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Sophie, Standing There
Win a free print copy of this book!
4 days and 11:01:15
100 copies available
U.S. only
Sophie Pattison is a lovely person – warm, kind, relentlessly positive. She's cherished by her brother Laurie, adored by her best friend Emma and valued by her colleagues. Sometimes, it's true, one day in her life can feel like the entire month of January. It's also true she can go an entire day without speaking. But she's fine really. She spends her time alone reading, finding comfort in the pages of the books she devours.
Until one day she stumbles upon an author she hasn't read in years. Her books, interviews and podcasts soon become a lifeline; every word is a solace, company she hasn't felt in so long. It's almost like love.
A lot like love. And Sophie would love to meet the author, although she never will obviously. In a way, thank goodness, because that would change everything. Sophie's entire life. Wouldn't it?
Hilariously candid and raw, Sophie, Standing There is a bittersweet story of love, loneliness and finding connection in the most unlikely of places.
Until one day she stumbles upon an author she hasn't read in years. Her books, interviews and podcasts soon become a lifeline; every word is a solace, company she hasn't felt in so long. It's almost like love.
A lot like love. And Sophie would love to meet the author, although she never will obviously. In a way, thank goodness, because that would change everything. Sophie's entire life. Wouldn't it?
Hilariously candid and raw, Sophie, Standing There is a bittersweet story of love, loneliness and finding connection in the most unlikely of places.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2026
About the author
Meg Mason
5 books2,228 followersMeg Mason is the author of Sorrow and Bliss, which became an international bestseller after it was first published in Australia. Winner of the British Book Industry Book of the Year, and shortlisted for the Women’s Prize, it has since been translated into more than 30 languages. Her first career was in journalism, beginning at The Times of London, later writing for Vogue, ELLE, GQ, Sunday Style and The New Yorker’s Daily Shouts.
Born in New Zealand, she lives in Sydney with her husband and two daughters.
Her third novel, Sophie, Standing There, will be published worldwide in 2026.
Born in New Zealand, she lives in Sydney with her husband and two daughters.
Her third novel, Sophie, Standing There, will be published worldwide in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
June 17, 2026
sorrow and bliss is a perfect novel; this is not. but it has a lot of heart and such deep wells of empathy and attentiveness to feeling. meg mason’s attention to the mundane details of life combined with her infinitely layered character work remains my favourite thing about her writing. and any novel that makes me cry gets five stars
April 8, 2026
I think readers will feel the exact same way about Sophie, Standing There as they did about Sorrow & Bliss.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
📖 Won in a giveaway 📚
3.5 stars. This book turned out to be pretty interesting. I was going back and forth on my rating. A good chunk of the book earlier on, I didn't really like. It wasn't really keeping my attention. I was waiting for the story to go somewhere. The main character, Sophie, meets a famous author named Lilac Dunne. Sophie went through a painful divorce and pretty much shuts out her best friend, Emma and Lilac becomes her main focus. Lilac seems very sure of herself and Sophie is drawn to her confidence. The feelings keep developing and it becomes a bit unhealthy as she learns Lilac doesn't feel the same way. I enjoyed the interactions Sophie had with Lilac. The story definitely picked up for me and it became hard to put down. The emotions in the book feel very real. I became sympathetic for Sophie. I wish the book had caught my attention sooner but I was happy for the parts I did enjoy. Thank you to the author, Meg Mason, Harper Collins and Goodreads for my free copy. Happy reading! ✒️📚
3.5 stars. This book turned out to be pretty interesting. I was going back and forth on my rating. A good chunk of the book earlier on, I didn't really like. It wasn't really keeping my attention. I was waiting for the story to go somewhere. The main character, Sophie, meets a famous author named Lilac Dunne. Sophie went through a painful divorce and pretty much shuts out her best friend, Emma and Lilac becomes her main focus. Lilac seems very sure of herself and Sophie is drawn to her confidence. The feelings keep developing and it becomes a bit unhealthy as she learns Lilac doesn't feel the same way. I enjoyed the interactions Sophie had with Lilac. The story definitely picked up for me and it became hard to put down. The emotions in the book feel very real. I became sympathetic for Sophie. I wish the book had caught my attention sooner but I was happy for the parts I did enjoy. Thank you to the author, Meg Mason, Harper Collins and Goodreads for my free copy. Happy reading! ✒️📚
June 6, 2026
I’ve been waiting for this novel ever since reading Sorrow and Bliss for book club years ago, and I’m happy to report that *Sophie, Standing There* was absolutely worth the wait.
