Book 34 - Nora Ephron "Heartburn"

[jazzy_dave]

Nora Ephron "Heartburn" (Virago)




Heartburn is Nora Ephron’s first and only novel, although well known for the scripts to You Got Mail and When Harry Met Sally. Never did I think it so thoroughly possible to take a story about heartbreak and turn it into something so full of life and jest. Heartbreak is a devastating thing that we humans are forced to suffer through, but can you even imagine having to undergo it at 38 years old and 7 months pregnant? Rachel discovers a note from her husband's lover in a book of children’s songs, suggesting that he sings them to his son. Written with such stunning clarity, it’s effortless to understand the rage (and embarrassment) that Rachel felt. But being pregnant and having a toddler left her with a precarious decision on whether to stay or go.


Rachel Samstat has such a wry and cynical sense of humour (the best type of humour) that manages to never tread into bitterness. I’m not sure if it’s because Meryl Streep herself played Rachel in the 1986 movie adaptation of Heartburn but she voiced Rachel impeccably. She portrayed a perfect combination of indifference and restraint while handling a tough situation but opening up the dam of emotions when absolutely necessary. It encompassed everything about true heartbreak and just how calamitous it can be, but galvanizing as well. Infused within her tale of heartbreak are comfort food recipes such as Sour Cream Peach Pie, plain ol’ mashed potatoes, and of course Key Lime Pie; perfect for consuming or weaponizing if ever the situation calls for it.

Also, I found it very engrossing and completed the novel in a couple of days. Usually, I am not a chic-lit fan - but this was engaging and fun to read.