Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason

A sharp, funny and achingly tender story of obsession and loneliness from the award-winning, bestselling author of Sorrow and Bliss

'So smart, so funny, so moving. I absolutely loved it' BONNIE GARMUS
'Heartbreaking, hilarious, and deeply hopeful. Mason is a dazzling talent' ANN PATCHETT
'Mason is brilliant ... A witty story of infatuation set in the literary world' GUARDIAN
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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.
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'Heartwarming, tender and so funny ... Wonderful' GILLIAN ANDERSON
'I love Meg Mason's brain and the strange, wonderful, funny stories she gives us' ANN NAPOLITANO