Meg Mason has such a gift for writing women in all their contradictions: the things they say, the things they swallow, and the things they barely admit to themselves. Sophie Pattison is described as warm, kind, and relentlessly positive, yet she can go an entire day without speaking and spends much of her life alone with books. Mason captures that loneliness with startling precision. At times the writing felt visceral… I could feel Sophie’s craving for connection and the ache of being unseen despite being loved by the people around her.
The literary festival backdrop was a delight for a book lover. Sophie’s work among authors, events, and readers gives the novel an irresistible bookish atmosphere and the storyline involving her growing attachment to a long-admired author is both unique and quietly tense. The parasocial relationship never feels gimmicky; instead, it becomes a thoughtful exploration of longing, companionship, and the stories we tell ourselves.
What I love most about Meg Mason is her ability to dig deep into the female psyche and bring to light feelings that many of us experience but rarely discuss. But for all its exploration of loneliness, this isn't a heavy or bleak read. Mason's wit shines throughout and there were several moments that had me laughing out loud. Sophie's ex-husband in particular is an absolute creation. The humor feels perfectly timed, providing a welcome counterbalance to the novel's more tender and heartbreaking moments.
If you're drawn to intelligent literary fiction, weird girl/sad girl stories, and beautifully crafted prose, this is an easy recommendation. Sophie, Standing There is a moving story about loneliness, love, and the unexpected ways we find connection. As someone who has always turned to books for comfort, I loved the way Meg Mason explores how stories can keep us company when we need them most, while reminding us that real connection can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.
Meg Mason has such a gift for writing women in all their contradictions: the things they say, the things they swallow, and the things they barely admit to themselves. Sophie Pattison is described as warm, kind, and relentlessly positive, yet she can go an entire day without speaking and spends much of her life alone with books. Mason captures that loneliness with startling precision. At times the writing felt visceral… I could feel Sophie’s craving for connection and the ache of being unseen despite being loved by the people around her.
The literary festival backdrop was a delight for a book lover. Sophie’s work among authors, events, and readers gives the novel an irresistible bookish atmosphere and the storyline involving her growing attachment to a long-admired author is both unique and quietly tense. The parasocial relationship never feels gimmicky; instead, it becomes a thoughtful exploration of longing, companionship, and the stories we tell ourselves.
What I love most about Meg Mason is her ability to dig deep into the female psyche and bring to light feelings that many of us experience but rarely discuss. But for all its exploration of loneliness, this isn't a heavy or bleak read. Mason's wit shines throughout and there were several moments that had me laughing out loud. Sophie's ex-husband in particular is an absolute creation. The humor feels perfectly timed, providing a welcome counterbalance to the novel's more tender and heartbreaking moments.
If you're drawn to intelligent literary fiction, weird girl/sad girl stories, and beautifully crafted prose, this is an easy recommendation. Sophie, Standing There is a moving story about loneliness, love, and the unexpected ways we find connection. As someone who has always turned to books for comfort, I loved the way Meg Mason explores how stories can keep us company when we need them most, while reminding us that real connection can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.
June 17, 2026
I’ve not read any of Meg Mason’s books before but, given how many times Sorrow and Bliss has been recommended to me, I jumped at the chance to read this ARC of Sophie, Standing There. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me!
Firstly, the protagonist was not one I was rooting for. Maybe I just have little patience for passivity, but Sophie, come on. I really wanted Sophie to just suck it up, say how she feels and make an active choice for once in her life. The purpose of the novel, perhaps. But where was the character development?
