Never got the book in mobi format, so was unable to review. But I'm looking forward to buying it and reading and reviewing it in the future

I’m really disappointed to not be able to read this, I  was looking forward to it as I have loved her other books.   This copey said sample across the pages and it was hard to read.  

Thanks for the chance.

Honestly, I never read this book. I requested it and downloaded it but was hit with a massive season of depression where I couldn't read anything at all. Thankfully I am on the mend and do indeed plan to read the books I had requested. I am thankful for the opportunity for advanced reader copies. I do love reading.

I started and stopped this book and few times and I kept putting it down. I do think this is a case of timing, rather than an issue with the writing. This past year had a real effect on the types of book I could engage with and I will try to pick this one up at a later date.

I was REALLY looking forward to reading SORROW, but the "SAMPLE DRAFT" across the text made it impossible to read. Thank you so much for the free ARC, NetGalley, but I do hope the publisher changes the format of the ARCs in the future so it can be easily read. I'm enthralled with the summary and I'm looking forward to purchasing the book.

I have tried to write this review several times, but I don't know how to put in words what this book meant to me. As a reader, it's a relatable story of love, loss, and life's lessons. As a human, it's a book about humanity, the art of living, and going after what you want in spite of it all. It's not even fair to call this just a romance, when Sorrow is so much more and it is apparent that Tiffanie DeBartolo put so much into it. Poignant, difficult, beautiful...there are so many words that can describe this read. It's not the rainbow and butterflies sort of love story with a tiny bit of drama the characters get through. This is main character Joe's story of life and letdowns and how they compiled into several losses that feel so great. It's the story of a man blowing like a leaf in the wind, unable to form roots like the tree he loves. 

Joe isn't immediately likeable, but then again, a lot of people aren't when you peel back the layers. Joe Harper is real, his story is authentic, and in all its messiness, Sorrow is a work of art that I could not put down. Like God-Shaped Hole, Sorrow is existential literature, with Tiffanie DeBartolo's words taking Joe on a journey to figure out who he really is and what he's alive for. It's the kind of book you just have to pick up and start reading, you won't be let down.

I've been waiting years for another book by Tiffanie Debartolo, however, I just did not connect with Sorrow. To me, Sorrow felt like one long soliloquy. It was so introspective that I felt like I was dying for some action. Sometimes authors use flashbacks in clever ways that move the story forward, and I just didn't get that feeling with Sorrow. The story seemed to just get bogged down and more clouded with each backward glance.

The writing is lovely and descriptive, this one just missed me.

My intent was to read this book, but couldn’t do to the copy saying draft across the whole page. I’m really disappointed to not be able to read this. I was looking forward to reading it so much. I really enjoyed her other book God Shaped Hole. Thanks anyways!

Unfortunately, I'm unable to read the book in the format provided. The "Sample" written on the text is too distracting and I can't seem to make it compatible to read on my phone. I wish I was able to review it because this sounds like a fabulous read!

Thanks!

*I was provided a free copy of this book for a fair and unbiased review* 

No one -- and I mean NO ONE -- writes a messy love story and human reconciliation quite like Tiffanie De Bartolo. This author has had my heart since the 90's, when Dream for an Insomniac came out. For every decade of my life, Tiffanie DeBartolo has given me a book to help me get through the euphoric highs and soul-crushing lows of love, friendship, figuring out what you want, and understanding how to forgive those who hurt you, and how to forgive yourself for those you've hurt. In her body of work, love is an unavoidable, glorious mess that well-meaning people make, and it's also the exact thing that becomes their saving grace. 

In every piece of her work, people fumble towards joy, work their way through pains of their own making, and sometimes discover how to reconcile the two. There are no true villains; only people whose timing is flawed. That's a rarity in novels with a love story, and I'll never tire of the way that DeBartolo takes careful consideration in making love triangles about the humanity of everyone involved, rather than the conflict of changing hearts. 

Sorrow is maybe the most mature work from DeBartolo yet, which is perfect for readers who are past the messy drama of their 20s, and want a different kind of love story, populated by characters who have already figured out some things -- but not everything. I've always been fascinated by how well DeBartolo writes male characters, with an emotional complexity and depth that is completely unique. Joe Harper feels like a person that most readers will immediately recognize, and for most of the novel, I felt almost as though I was reading a series of letters from a friend. 

For those who are familiar with the Bay Area (specifically, the North Bay), there are Easter Eggs galore, from Joe eating the best Puerto Rican food in NorCal at Sol Foods to Tiffanie's own dog making a cameo appearance (hi Dipsea!) -- all these little hidden gems contribute to the authenticity of the setting of the novel as a character in its own right, and the natural way that the story unfolds. 

