What Does It Feel Like? Summary, Characters and Themes
What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella is a deeply personal and emotionally powerful novella that explores the life of Eve Monroe, a renowned novelist who is diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
The book, which blends humor and heartache, follows Eve’s journey through a life-altering illness, where she must confront the fragility of her existence while cherishing the small joys and meaningful connections with her family. Written with a raw authenticity, Kinsella uses her own experience with cancer as the backdrop for this story of resilience, love, and the determination to live fully, even in the face of uncertainty.
Summary
Eve Monroe, a successful novelist, appears to have it all. She’s a beloved wife to her charming husband and a devoted mother to five children. Her career has flourished, with one of her novels even being adapted into a Hollywood movie. From the outside, her life seems perfect: a thriving family, a career she loves, and a beautiful home.
Yet, Eve’s world is turned upside down when she wakes up in a hospital bed with no recollection of how she got there. The shocking news she receives from her husband is that she has undergone surgery to remove a large malignant tumor from her brain.
The diagnosis is devastating: Eve has stage 4 glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. While the surgery was successful in removing the tumor, the battle is far from over.
The aftermath leaves Eve struggling with memory loss, and she faces difficulty performing even the simplest tasks—writing, walking, or recalling favorite songs. This sudden and overwhelming change in her life forces Eve to confront the grim reality of her situation, while she begins the arduous process of relearning basic skills.
As Eve works through her recovery, she begins to focus on the things that matter most to her—her family.
With her husband by her side, she finds solace in the love and support of her children. The thought of leaving them behind, especially as her health deteriorates, becomes a source of great emotional pain. Her deepest fear is not being able to watch her children grow up.
This fear drives her to search for information about her condition, often leading her to alarming survival statistics that add to her anxiety.
Despite her growing emotional turmoil, Eve holds on to moments of joy. Family game nights, like their Scrabble sessions, become treasured rituals, offering her a chance to bond with her children in a seemingly mundane but deeply meaningful way.
Through these moments, Eve learns to find beauty in the ordinary, as she realizes that it’s not the grand events of life but the simple, everyday experiences that truly matter.
Eve’s journey is one of resilience and introspection, as she struggles with the reality of her diagnosis while clinging to the love and support of her family.
Her husband plays a pivotal role in her recovery, offering emotional stability and reassurance through intimate conversations and their shared plans for the future. Together, they navigate the uncertainty of her illness, finding moments of comfort even in the darkest of times.
In her spare time, Eve’s mind often drifts to her pre-diagnosis life—her successful career, her relationships, and her love for writing. She reflects on the small joys she once took for granted, like buying a dress when she felt like it or the comfort of a long walk with her husband.
Each of these reflections becomes a way for her to understand what truly matters in her life and what she wants to leave behind for her children.
Throughout the novella, Eve’s wit and humor shine through. Despite the heavy subject matter, she maintains a sarcastic, lighthearted approach to her circumstances, which not only serves as a coping mechanism but also helps her family navigate the difficult emotional terrain.
Her humor becomes a way of fighting back against the disease that threatens to take her life, refusing to allow it to steal her joy.
In the end, What Does It Feel Like? is not just a story about illness but a celebration of life, love, and human resilience. Eve’s journey resonates with anyone who has faced the fragility of life and offers a reminder to hold on to the small moments that bring us happiness.
Sophie Kinsella’s deeply personal novel is an exploration of how we can find meaning and hope even in the most challenging times.
Characters
Eve Monroe
Eve Monroe, the central character of What Does It Feel Like?, is a successful and beloved novelist who embodies both strength and vulnerability. Before her diagnosis, she is portrayed as having a seemingly perfect life—a successful writing career, a close-knit family, and a fulfilling marriage.
She is not only a successful novelist but also a mother to five children, juggling both her career and family life with grace. Eve’s success and sense of fulfillment are disrupted when she learns about her brain tumor, leading to a complete change in her reality.
After the surgery, Eve becomes a symbol of resilience as she faces the daunting challenge of relearning basic functions like walking, talking, and writing. Despite the grave diagnosis of glioblastoma, Eve manages to maintain a sense of humor and a lighthearted approach to life, which allows her to navigate her illness with a level of grace and strength that is deeply inspirational.
Her journey is deeply introspective, as she grapples with the existential fear of leaving her children behind and the harsh realities of her condition. Eve’s character is one of both emotional depth and humor, allowing her to face her overwhelming circumstances with a mixture of heartbreak and hope.
Will Monroe
Will Monroe, Eve’s husband, is a pivotal character in her emotional and physical recovery. He is portrayed as deeply devoted and protective, standing by Eve’s side through her surgery, recovery, and difficult diagnosis.