The story itself is quite uneventful really. The interesting elements are all in the form of meditations on Sophie’s past, which were included almost as afterthoughts. There were some revelations about Sophie’s past that felt like they were supposed to be plot twists or bombshells, but they were revealed in such a half-hearted way and with no breadcrumbs leading up to them, so much so that it just felt confusing.
I sadly found the book’s core story both pretentious and unbelievable. It read a little like how I imagine a boring fan fiction to be. It doesn’t help that the focus of the desire being an utterly intolerable, unkind and vacuous woman, and I don’t think that was thoroughly explored.
Overall, I'm really not sure what this book was trying to do.
Thanks NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this ARC!
Firstly, the protagonist was not one I was rooting for. Maybe I just have little patience for passivity, but Sophie, come on. I really wanted Sophie to just suck it up, say how she feels and make an active choice for once in her life. The purpose of the novel, perhaps. But where was the character development?
The story itself is quite uneventful really. The interesting elements are all in the form of meditations on Sophie’s past, which were included almost as afterthoughts. There were some revelations about Sophie’s past that felt like they were supposed to be plot twists or bombshells, but they were revealed in such a half-hearted way and with no breadcrumbs leading up to them, so much so that it just felt confusing.
I sadly found the book’s core story both pretentious and unbelievable. It read a little like how I imagine a boring fan fiction to be. It doesn’t help that the focus of the desire being an utterly intolerable, unkind and vacuous woman, and I don’t think that was thoroughly explored.
Overall, I'm really not sure what this book was trying to do.
Thanks NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this ARC!
August 21, 2026
Character studies involving very thin plots are not my go to reading experience and 50 pages into “Sophie , Standing There” I thought I was in for a drawn out and not very enjoyable experience.
But I was wrong. Meg Mason’s writing and her nurturing of a character that has been beaten into submissiveness seemingly all her life and especially by a husband no father would ever want for his daughter, created an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was acutely aware that, in Sophie, I was being delivered a character who deserved your support and attention. And she deserved a brother like Laurie.
I think the cleverest part of the book is the delivery of the aspects that made Sophie the person she is. It was a collection of some very different challenges life throws up that give you cause to barrack for Sophie with everything you have.
This was a really pleasant surprise.
But I was wrong. Meg Mason’s writing and her nurturing of a character that has been beaten into submissiveness seemingly all her life and especially by a husband no father would ever want for his daughter, created an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was acutely aware that, in Sophie, I was being delivered a character who deserved your support and attention. And she deserved a brother like Laurie.
I think the cleverest part of the book is the delivery of the aspects that made Sophie the person she is. It was a collection of some very different challenges life throws up that give you cause to barrack for Sophie with everything you have.
This was a really pleasant surprise.
February 12, 2026
Adored this one. But it’s not out till august 😱.
Read
July 1, 2026Nothing good can come from listening to podcasts 👍
Read
August 19, 2026As much a love letter to pathological people pleasers as it is a threat to book publicists.
August 12, 2026
Mason’s writing style prevented me from liking this more. Confusing syntax and too many commas. Meant that the direction and meaning at the start of a sentence was often confused or changed by the end.
May 3, 2026
I just finished this, and immediately downloaded a podcast I remember listening to back in November 2021 - an interview with Meg Mason, in conversation with Hattie Crisell. Once you’ve read Sophie, Standing There, you’ll understand this impulse! I wanted to hear the author’s voice again.
This novel will stay with me for a long time. It is gut-wrenchingly sad and hopeful and compassionate. It’s about a parasocial relationship, behind-the-scenes at a literary festival, and the realities of life as a tech crew member (my partner works in sound & lighting and can confirm that Mason’s portrayal of this type of work is very accurate!)
I would like to know Sophie in real life. I’d love to have a conversation with her about books.
