Apparently, a cure for sorrow is the slow determination to self-destruct and bring a whole family down with you.
This book is not at all what I expected, and I enjoyed it for the most part.

The voice actress for this audiobook was incredible, and I think that really made an impact on how enjoyable the story was.

Things I really enjoyed:
- The author's masterful descriptions of grief and emotion
- The gothic undertones of the book
- Nora's slow decent in to madness.... or was she mad?
- The author's effective use of several morally gray characters. The characters in this story really shone - several members of the family were loveable, several were despicable, many were a mix of both. I am a genealogist by profession, and I greatly appreciate the reality that families are MESSY and not every family legend you hear is what it first seems.. The relationships in this family were complicated and tangled, and that was well done.
- The paranormal threads of this story were definitely spooky, though perhaps a little underdeveloped. Was this a historical fiction or a thriller? It was both but sometimes it felt a bit disjointed.
- Some of the descriptions of gore and violence made my skin crawl - usually I have a pretty strong stomach for that, but it definitely was masterfully done.

Things I struggled with:
- The beginning and the ending were both quite rushed in my opinion. We didn't have a lot of time to fall in love with Euan. It jumps from 1888 to the end of Nora's life very quickly, and her happy ending felt very... sudden? Too easy? A little illogical as well, since comes to a conclusion about her ability to see ghosts that doesn't follow her sight of Olaf's ghost.


Trigger warnings:
Gore, suicide, murder, death of a child, infidelity, sexual scenes, death of an animal, curse words, drugging w/o consent, sexism

Narrated by Jesse Vilinsky
Presented by Brilliance Audio

Really enjoyed the first 20% or so, but it was all downhill from there.

Firstly, this book sold itself to me with the promise of supernatural happenings, and I was sadly disappointed on that front. Also 'haunted secrets' - where were the secrets?? I was bored, bored bored.

My favourite part of this entire novel was the building of the relationship between Nora and Euan, and how it spoke about the loss after. This evoked some really strong feelings in me and I was sucked in completely.

However, once Nora starts to move forward it all just became a tangled mess of love affairs and damaged people and relationships and also FARMWORK which was so incredibly dull. Nora went from a character I adored to a character I loathed, and nothing interesting justified how long this story dragged on for. When the 'supernatural' finally turned up, I rolled my eyes and that was me emotionally done. From then on it was listening just to be done.

On the plus side, the narration was well done. She did a great job of defining characters with different voices, and added a lot of feeling to the story. I'd happily listen to this narrator again.

If this hadn't been an audiobook I think I would have straight up quit halfway. As it was, it really became a chore to listen to, and I was happy when it finally ended.

Perhaps fans of historical fiction will enjoy this more than I did, but there wasn't much beyond the narrator that could redeem it for me.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

"A Cure for Sorrow" drew me in from the very beginning with its haunting exploration of grief, love, and the unexpected paths we tread in times of sorrow. Set against the backdrop of Gilded Age Manhattan, the story of Nora Harris—a strong-willed medical student and surgeon’s daughter—takes a poignant turn when she loses her fiancé, Euan Colquhoun, in a tragic accident. It’s a tale that seamlessly weaves together the threads of romance, loss, and a hint of the supernatural, and I found myself absorbed by each nuanced layer.
Nora is a compelling character, driven by logic and ambition, yet her world is turned upside down by heartbreak. Jen Wheeler captures her emotional turmoil beautifully, and I connected deeply with Nora's struggle to reconcile the world of science with the inexplicable feelings of loss and despair that engulf her. The writing is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of both the bustling city and the quieter, more mysterious countryside of upstate New York, where much of the story unfolds.
As Nora retreats to the Colquhoun family farm, hoping to find solace, she instead discovers a labyrinth of family secrets and eerie occurrences. The tension builds as she is haunted by a presence that defies logical explanation, and I find myself gripping my headphones, eager to unravel the mystery alongside her. The interplay between her rational mind and the strange happenings around her creates a palpable sense of unease that keeps me engaged throughout the story.
The correspondence between Nora and Euan's older brother, Malcolm, brought a touching depth to the narrative. Their letters, filled with shared grief and tentative hope, provided not just comfort but a connection that sparked new emotions in Nora as she navigated her sorrow. Malcolm serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and family ties, adding layers to Nora’s healing journey.
Jesse Vilinsky's narration added dimension to my experience. His voice is warm and pleasant, and he skilfully differentiates between characters, breathing life into each one. I was particularly impressed by how he captured the melancholic undertones of Nora's journey. His expressive tone conveyed her introspection perfectly, making me feel as if I were right there with her, experiencing the beauty and pain of her story firsthand.
While some may find the pacing slow, I appreciated the contemplative nature of the narrative. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in Nora's emotional landscape, fostering a deep connection with her struggles and triumphs. The intertwining themes of grief, guilt, and the supernatural were explored thoughtfully, raising questions about the nature of existence and the beliefs that ground us in times of crisis.
Overall, "A Cure for Sorrow" is an enchanting and heartrending tale that stays with you long after the final words. It expertly blends elements of historical fiction with a touch of gothic mystery, making it the perfect listen for fans of introspective narratives that delve into the human experience. I found it utterly captivating, and it reaffirmed my love for stories that tackle the complexities of life with honesty and depth. I can’t wait to see what else Jen Wheeler has in store, and I look forward to more audiobooks narrated by Jesse Vilinsky, whose talent truly enhances the listening experience.