His love for Eve is unconditional, and his actions are characterized by his unwavering support during Eve’s most vulnerable moments. Will’s role extends beyond that of a caregiver; he is also a source of emotional strength for Eve, particularly when she is struggling with the harsh realities of her illness.
Their early morning conversations, where they discuss their fears and hopes for the future, are some of the most tender moments in the book. Will remains a steady presence for Eve throughout her recovery, helping her maintain some semblance of normalcy and joy, even in the face of her terminal illness.
His character highlights the importance of emotional support and the profound impact that love and partnership can have on coping with a life-altering crisis.
Eve’s Children
Eve’s children play an essential role in the narrative, representing the driving force behind her determination to fight her illness. Each child reflects different aspects of Eve’s personality, from her caring and protective nature to her worries about the future.
The children are a source of both comfort and anguish for Eve. Her greatest fear is leaving them motherless, a theme that pervades much of her introspection.
Through her eyes, we see the innocence and joy that children bring to the world, even amidst profound sorrow. Moments like family Scrabble game nights, which initially appear to be small and trivial, carry deep emotional weight because they represent a precious, fleeting sense of normalcy in the midst of Eve’s battle.
Eve’s relationship with her children is a mixture of joy, guilt, and a desperate need to make lasting memories before time runs out. The children serve as a powerful reminder of what Eve has to lose, but they also provide the emotional anchor that allows her to continue fighting.
The Doctors and Medical Team
The doctors and medical professionals in What Does It Feel Like? are secondary characters, yet they play a critical role in Eve’s journey. They serve as catalysts in the narrative by providing Eve with the initial diagnosis and the ongoing care she requires to attempt recovery.
The doctors represent the clinical, often detached side of Eve’s experience, juxtaposed with the emotional and human elements portrayed by her family. Their role, while not as prominent as the family members, helps to highlight the grim reality of Eve’s illness, offering stark reminders of the limited time Eve may have.
The discussions surrounding her prognosis and survival rates add tension to the story, heightening Eve’s inner conflict and emotional turmoil. The medical team’s cold, factual approach contrasts sharply with the warmth and love that her family provides, which makes Eve’s emotional and physical struggles all the more poignant.
Friends and Extended Family
The supporting characters, such as friends and extended family members, provide additional layers of depth to the narrative. These individuals add texture to Eve’s life, offering glimpses of her life outside of the immediate family.
Some of these characters offer support, while others remain distant or uncomfortable with Eve’s diagnosis. Their presence in the story underscores the theme of human connections and the varying ways people respond to tragedy.
While not central to the plot, these characters contribute to the overall tone of the book, as they represent the different emotional responses people have when faced with difficult situations. Whether it’s through phone calls, visits, or the occasional awkward silence, the supporting characters help to emphasize the emotional weight that Eve carries throughout her journey.
Themes
Sophie Kinsella as Author (A Personal Connection)
Sophie Kinsella’s inclusion of her own life experiences through the character of Eve adds a personal and authentic touch to the novel. Kinsella’s decision to write a deeply autobiographical novel reveals her own struggles with health and recovery, making the narrative feel grounded and heartfelt.
While Eve’s story is fictional, it mirrors Kinsella’s personal experiences, allowing readers to connect on an emotional level with the rawness of the narrative. Kinsella’s ability to blend humor and heartbreak, which is often associated with her previous works, is employed here as well, though in a more somber context.
The author’s own journey through illness, coupled with her writing process, is woven into the fabric of Eve’s character, making the novel not just a story about illness, but also a deeply personal exploration of resilience, love, and the human spirit. Through Eve’s journey, Kinsella shares a universal story of facing the unimaginable with courage and humor, even in the darkest of times.
Resilience in the Face of Life-Altering Illness
One of the most prominent and deeply explored themes in What Does It Feel Like? is resilience, especially in the face of a life-threatening and debilitating diagnosis. As Eve faces the physical and emotional consequences of her malignant brain tumor, her determination to push through the overwhelming pain and limitations showcases the profound strength of the human spirit.
Throughout the novel, Eve’s resilience manifests in various ways—whether it’s her ability to relearn how to walk and speak, or her decision to embrace humor even in the darkest moments. Her inner strength shines through as she continues to embrace life’s small pleasures, such as spending time with her children or sharing intimate conversations with her husband.
Despite the harsh reality of her prognosis, Eve refuses to let her terminal illness define her, and instead, she clings to the hope that each day holds something valuable. Her resilience in the face of cancer becomes a testament to the capacity for human endurance and the desire to live fully even in the most dire circumstances.