This novel will stay with me for a long time. It is gut-wrenchingly sad and hopeful and compassionate. It’s about a parasocial relationship, behind-the-scenes at a literary festival, and the realities of life as a tech crew member (my partner works in sound & lighting and can confirm that Mason’s portrayal of this type of work is very accurate!)
I would like to know Sophie in real life. I’d love to have a conversation with her about books.
August 13, 2026
Such a shame, as I love Sorrow & Bliss, but both the writing style and the plot were all over the place.
August 11, 2026
“I swear, I was just turning pages by the end”.
Most apt quote from this book.
Most apt quote from this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
Sophie, Standing There follows Sophie Pattison who is a kind person who will help anyone out. She has a good relationship with her brother and a best friend who wants to spend more time with her. Sophie is a little lonely after her divorce and the time can pass slowly on her own. She is a big reader though and finds comfort in her books. One day she stumbles upon an author she hasn’t read in a long time. Sophie latches onto this author by re reading all the author’s books and watching interviews and podcasts of the author. In a way Sophie feels like she is in love with the author and would like to meet them. If she did meet the author, Sophie feels like it could change her whole life.
At first I wasn’t too sure about this book but the further I got into this, the more I came to understand Sophie. This book is focused on character over plot and Sophie is a nice person who has tried to do everything right but has ended up alone in her late thirties. It was easy to emphasise with Sophie and it made sense why she attached to the author. As this story is focused on Sophie, it is a little slow but I found it to be quite powerful. I think this is a good exploration of a parasocial relationship due to the way Sophie idealised the author, a person she didn’t know based on what she saw online and read. I will be recommending this book as I had a good time reading this. This book is also very bookish as Sophie works at book events, is a big reader and has friends at her local bookstore and I enjoyed that.
Sophie, Standing There follows Sophie Pattison who is a kind person who will help anyone out. She has a good relationship with her brother and a best friend who wants to spend more time with her. Sophie is a little lonely after her divorce and the time can pass slowly on her own. She is a big reader though and finds comfort in her books. One day she stumbles upon an author she hasn’t read in a long time. Sophie latches onto this author by re reading all the author’s books and watching interviews and podcasts of the author. In a way Sophie feels like she is in love with the author and would like to meet them. If she did meet the author, Sophie feels like it could change her whole life.
At first I wasn’t too sure about this book but the further I got into this, the more I came to understand Sophie. This book is focused on character over plot and Sophie is a nice person who has tried to do everything right but has ended up alone in her late thirties. It was easy to emphasise with Sophie and it made sense why she attached to the author. As this story is focused on Sophie, it is a little slow but I found it to be quite powerful. I think this is a good exploration of a parasocial relationship due to the way Sophie idealised the author, a person she didn’t know based on what she saw online and read. I will be recommending this book as I had a good time reading this. This book is also very bookish as Sophie works at book events, is a big reader and has friends at her local bookstore and I enjoyed that.
May 28, 2026
After reading the first 30 pages or so of Sophie, Standing There, I assumed this would be a lovely, heartwarming tale of the impact of literature on our lives and how it can be a light during our darkest times. Suffice it to say, that is not the trajectory this book follows, and it is much the better for it. I was so impressed by Mason’s ability to relate Sophie’s grief, embarrassment, and pain in a way that felt deeply personal to me as a reader while still creating an extremely propulsive narrative. This ARC was such a fun read, and I can’t wait for everyone else to get their hands on it soon!
March 17, 2026
3.75
August 11, 2026
2.5
Unfortunately after my surprise enjoyment of Sorrow and Bliss this really didn't work for me... :(
I'm usually a sucker for books about the publishing industry but this felt a bit too insular to really land. If you didn't care about the ins and outs and gossip of writers festivals, I don't think the rest of this is strong enough to keep you engaged. Sophie is unfortunately a wet blanket until we get her backstory infodumped to us around the 2/3 mark, and her relationship with Lilac was promising until it wasn't (which was kind of the point but still...)
