The Bubble Reputation

I resisted reading this book even after a friend effusively recommended it. The story follows a 33 year old woman through the grief-filled year after her lover's suicide -- a topic too depressing to sound appealing. Eventually, I gave in, and I have re-read the book many, many times in the years since. Cathie Pelletier's writing is beautiful, poetic without being flowery, with quietly evocative imagery. The human truths she explores are just as beautiful. There is something deeply honest about Pelletier's wry, tragicomic portrayal of family, of human relationships, of the complexities of our emotional involvements and our sense of self. This is the book I give as a gift when a friend needs comforting -- all the words I would say are here.

This is a short novel about a woman whose significant other commits suicide, and the seclusion, depression, and slow healing that occurs afterward.

But just as you are beginning to feel such empathy for this woman, along come her wild relatives who totally invade her space. These people have spent a lot of time riding the crazy train. They are so socially inappropriate, they are hilarious. They have no respect for death or anyone suffering from loss.

Yet, somehow, these quirky people help begin the healing process for this broken woman who is so lost and in such pain.

The narration could have been better.

Sad, funny, and socially inappropriate. I liked it.

Gave a full star for the first chapter. Should you see it on the shelf in your library, read the beginning and stop there; it's a beautiful and moving depiction of grief, if a bit wordy.

I absolutely LOVE this book I read it years ago and have hung onto it as a book I go to when things are just down in my life, for some reason i find it comforting and have read it many times!