The Unpredictable and Inescapable Nature of Mortality
Another central theme that Sophie Kinsella navigates with sensitivity and depth is the unpredictable and inescapable nature of mortality. Eve’s journey is a stark confrontation with her own mortality, as her diagnosis comes suddenly and without warning, shattering the illusion of control over one’s future.
The book delves into Eve’s struggles with the awareness that her time with her family is limited. Her fear of leaving her children motherless, and the heartbreaking thought of her loved ones grieving her loss, are ever-present in her mind.
Eve’s personal confrontation with mortality is not just a theoretical concept but a lived experience, as she battles to comprehend the impact of her illness. This theme invites readers to reflect on the fragility of life and the ultimate certainty of death, exploring how a terminal illness forces individuals to reassess their priorities and the meaning they ascribe to their time on earth.
Throughout Eve’s journey, there is a balance of dread and acceptance—while she is undeniably scared of the future, she also strives to find peace with the limited time she has left.
The Emotional Baggage of Family Relationships in the Wake of Crisis
The theme of family dynamics in times of crisis is intricately woven into Eve’s story. The novel portrays how illness affects not only the person diagnosed but also their family members, altering the very fabric of their relationships.
The deep, unwavering love between Eve and her husband becomes a powerful anchor for both characters as they navigate the emotional and logistical challenges brought on by her illness. Their quiet morning conversations, where they discuss their fears, hopes, and future plans, reflect the strength and tenderness that underpins their relationship.
Eve’s role as a mother, and her profound desire to be there for her children, is another essential element that adds emotional complexity to the family dynamic. Despite her physical and cognitive struggles, Eve continues to focus on her children, attempting to preserve a sense of normalcy for them by cherishing moments of togetherness, like their family Scrabble games.
The challenges Eve faces in her relationships with her family—especially as she grapples with her mortality—become a poignant reminder of how illness can simultaneously deepen connections and introduce new strains. The novel presents a nuanced portrayal of familial love in the context of crisis, illustrating the complex and often conflicting emotions that arise when facing the prospect of loss.
Finding Humor in the Midst of Suffering
An unexpected but deeply impactful theme in What Does It Feel Like? is the paradox of finding humor amidst suffering. Despite the grave nature of her diagnosis, Eve refuses to let the shadow of illness overshadow her spirit.
Throughout her journey, she uses humor as a coping mechanism, cracking witty remarks and finding lighthearted moments even in her darkest times. This theme demonstrates the duality of the human experience—how joy and sorrow can coexist, and how humor can provide relief even when it seems inappropriate or inadequate.
For Eve, humor is not about denying the pain she faces but about reclaiming agency in the midst of helplessness. It allows her to continue engaging with life in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
Her humorous perspective becomes a form of resistance against the disease that threatens to take everything away from her. The book’s use of humor also underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of laughter to act as a lifeline in moments of despair.
The Profound Importance of Cherishing the Everyday, Ordinary Moments of Life
Another deeply resonant theme in the novel is the importance of cherishing the seemingly mundane aspects of life. In the wake of Eve’s diagnosis, the small, everyday activities that were once taken for granted—such as family game nights, walks with her husband, and simple conversations—become the moments that define her sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The book encourages readers to reframe their perceptions of what constitutes a meaningful life, showing that even the most ordinary experiences can hold extraordinary value. For Eve, moments like a quiet evening at home with her children or an early morning talk with her husband are imbued with newfound significance, as they represent the essence of what she holds most dear.
Through Eve’s perspective, readers are reminded of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing these small but vital moments, which often carry more weight than grand gestures or achievements. This theme serves as a poignant reminder to embrace the present and appreciate the richness of life in its simplest form.
The Struggle for Identity in the Face of Terminal Illness
The theme of identity, particularly how it evolves in the wake of a terminal diagnosis, is also explored with great depth in What Does It Feel Like?. As Eve’s illness progresses, she is confronted with the erosion of her physical abilities and mental faculties. This leaves her grappling with questions of who she is, apart from her roles as a wife, mother, and successful novelist.
The loss of her former self—her ability to write, remember, and engage in the activities that once defined her—forces Eve to redefine her identity. The process of re-establishing her sense of self is fraught with challenges, as she navigates the tension between her former life and the limitations imposed by her illness.
This theme underscores the fragility of identity and how it can be altered by the external forces of illness and mortality. It is a reminder of the importance of finding meaning and purpose beyond one’s physical abilities, and how the essence of who we are often transcends the circumstances we face.