October has a lot in common with some of DeBartolo's pantheon of layered, interesting female characters. She's got the whimsy of Frankie, the soul of Trixie, and the tenacity of  Eliza. If you love art, music, and the North Bay Redwoods, you'll love Sorrow. 

As is my my way with Tiffanie DeBartolo's work, as I worked my way through the last pages, I found myself reading through the tears and hoping that there won't be such a long wait for the next book. 

Completely unrelated to this review: I have written all of one writer fangirl letter in my entire life, and it was to Tiffanie DeBartolo. She wrote back to me, and was incredibly generous and encouraging. This has nothing to do with this novel -- but it also has everything to do with this novel. Great writers aren't always great people, and I feel that it bears mentioning when the two intersect.

What can I say? Tiffanie DeBartolo's writing is poignant and heartfelt and Joe Harper's story is so moving. Sorrow follows him as he tries to find meaning in a life that hasn't gone as planned and finds love, not only with a partner but with himself. Joe is flawed and frustrating but also so realistic and his journey toward growth and connection is relatable and emotional. If you like beautifully written, character-driven fiction, this one's for you.

3.5
It truly pains me to rate this so low.  How to Kill a Rockstar is one of my favorites.  It took forever for her to write another book after that and I wanted to love it.

When I first read the summary, I thought this sounds so familiar.  Then it hit me!  This happened in real life.
This story is loosely based off of Marina Abramović and her former lover Ulay.  

<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSe9EonQgtD_-bJxi_D5pdROy-fUKS74YIc7Q&usqp=CAU" width="250" height="250" alt="description"/>
If you don't know about them, it's an interesting Google search.

This story was frustrating at times.  The main character wasn't all that likable to me.  He reminds me of a 16 year old who procrastinates, can't make his own decisions and runs away from everything "hard" in life.  It would have been great if he had done that in the beginning and then actually learned from it and grew up toward the climax, but that wasn't the case.  
Since we didn't get to be in the mind of October, I have no clue what she was thinking or feeling unless she actually spoke, which was the opposite of what her character's nature was.  
Then there was an assistant Rae who was extremely quirky and pretty much a nasty person, and no one called her out on it.  The author made it a big deal that every time this character came into the room she had trail mix.  I mean EVERY TIME it was noted.  But there was never an explanation as to what her problem was or her obsession with nuts and raisins!  
Then there is the lack of a satisfying ending.  If this was truly based on the above couple, it doesn't end well...


*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

Sorrow, a magnificent work of art by Tiffanie DeBartolo!  I’ve not had a reading experience call to me like this one in quite some time.  I am confident this will be my top read in 2020.

It’s a beautifully written story about love, loyalty and art.  A story comprised of the friendship and unique connection of Joe “Harp” Harper, Cal Callahan and October Danko.  DeBartolo does a stupendous job revealing with remarkable precision many intriguing dynamics that connects these three.  I found myself relating to this story on so many levels throughout the book. Something within the words called to me.  Shouting to find my passion and do that!! DeBartolo writes in such a way you feel you are there living the lives with the characters.  There so many touching and well-meaning lines that creates this very rich story. Words that will stay with you long after you’ve read it.  I highly recommend everyone read this incredible story.

Sorrow moved me in a way I didn't see coming. Going in blind to this latest from Tiffanie DeBartolo, I was immediately swept up in the seemingly sorrowful tale of one Joe Harper. From the title alone, I figured I was in for a morose sort of story, with a self-sabotaging kind of 'hero' who just can't get out of his own way. And for a good part of this book, that is pretty much what I got. But when Joe relays his somewhat regretful existence from the time he was young and felt alone and misunderstood, it's the small peeks of true light whether in the form of an unexpected 'blood brother' in Cal Callahan or the rush of playing a beloved guitar that makes this poignant journey worth taking.

The subtle rhythm DeBartolo uses in telling this story is all kinds of perfect. She carefully throws out brief memories, some good and some not so good, with Joe as the narrator of his current sad state and all the missed opportunities and chances never taken in his life. Joe is quite the quirky kind of character, his love of trees and the peace he finds while amongst them one of his rare true joys. It quickly becomes addicting and almost mesmerizing hearing him spout facts about these majestic beasts and the calm they give him.

I loved that Sorrow only focused on 3 main characters. Joe, Cal and October, all artists in their own way and with varying degrees of success and medium have this interwoven story-line that drops surprise upon surprise as the book unfolds. But again, it's nothing overly-dramatic yet it doesn't hesitate to pack a punch nonetheless. I will admit I had to take several breaks as the slow-building crescendo that is Joe's life had me on edge a bit and then on the other hand I simply didn't want his journey to end. And I also didn't even care if things turned out the way they should or shouldn't. I just really wanted a never-ending book since very word was written just so beautifully.

