Sophie Kinsella has long been one of my favorite authors. I’ve spent countless hours laughing out loud reading her books, admiring her knack for creating characters that are not only interesting but also deeply relatable. When I learned of her glioblastoma diagnosis earlier this year, my admiration for her grew tenfold. Her courage and resilience in facing brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments are nothing short of inspiring. While What Does It Feel Like? is a work of fiction, knowing it is largely autobiographical adds a layer of poignancy that makes this story even more compelling.

The novel follows Eve, a successful author who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. She soon learns from her devoted husband that she has undergone surgery to remove a malignant brain tumour – a point he is forced to remind her of frequently due to memory loss. From there, we witness Eve’s arduous journey of relearning how to walk all while grappling with her diagnosis and the daunting task of when and how to explain it to her children.

Kinsella’s insight into the experience of brain surgery is profound. Eve’s struggles feel heartbreakingly real, yet the story is also infused with warmth and humour, which is a hallmark of Kinsella’s style. I was deeply moved by the depiction of Eve’s husband, who remains a constant, calming presence throughout her recovery. Their relationship, as well as the love and support from friends and family, is portrayed with such tenderness that it’s impossible not to feel the depth of their bond.

The narrative unfolds through brief anecdotes, each one addressing the kind of questions that anyone navigating grief or a life-altering illness might face. Kinsella masterfully balances the heartache with moments of levity, making this short novel a celebration of life in all its messy, beautiful complexity. I found myself laughing, crying, and ultimately marveling at Eve’s extraordinary journey.

Final Thoughts:

What Does It Feel Like? is an emotional rollercoaster that will break your heart and then put it back together. It’s a powerful story of love, resilience, and the simple joys that make life worth living. I highly recommend this book—it’s one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I wish Sophie Kinsella all the best in her own private journey.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Thanks to Random House Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I love Sophie Kinsella so much I have a tattoo based on a quote from one of her books. So I might not be the most impartial reviewer here.

Having said that, this short book was like a punch to the throat. It was so different from her other cute, fluffy books. It felt incredibly personal to the author, her fears and her love for her family, and I felt lucky to have been taken on a ride through it.

Wow! Such a beautiful, raw novel that brings sadness and hardships, yet focuses on the optimism and positive mindset that can impact a tragic diagnosis. I couldn't love how Sophie told parts of her story through her beloved characters more! The stages of grief, emotions, and morning conversations felt so real. A quick, powerful, emotional, page turner!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an advanced copy of this book. I have been a fan of all of Sophie Kinsella's books for my entire adult life. I was saddened to recently see a headline announcing that she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This book is a collection of short storie/anecdotes of an author who has cancer, and undergoes treatment, and it was absolutely heartbreaking to read and get a firsthand perspective into the fear and anxiety, and all of the other emotions of having cancer and trying to take care of your family and survive all at the same time. Such an incredible book, and I hope Sophie gets her life back with many years still to come.

In this semi-autobiographical novella Kinsella uses a fictional character "Eve" as an outlet to share her own beautiful, brave, and inspiring retelling of a mother, wife and bestselling author's experience having a malignant brain tumor — from diagnosis through post-operative cancer treatments and the roller coaster of moments in between.

This one landed hard with me. It was only a few years ago, during a season of success, that I unexpectedly underwent brain surgery to remove a growth, followed shortly by a second operation due to a recurrence. It was the second round that I really felt like giving up. Reading this, I feel grateful and comforted by so many of the shared thoughts and emotions in her experience.

Highlight reeling your success is easy. But it’s your story —your truth— that will give someone else in the midst of their struggle the courage to keep going. That’s called significance. THIS is significant. And the story isn't over yet. May God continue to bless you and encourage you to bless others, Sophie.

I've always loved Ms. Kinsella - and this book (based on her medical issues) somehow turns serious problems into a relatable - dare to say almost lighthearted, read.
The opening chapter draws you and never lets you go.
Just like all Kinsella's characters, you feel you know Eve, like you would want to be in her friend circle.
Don't let the medical issues scare you away from this book, because it's still the same type of Kinsella book, warm, witty, and easy to get lost in.

A longtime fan of Sophie Kinsella, I, like many others, was devastated when she announced she was fighting glioblastoma. True to form, Sophie Kinsella turned her battle into a novella, that while autobiographical, is still a fictionalized version of her experience.

Bestselling writer Eve is on top of the world when funny things start happening and she ends up in the hospital. Confused, short-term memory gone, and a body not cooperating, Eve has to remember every day she had brain surgery-all while learning to walk again, read, write and take care of herself. Told in snippets, vignettes and letters, What Does it Feel Like is a beautiful, heartbreaking story that is filled with humor, sadness and most of all-love.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Wow. Wow in all the ways one can exclaim ‘wow’.

“Wow, that was good!”
“Wow, what a tough read.”
“Wow…I can’t imagine…”
“Wow, this is really hard.”
“Wow, I’m really feeling a lot.”
“Wow, she’s a brilliant writer.”
“Wow, she’s still managing to make this funny!”
“Wow. I hope she gets her happy ending IRL. So much.”

Sophie Kinsella says this is her most autobiographical book ever. Because it’s her story. Fictionalized in parts, but the true story of her own diagnosis and journey to fight a rare form of brain cancer. I’m absolutely gutted because it’s real, but also inspired for the very same reason. This novella is raw, vulnerable, simultaneously light and heavy, simple and complex. An opportunity to walk in the shoes and the mind of someone living with cancer, it answers the question “What does it feel like?” in beautiful, heart-wrenching, and even funny ways.