I just couldn't really root for Sophie through any of this, and the ending giving rom-com montage also felt like a very strange and rushed way to end this story. The complexities of the relationship between her and Lilac felt too surface-level compared to what I found in Sorrow and Bliss, and while it is making a commentary on celebrities becoming a replacement for real-life relationships, the reveal about Sophie's background makes it feel like her insular upbringing is the only reason she was susceptible to this which also didn't really make sense to me. I think this could have done a lot more with the idea of entitlement and access afforded by social media, especially as authors feel like a more attainable level of celebrity to meet and interact with.
I just didn't care about a lot of what was happening here which is sad because there was potential! I feel there are a few books around now about idol and fangirl culture from a cautionary tale perspective and I don't think this was really trying to do that, but I also can't really work out what it IS doing. Writers festivals as being a place to meet physically with likeminded people but also how it's all pretence? How we conflate being seen by a novel into being seen by an author, and we form a soul-connection that's entirely one-sided? But then what? And there's a point where Sophie mentions she doesn't think she's smart enough to read because she always takes things at face-value and can't detect an unreliable narrator - is that what was happening here?
Idk I just feel pretty ambivalent about this which is a shame - I think a lot of similar themes are here from Sorrow and Bliss but it just didn't feel as well-constructed in my opinion. It kind of satisfies the desire for writer's festival tea but I think if you're here for that you're kind of here for the wrong reasons; but also I don't really know how to recommend this one either.
Unfortunately after my surprise enjoyment of Sorrow and Bliss this really didn't work for me... :(
I'm usually a sucker for books about the publishing industry but this felt a bit too insular to really land. If you didn't care about the ins and outs and gossip of writers festivals, I don't think the rest of this is strong enough to keep you engaged. Sophie is unfortunately a wet blanket until we get her backstory infodumped to us around the 2/3 mark, and her relationship with Lilac was promising until it wasn't (which was kind of the point but still...)
I just couldn't really root for Sophie through any of this, and the ending giving rom-com montage also felt like a very strange and rushed way to end this story. The complexities of the relationship between her and Lilac felt too surface-level compared to what I found in Sorrow and Bliss, and while it is making a commentary on celebrities becoming a replacement for real-life relationships, the reveal about Sophie's background makes it feel like her insular upbringing is the only reason she was susceptible to this which also didn't really make sense to me. I think this could have done a lot more with the idea of entitlement and access afforded by social media, especially as authors feel like a more attainable level of celebrity to meet and interact with.
I just didn't care about a lot of what was happening here which is sad because there was potential! I feel there are a few books around now about idol and fangirl culture from a cautionary tale perspective and I don't think this was really trying to do that, but I also can't really work out what it IS doing. Writers festivals as being a place to meet physically with likeminded people but also how it's all pretence? How we conflate being seen by a novel into being seen by an author, and we form a soul-connection that's entirely one-sided? But then what? And there's a point where Sophie mentions she doesn't think she's smart enough to read because she always takes things at face-value and can't detect an unreliable narrator - is that what was happening here?
Idk I just feel pretty ambivalent about this which is a shame - I think a lot of similar themes are here from Sorrow and Bliss but it just didn't feel as well-constructed in my opinion. It kind of satisfies the desire for writer's festival tea but I think if you're here for that you're kind of here for the wrong reasons; but also I don't really know how to recommend this one either.
August 27, 2026
Unsure how I feel about this one. Lovely writing to read (as all Meg Mason books are) and I really felt Sophie’s emotions, but I didn’t find the story as gripping, the main storyline with the author felt maybe a bit too far fetched for me. I think I would have almost enjoyed it more without it. But I still enjoyed the book and wanted to keep reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2026
Really adored this, couldn’t put it down. Went in many directions and I was rapt for them all. Such a fascinating reflection on loneliness and love and parasocial relationships and lots of other things - really excellent
August 16, 2026
I reallly dont know if i liked this book. I can’t tell if I am judging it more harshly than I would if it wasnt by Meg Mason (ie author of the masterpiece sorrow and bliss) because it was probably objectively a good book. My expectations were too high and i was let down. Sad.
