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Heartburn

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Heartburn

By: Nora Ephron
Narrated by: Meryl Streep
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About this listen

Is it possible to write a sidesplitting novel about the breakup of the perfect marriage? If the writer is Nora Ephron, the answer is a resounding yes. For in this inspired confection of adultery, revenge, group therapy, and pot roast, the creator of Sleepless in Seattle reminds us that comedy depends on anguish as surely as a proper gravy depends on flour and butter.

Seven months into her pregnancy, Rachel Samstat discovers that her husband, Mark, is in love with another woman. The fact that the other woman has "a neck as long as an arm and a nose as long as a thumb and you should see her legs" is no consolation. Food sometimes is, though, since Rachel writes cookbooks for a living. And in between trying to win Mark back and loudly wishing him dead, Ephron's irrepressible heroine offers some of her favorite recipes. Heartburn is a sinfully delicious novel, as soul-satisfying as mashed potatoes and as airy as a perfect soufflé.

 Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Women's Fiction Funny Witty Heartfelt Feel-Good

Critic reviews

“Touching and funny . . . Proof that writing well is the best revenge.”— Chicago Tribune

“Great fun . . . Though Heartburn bristles ferociously with wit, it’s not lacking in soul.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Nora Ephron’s first novel is warm, witty and wise.”—Harper’s Bazaar

“Filled with home truths and hilarity.”—Cosmopolitan

“Witty all the time.”—Vanity Fair
All stars
Most relevant

Where does Heartburn rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a great story - and the reading is just perfect.

What other book might you compare Heartburn to, and why?

Never read anything like it.

Which character – as performed by Meryl Streep – was your favourite?

Rachel.

So great!! I don't want it to end!

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Methyl Streep made this story so real, I loved it. Not a happy tale, it shows real insight into the intricacies of relationships and how some are just beyond our control. A beautifully crafted story, the skill of the writer shone through. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Loved her voice

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Funny in parts, somewhat dated now, but greatly improved by the genius of Meryl reading it.

Greatly improved by the genius of Meryl.

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There's a bit in Steel Magnolias where Dolly Parton says 'laughter through tears is my favorite emotion'. If you agree this is your book. Let's all give thanks for Nora Ephron. And Meryl Streep. Enjoy.

Sparkling

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I read this years ago, have seen the film countless time. But Streep's extraordinary talent deftly tweezes out every single strangulated strand of sadness and wry humour that leaves the listener avidly listening to the end . The wry humour and candid observation of the writing and Streep's sensitive interpretation leave us somehow able to cope with Ephron's painful twisted tale of betrayal and longing maďe whole and eventually healed.

Heartbreakingly Intimate

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