This novella has a different writing style than Kinsella usually uses, however, it still has the same wit and humour she is known for. What Does it Feel Like is a bit of a heartbreaking read, but it is still so full of hope. A reminder that each day we have on this earth is a blessing. I am thankful for this glimpse into Kinsella's life, and hope that she will be able to keep writing against all odds.

Sophie Kinsella’s What Does It Feel Like is a poignant, powerful and painful recap of her battle with brain cancer. The story is told with her usual wit and quirkiness but it is difficult to read as she and her family wrestle with their new realities. How brave of her to share this journey with her readers!

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this ARC.

With her trademark wit, humor, and positivity, Sophie Kinsella’s newest (and semi autobiographical) novella is sure to be a hit!

I requested this ARC because Sophie Kinsella is one of my favorite authors of all time and I love all of her books. I had no idea what it was about prior to picking it up. Color me absolutely SHOCKED to learn that Sophie Kinsella herself was diagnosed with glioblastoma (an aggressive form of brain cancer). The character in this novella parallels what Sophie Kinsella herself went through, as this story details a young woman with brain cancer having a tumor removed and the fallout from that.

It was an unbelievably powerful story. While a very short and quick read (it probably took me all of 30 minutes to read), her strength and resilience shines from every page. And her husband! The warmth and care between the two of them was very sweet to read about.

While undoubtedly a heavy and sad topic, the story itself had plenty of moments of lightness and sweetness as well. It was a beautiful little story. I highly recommend it!

I loved this. My heart breaks for Sophie and others that are going through this. It was sad and funny, I loved feeling the strength that the family had. I’m thankful that Sophie allowed us a glimpse into a very vulnerable time in her life. I don’t know what else to say, knowing this is real makes it hard for me to judge the writing. I liked the story and read it in one sitting. I wanted more.

Content warning: 1 single F bomb, trigger warning: cancer

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

At 144 pages, this was a short read. However, the small number of pages did not negatively impact all of the feelings portrayed in this book. It is heartbreaking, inspiring and beautiful. The fact that this book is based on the author’s life makes these feelings even stronger. The author notes this is not the typical style she writes books in, but I greatly enjoyed how it was written, in a series of chapters, messages from family and friends and experiences. Despite it being on the shorter side, this book will take up plenty of room in your heart and is 100% worth reading.

Wow. I didn't know what to expect with this novel, but as I continued to read it I realized it felt very personal and I had a feeling the author had a deep connection with this material. It was confirmed when I read the epilogue. I had NO idea about her diagnosis! This is a quick read and a deeply personal story. I enjoyed it.

I am sobbing as I write this review.

Sophie Kinsella is the reason I’m such an avid reader. With her Confessions of a Shopaholic series, she reinvigorated the reader in me. A romance that could make you laugh out load, featuring the most relatable character ever? I could not get enough!

Fast forward ten years, and like so many of us, I was heartbroken to hear of her brain cancer diagnosis; a type of brain cancer that my beloved aunt had as well. But reading this gorgeous novella, a mix of autobiography and fiction in epistolary form, I know one thing to be true. Sophie Kinsella can do anything she sets her mind to. And I believe in my heart, she will get her wish to “just keep going.”

Thank you Random House and Dial Press for the advanced copy.

Sophie Kinsella has long been one of my favorite authors. I have read and enjoyed every single one of her books and those written under her other name, Madeline Wickham. So when I saw the news that she had glioblastoma brain cancer, I was immediately devastated for her. This short book is a peek into her life before and after her diagnosis. It tells of her strength during such a hard time and I was sad to see it end so quickly. Wishing all the best for Sophie!

Oh My Goodness! I just want to give Eve/Sophie a big hug and say THANK YOU!! This book is such a sweet account of a horrible disease. I love that Eve was so positive through her treatment and experience with cancer. I love that her husband, kids, and friends were so supportive. I love that she is so honest in the parts of her recovery that she writes about. I have always enjoyed Sophie Kinsella's books, and I devoured this one quite quickly. I'm sad, but thankful for all of her works of fiction, and this autobiographical one, as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reading What Does It Feel Like?

Although this is a short book, it was amazingly done. I had no idea the struggle Sophie Kinsella went through and I understand this is a work of fiction based on fact. But this hit hard and kept the punches going. It really is the bravest book you'll read all year. It was fabulously done and amazingly written and I can't wait for the general public to get their hands on this book.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

This is a difficult review to write. I did not read any media releases or other reviews prior to reading this book. Essentially, I went into it unbiased and blind to the subject matter. All I knew is that it was a new Sophie Kinsella book.

As I finished this book, I was bewildered - why was it so short? Not novella length, but it was also not a full novel either. Upon reading the end notes, I was shocked to learn that this book is a semi-autobiographical work and that this is a fictionalized account of the author's personal experience.

Which kind of changes everything. It shouldn't, but it does.

Honestly, how do you give a bad review of someone's life story when they had brain tumor?

Here's where I stand with it: I applaud Sophie for being brave and writing down her experiences. That takes a ton of courage.

That being said, did this book need to come out now? There's not much of an ending; the book just kind of leaves off and only when you read the end notes do you confirm it's her personal story.

I feel this book could have waited a year or more to come out. It was too short, too choppy. Almost like it was a personal diary, not a novel or autobiography. I mean, if you are going to write about this experience why not make it a true autobiography, starting with her very first book?

I wish Sophie all the best in her continued recovery.

What Does It Feel Like by Sophie Kinsella is told in a series of vignettes about a writer diagnosed with brain cancer. It takes you on the author’s journey through her own thoughts as the character Eve tries to accept her new life with cancer. This is a hard book to read but so also do amazing. I highly recommend this book.