sharing her own story in such an authentic way, “What Does It Feel Like” will bring peace and perspective to others dealing with similar difficult circumstances.