The rich symbolism that filters through the story adds an element I don't find in most reads. The creation of art for Joe in all its facets is the driving force of his work with the performance artist in October and his impromptu guitar sessions with Cal. And both give him a sense of accomplishment and bravery even when he starts to question all of his decisions and the whys and what-ifs of his family troubles. It's the security he needs and keeps him grounded even when he has the urge to flee once more.

This book is full of complications yet is also quite simple as a whole. DeBartolo adds in coincidences paired with past grief that causes a maelstrom of emotions for Joe and his wandering lifestyle. Cal and October provide the anchors he needs but in the end, Joe has to decide whether or not he is brave enough to face his life head-on or continue to wallow in choices already made.

You'll feel a little bit of everything with Sorrow and although some may argue that they wanted more of a solid ending, I loved how the author keeps it a bit open, with possibilities for Joe he can only now make real and begin to conquer. It's a unique kind of love story wherein our hero finds love in many forms and ultimately learns how to grasp it with everything he has.

5 epic stars!

Once you start this novel, you won't be able to put it down. The way Tiffanie DeBartolo weaves words together seamlessly to make beautiful, poetic sentences; that turn into life-changing novels is pure magic. This isn't just a love story, but a real life story that can be about anyone. I can always see bits and pieces of myself in her characters due to how relatable, flawed and real they are. The journey these characters go on is worth experiencing. I cannot wait until her next novel comes out.

This was recommended by two authors that I adore so I couldn't wait to read it. I absolutely loved it. I thought the characters were great and they will stick with me for awhile. Would definitely recommend this one. Every time I had to stop reading, I couldn't wait to get back to it.

Another brilliant novel by Tiffanie DeBartolo. Sorrow is Joe’s story. The novel is character driven and leaves you feeling all types of emotions. Joe memory is triggered and he takes readers through the past without holding back. We see the hardships and downfalls. We the reader experience love and strength. All told through Tiffanies word that will penetrate right to your heart and leaving you thinking for days.

If ever there were an appropriate title for a book, Tiffanie DeBartolo sure found one. This emotionally poignant story is infused with a sense of hopelessness and sadness, yet it is also resplendent with romance and hope. 

Joe tells his story, and he does so without sparing you any of his shortcomings. He can't get out of his own way, stymied in a sort of still life because he is petrified, like old trees in a forest. DeBartolo reveals the roots for this fear late in the book, but by that time, you know that this is just Joe. It's the way he is and how he approaches the slightest possibility of happiness. He has charged and tried himself, and he finds himself guilty of things he could neither control nor change. But when you're twelve, you still believe you have the power to do those things. 

As someone who lets life happen to him rather than actively taking part in it, Joe's somewhat haphazard meeting of October turns out to be uncommonly fortuitous for him. He's let all but one relationship (that with his mother) slip into an abyss, where he happily leaves them. To have anything more intimate requires work, and work requires faith and openness. When you've decided that you don't deserve anything good, you tend to avoid faith and openness. October, though, demands both. She is an artist, and her pursuit of and belief in art proves life-changing for Joe. You hold your breath, hoping he won't let fear stop him cold. 

I loved this book. Reading it is like reading music, with DeBartolo's lyrical pacing and phrasing feeling like she's taking you through the acts of a symphony. For every moment Joe frustrates himself, he frustrates you, too. You will want to reach into the pages, grab him by the shoulders, and shout at him to believe, try, do. 

While this isn't a long book, it is a thick one. DeBartolo takes no shortcuts, her writing creating a swollen mood that makes you both pensive and optimistic. That's the thing about Joe Harper: he may not believe in himself, but that doesn't stop you from believing in him.

Beautifully written, Sorrow is a story that will stay with me.   Like DeBartolo’s other novels, this book is a masterpiece and poetically written.  “It is impossible to become less of yourself by doing something you really wanna do. You can only become less by not doing it.”   I have so many quotes highlighted and will reread this book again and again.   I recommend taking the journey with Joe and October; two flawed, unique characters.   This book truly is a piece of art and I highly recommend you go in blind and experience the story as it leaps off the pages as you read it.

Sorrow is a story you do not come across very often.  The writing hits you in your heart and does not let go.  The characters, the layers of the story are pure art.  I read this in one day, and now I wish I had spread it out because the story is still with me a day later. I will probably re-read in the next week.  I am still having a hard time finding the words to do this review justice.

The context of the story in an emotional one, Joe is a complex man who solves things by walking away.  His actions are what lead to his insecurities.  October shows her emotion’s through her art and encourages Joe to find and follow his dreams. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Woodhall Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.  All opinions are my own.