August 15, 2026
Sad to give a Meg Mason book 3 stars. The first part was painful, there were sections that made me feel something - but not enough throughout. I love the style of writing, the story just didn’t do much for me. (After reading some of the reviews, turns out I don’t have an original thought in my brain.)
August 9, 2026
sad not to have loved this. sophie read like an emily austin protagonist, which for my personal taste is not a good thing. her passivity and tolerance for mistreatment was so frustrating, although i know that was the point. the middle third balanced the feelings of hope and grief better than the grim first section, but the final part did not stick the landing for me. hated lilac and her inclusion felt stiff. i do feel confident that this book will find its audience, but it’s not the sorrow and bliss lovers
thanks to netgalley for the arc 🙂↕️
thanks to netgalley for the arc 🙂↕️
April 6, 2026
I’m sorry to say I did not finish this one. It was quite slow and I didn’t care much for the main character. Sophie was newly separated, living in her ex’s rental flat and working for a literary festival organiser. Soph had a growing crush on an author and I got as far as them leaving the venue and then realised I no longer cared what happened next
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for this ARC.
July 30, 2026
I have been pretty slack with reviews for pretty much all of 2026, but having devoured Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason in less than 24 hours, I felt called to write one.
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I read in the first place. The more I read, the rarer it feels to find one that completely takes over my life.
This was that book.
I keep wanting to say, “Sophie is me.”
What I should probably say is that there is so much in Sophie that feels painfully, hilariously and beautifully relatable. Anyone who has ever built their personality around books, or hidden inside them when life gets messy, will recognise parts of themselves in her.
Although… if I did simply say “Sophie is me”, then once you’ve read it you might look at me a little differently and wonder whether I’m actually a crazy bitch.
To which I can only answer: absolutely. Don’t we all have a little crazy bitch inside us?
Sophie has my dream job, working at a writers festival, and I would love someone to count the number of references to books, authors and literature woven through this novel. Every few pages I wanted to stop and add another title to my TBR.
As Sophie’s life begins to unravel, she does what any sensible book person would do: she retreats into books.
Then things became a little too relatable.
Sophie’s husband has the same name as my husband. My husband also owns a leaf blower. (If you know, you know.)
Then another significant man in the story has the same name as my ex!
Meg Mason… are you stalking me?
Maybe I’m actually Meg Mason’s “author.”
After reading this, she’s definitely mine.
(That’s a joke, Meg. Please still come back to the Auckland Writers Festival. I’ll happily shout you an egg sandwich.)
What I loved most was Sophie herself. She’s messy, contradictory, funny, and frustrating. I loved the writers festival setting, the bookish supporting cast, and slowly uncovering Sophie’s history. And that backstory… Where the fuck did that come from?
I genuinely didn’t see it coming, and I loved that the book trusted its readers enough not to over-explain everything.
It’s funny in exactly the way I like funny books to be, but underneath the humour is an enormous amount of tenderness. Meg Mason somehow writes about grief, identity, marriage, ambition, loneliness and books without ever making the novel feel heavy. And for those who always ask: no, this wasn’t a crying book for me.
Someone please make this into a movie immediately.
My only complaint is that it wasn’t another 200 pages longer.
Five stars. No notes. See you in Auckland, Meg!
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I read in the first place. The more I read, the rarer it feels to find one that completely takes over my life.
This was that book.
I keep wanting to say, “Sophie is me.”
What I should probably say is that there is so much in Sophie that feels painfully, hilariously and beautifully relatable. Anyone who has ever built their personality around books, or hidden inside them when life gets messy, will recognise parts of themselves in her.
Although… if I did simply say “Sophie is me”, then once you’ve read it you might look at me a little differently and wonder whether I’m actually a crazy bitch.
To which I can only answer: absolutely. Don’t we all have a little crazy bitch inside us?
Sophie has my dream job, working at a writers festival, and I would love someone to count the number of references to books, authors and literature woven through this novel. Every few pages I wanted to stop and add another title to my TBR.
