Our book group choice for Februrary 2022 is Heartburn by Nora Ephron. 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.
Heartburn is a 1983 novel by Nora Ephron. It is an autobiographical novel based on Ephron’s marriage to and divorce from Carl Bernstein, her second husband. The novel is narrated by Ephron, who tells the story of her relationship with Bernstein from the moment she meets him to the moment they divorce.
The novel begins with Ephron meeting Bernstein at a party. She is immediately attracted to him, and they begin a whirlwind romance. They are married a few months later, and Ephron soon becomes pregnant. However, their marriage is not without its problems. Bernstein is often away on business, and Ephron feels lonely and neglected. She also begins to suspect that he is having an affair.
Ephron’s suspicions are confirmed when she finds a love letter from another woman in Bernstein’s coat pocket. She confronts him, and he admits to the affair. Ephron is devastated, and she decides to divorce him.
The novel follows Ephron through the divorce process. She is angry and hurt, but she also begins to see the humor in her situation. She writes about her experiences in a witty and insightful way, and she captures the pain and absurdity of divorce with great skill.
Heartburn is a funny, sad, and ultimately hopeful novel. It is a story about love, loss, and the power of resilience. Ephron’s writing is sharp and witty, and she captures the emotional rollercoaster of divorce with great accuracy. Heartburn is an attractive book selection for anyone who has ever been through a divorce, or who has ever loved and lost.
Here are some additional details about the novel:
- The novel is set in New York City in the early 1970s.
- The novel is told from the first-person perspective of Ephron.
- The novel is divided into three parts: “Before,” “During,” and “After.”
- The novel includes many real-life people, including Ephron’s friends, family, and colleagues.
- The novel was adapted into a film in 1986, directed by Mike Nichols and starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson.
Discussion Questions
- Did you enjoy the book?
- Do you identify with the character of Rachel? In what ways, and at what points in the story?
- Does the fact that the novel refers to true events in Nora Ephron’s life have an impact on your response?
- Discuss the effect of recipes being interspersed within the story.
- Did Mark seem an authentic and believable character in his role? And did he change or remain static throughout the book?
- Heartburn is often praised as being a funny novel, did you find humour in your reading? If so, which particular bits were most funny?
- To whom would you recommend this book?