Heartburn
Heartburn
Book Brief
Beta179
Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1980s
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Heartburn by Nora Ephron follows the life of cookbook author Rachel Samstat. The narrative chronicles her experiences with the end of her marriage and her emotional journey, blending humor and heartache. Set against the backdrop of Washington D.C., the story explores themes of love, betrayal, and personal resilience.
Reviews & Readership
79,812 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Nora Ephron's Heartburn has been well-received for its sharp wit and engaging narrative. Reviewers praised Ephron's clever humor and relatable portrayal of personal turmoil, though some felt the storyline was thin and overly focused on the protagonist's grievances. Overall, the novel stands out for its distinct voice and candid introspection.
Who Should Read Heartburn?
A reader who enjoys witty, insightful, and humorous examinations of love, betrayal, and personal resilience would savor Heartburn by Nora Ephron. Fans of Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding and Goodbye, Columbus by Philip Roth will appreciate Ephron's sharp, self-deprecating humor and candid prose.
79,812 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Published in 1983, Heartburn is a semi-autobiographical novel inspired by Nora Ephron's own marriage to and divorce from journalist Carl Bernstein.
The book was adapted into a feature film in 1986, directed by Mike Nichols, and starred Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, with Ephron writing the screenplay.
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Ephron's skillful blend of humor and personal experience in Heartburn was highly praised and helped establish her as a significant voice in both literary and film circles.
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179
Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1980s
1996
Adult
18+ years
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