As Sophie’s life begins to unravel, she does what any sensible book person would do: she retreats into books.
Then things became a little too relatable.
Sophie’s husband has the same name as my husband. My husband also owns a leaf blower. (If you know, you know.)
Then another significant man in the story has the same name as my ex!
Meg Mason… are you stalking me?
Maybe I’m actually Meg Mason’s “author.”
After reading this, she’s definitely mine.
(That’s a joke, Meg. Please still come back to the Auckland Writers Festival. I’ll happily shout you an egg sandwich.)
What I loved most was Sophie herself. She’s messy, contradictory, funny, and frustrating. I loved the writers festival setting, the bookish supporting cast, and slowly uncovering Sophie’s history. And that backstory… Where the fuck did that come from?
I genuinely didn’t see it coming, and I loved that the book trusted its readers enough not to over-explain everything.
It’s funny in exactly the way I like funny books to be, but underneath the humour is an enormous amount of tenderness. Meg Mason somehow writes about grief, identity, marriage, ambition, loneliness and books without ever making the novel feel heavy. And for those who always ask: no, this wasn’t a crying book for me.
Someone please make this into a movie immediately.
My only complaint is that it wasn’t another 200 pages longer.
Five stars. No notes. See you in Auckland, Meg!
June 27, 2026
This was an intense, yet very intriguing, character-driven novel which I found unsettling at times, but thoroughly enjoyed reading.
In this book, we meet Sophie who is recently separated from her husband and currently living alone in a flat which has seen better days. She’s a freelance tech worker, and joins backstage teams for big events; including literary festivals.
I had to push through the first few chapters as I questioned the way that authors in the book were being portrayed, and it took a while to become used to this author’s dark humour. Having said that, once I settled into the story, I could really appreciate the beautiful way it was told, and the depth of feeling it brought out in me as I read.
Sophie’s journey is a cathartic one. We see her living alone and isolated, anxious whenever she’s with other people - even those she knows - and always worried about doing or saying the wrong thing. She becomes infatuated with an author and thoughts of this author infiltrate every part of her life. She starts to see elements of her life through the author’s eyes, and ends up falling in love with her.
As the story develops, we find out what has made Sophie the person she is, and my heart really went out to her; especially with the way some people treated her. I was willing her to find her voice all the way through this narrative.
I loved the whole setting of this story which was around books: the literary festivals, well-known authors and their books, a bookshop and Sophie’s own love of books. This author has explored an alternative perspective to literary events, which is unlike any I’ve come across before but which is fascinating and intriguing regardless.
It’s a book I’d highly recommend to fans who love literary fiction with a deep character-driven focus. I feel like Sophie has shared part of her life with me, which is always a sign of a brilliantly written book.
I was sent a proof copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In this book, we meet Sophie who is recently separated from her husband and currently living alone in a flat which has seen better days. She’s a freelance tech worker, and joins backstage teams for big events; including literary festivals.
I had to push through the first few chapters as I questioned the way that authors in the book were being portrayed, and it took a while to become used to this author’s dark humour. Having said that, once I settled into the story, I could really appreciate the beautiful way it was told, and the depth of feeling it brought out in me as I read.
Sophie’s journey is a cathartic one. We see her living alone and isolated, anxious whenever she’s with other people - even those she knows - and always worried about doing or saying the wrong thing. She becomes infatuated with an author and thoughts of this author infiltrate every part of her life. She starts to see elements of her life through the author’s eyes, and ends up falling in love with her.
As the story develops, we find out what has made Sophie the person she is, and my heart really went out to her; especially with the way some people treated her. I was willing her to find her voice all the way through this narrative.
I loved the whole setting of this story which was around books: the literary festivals, well-known authors and their books, a bookshop and Sophie’s own love of books. This author has explored an alternative perspective to literary events, which is unlike any I’ve come across before but which is fascinating and intriguing regardless.
