What Does it Feel Like? cover art

What Does it Feel Like?

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What Does it Feel Like?

By: Sophie Kinsella
Narrated by: Sally Phillips, Sophie Kinsella
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER!

From Number One bestselling author Sophie Kinsella, an unforgettable story – by turns heartbreaking and life-affirming – of a renowned novelist facing a devastating diagnosis and learning to live and love anew.


‘What Does It Feel Like? is fiction, but it is my most autobiographical work to date. Eve’s story is my story.’ — Sophie Kinsella

Eve is a successful novelist who wakes up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband, never far from her side, explains that she has had an operation to remove the large, malignant tumour growing in her brain.

As Eve learns to walk, talk, and write again — and as she wrestles with her diagnosis, and how and when to explain it to her beloved children — she begins to recall what’s most important to her: long walks with her husband’s hand clasped firmly around her own, family game nights and always buying that dress when she sees it.

Recounted in brief anecdotes, each one is an attempt to answer the type of impossible questions recognizable to anyone navigating the labyrinth of grief. This extraordinary novella is a celebration of life, shot through with warmth and humour – it will both break your heart and put it back together again.

Why did I write such a personal book? I have always processed my life through writing. Hiding behind my fictional characters, I have always turned my own life into a narrative. It is my version of therapy, maybe. Writing is my happy place, and writing this book, although tough going at times, was immensely satisfying and therapeutic for me.’ – Sophie Kinsella
'I laughed. And I cried. And then I thought about the meaning of life. A jewel of a book.' JOJO MOYES

'The bravest book you'll read all year.' JODI PICOULT

'I was gripped and moved and I loved every word.' LISA JEWELL

'A beautiful love story and a glowing beacon of hope.' JENNY COLGAN

© Sophie Kinsella 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024

Best of 2024 Biographical Fiction Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Medical Women's Fiction Women's Voices Heartfelt Feel-Good Emotionally Gripping Marriage

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Critic reviews

Emotional and affecting, this gave me a new appreciation of life's small joys
A book full of honesty and solace for anyone going through a tough time.
All stars
Most relevant
The honesty and ability of being able to write straight from the heart.Thankyou for sharing your story with others .

Such an amazing author

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A very emotional, raw but uplifting tale. It's such a personal story, which I'm sure will help lots of people as it gives a sense of community. Sophie is very brave to write about her experience in this way.

5 stars

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Superbly written as always! Knowing that it was linked to Sophie herself, just made it that bit more personal. She is one strong lady, who just keeps going!

Touching and Emotional.

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As a fan of Sophie Kinsella since my first shopaholic book, to embarrassing myself laughing out loud at Twenties Girl while commuting on the train. This is a terrible situation but was approached with sensitivity. I disagree with Sophie that it isn't like any of her books, it has the same lovable characters, interesting storyline and a good pinch of humour.

Sensitive subject.

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I can’t really put into words how I feel after listening to this book. How brave to put it into words and to share the story.

Wow wow wow

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