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 … 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.
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I have loved Nora Ephron for years because of her movies. Last year I read one of her books of essays from the 1970s/80s and was pleased to note that her wit works its wonders without actors and a big screen too. The fictionalized story of Ephron’s own experience with (and subsequent divorce from) Carl Bernstein, Heartburn is a heart-breaker – …
Stayed up way too late to finish this tonight. I’d never read anything by Nora Ephron and this may be an unconventional place to start, but something drew me to the story. What a great writer she was. Somehow she manages to tell even the most painful story in such a way that it feels like some exhilarating adventure you wish you could go on …
This was a quick-witted and bittersweet read that only took me a day or two to finish. Our heroine, Rachel Samstat, is a successful cooking personality who already has one failed marriage under her belt when she finds out that her second husband, Mark, has been cheating on her with another woman. And on top of it all, she’s seven months pregnant. …
“My mother taught me many things when I was growing up, but the main thing I learned from her is that everything is copy. She said it again and again, and I have quoted her saying it again and again. As a result, I knew the moment my marriage ended that someday it might make a book – if I could just stop crying. One of the things I’m proudest of …
It’s Nora Ephon. It’s witty and thought provoking and funny. The subject matter should be angsty but it’s the opposite of that. A great read.
An absolute treat on audio, narrated by Meryl Streep. My first Ephron; won’t be my last.
I loved the combination of wit, rage, and recipes. A great read from a
great writer.
This book is absolutely basic and honestly her writing style is quite boring.
Heartburn is confirmation that Nora Ephron can make literally anything funny, even one of the most painful situations imaginable. Heartburn has been described as a ‘thinly disguised novel’ that fictionalises Ephron’s experience of discovering that her husband had been carrying on a months-long affair when she was seven months pregnant with his …
Halarious. Great voice, Meryl Street.
I wanted it to be funnier.
I just couldn’t finish this book.
Did not care for ending.
Gave away my printed copy. Bookbub offered a kindle copy. Thoroughly enjoyed it again. Nora Ephron was so witty. Very sad story for her, but, apparently there was somewhat of a happy ending, although, she died too soon.
Nora Ephron has written an autobiographical story here. Sad but relevant.
Kvetching – not my cup of tea…
Not for me.
Witty, a bit offbeat, and sometimes downright funny. The plot is simple and nothing you haven’t seen before, but the writing makes for an entertaining ride. Plus, there are recipes!
She is a good storyteller and I always enjoy her books. This was a good, believable story that I found enjoyable.
I love Nora Ephron’s work, but this book drove me crazy. I didn’t even finish it. She’s a witty writer, but this was all over the place to the point of being annoying.