It’s a book I’d highly recommend to fans who love literary fiction with a deep character-driven focus. I feel like Sophie has shared part of her life with me, which is always a sign of a brilliantly written book.
I was sent a proof copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2026
Unfortunately I really struggled with this novel. The first two thirds is very slow in pace and plot and I often found myself at a complete loss re what I can only describe as the absolute silliness of some scenes. Were these the "funny" sections promised by the blurb? The character of Sophie grated with me until about that same 200 page mark where we finally begin to learn more about her. I so nearly DNF this and am glad I ultimately did as the last 80 pages offered me some reward for my persistence.
If the reviews are to be believed it seems that this book is somewhat divisive amongst readers and I am glad that I am both not alone in my thoughts but also that others found more than I in the reading. Having loved Sorrow and Bliss I am somewhat disappointed but I guess that was a hard act to follow.
If the reviews are to be believed it seems that this book is somewhat divisive amongst readers and I am glad that I am both not alone in my thoughts but also that others found more than I in the reading. Having loved Sorrow and Bliss I am somewhat disappointed but I guess that was a hard act to follow.
May 17, 2026
A vivid and rich story about Sophie, who was a sad yet relatable character. I really enjoyed the writing, it was easy to get lost in and blend into the background of Sophie’s life. A compelling character driven story, this really explored what it means to be lonely and how desperate we can become for human affection and attention. I loved the thread of hope throughout this, no matter how sad or difficult Sophie’s life was, there was always a small glimmer of something better. Fantastic character building.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #SophieStandingThere #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #SophieStandingThere #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 11, 2026
I’m trying to think of an author I love that could be my Lilac. I love whatever’s wrong with Sophie; there’s something about her obsession that I want to experience. But they do say you should never meet your idols…
“You could be sad in a bookshop, but you were never happier than when you were in a bookshop.”
“I don't miss people... I made that decision a long time ago. I'm not going to be depleted by another person's absence [...] If I can't see them, they don't exist. But it's a choice. Longing is not a good use of energy”
“You could be sad in a bookshop, but you were never happier than when you were in a bookshop.”
“I don't miss people... I made that decision a long time ago. I'm not going to be depleted by another person's absence [...] If I can't see them, they don't exist. But it's a choice. Longing is not a good use of energy”
August 24, 2026
My thoughts while reading this book:
- Haha, so much author name dropping. Clever.
- Oh. This is getting sorta weird. Where is this going..
- Don’t meet your heroes, folks
I did enjoy this, but not as much as I anticipated. It wasn’t about what I thought it would be? Still good, and I think anyone in the book industry or anyone who loves reading would enjoy the nuances of this. I also think it would be fascinating to hear Meg interviewed about it all. At a writers festival…
My older (50s) co worker recently did this book for book club and loved it so much she’s reading (listening to) it again. She never does that! So that’s fascinating. Perhaps I’ll listen to the audio one day.
- Haha, so much author name dropping. Clever.
- Oh. This is getting sorta weird. Where is this going..
- Don’t meet your heroes, folks
I did enjoy this, but not as much as I anticipated. It wasn’t about what I thought it would be? Still good, and I think anyone in the book industry or anyone who loves reading would enjoy the nuances of this. I also think it would be fascinating to hear Meg interviewed about it all. At a writers festival…
My older (50s) co worker recently did this book for book club and loved it so much she’s reading (listening to) it again. She never does that! So that’s fascinating. Perhaps I’ll listen to the audio one day.
August 28, 2026
Probably my least favourite of Meg Mason's books, unfortunately. Not a bad book, and definitely easy to read, but I didn't get much out of it. Sophie is having a hard time after a bunch of bad things happened to her. She's not coping, and ends up becoming obsessed with an author she's never met, developing a parasocial relationship with her. I found this whole plot line annoying and boring. As more parts of Sophie's history were revealed later in the book, those seemed like the most interesting parts of the story, but they were treated like asides, almost, where Sophie's relationship with the author was the main thing, which I just didn't care about. The ending was also extremely twee and unnecessary.
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