(Pub date 9/29/2026)
If you have read any of my book reviews over the past few months, you know that I have a new-found obsession with romcom. This book was about as far away from romcom as possible, and it took me a while to retrain my brain for the heaviness of literary fiction. From the very beginning, I was caught off guard, left feeling a little disoriented. The first chapter has big stream-of-consciousness vibes, which really threw me for a loop. However, once I got my mind wrapped around the tone, I was all-in, quickly remembering and appreciating the beauty of this genre.
Sophie is one of those characters who is simultaneously easy to sympathize with but also incredibly frustrating. Her husband has left her for another woman, and, later in the book, we find out more disturbing facts about Sophie’s upbringing. She’s lonely, heartbroken, and has basically disappeared into the background of her own life. However, Sophie is also very astute and well-spoken in her observations and interactions with others. Books have become her escape, and when she becomes obsessed with author Lilac Dunne, it’s easy to understand why. There’s something very relatable about finding a book, an author, or a genre (see previous mention of my current romcom obsession) at exactly the right moment and feeling like the world makes sense and the author is speaking to you.
Being a huge book nerd, I really enjoyed the literary festival setting of the book. The behind-the-scenes look at authors, booksellers, festival staff, and all the little things that happen when the audience isn’t watching was very interesting to me.
But Sophie herself was harder to swallow. I felt for her, for sure, but there were definitely times when I wanted to shake her and say, “Please stand up and actually DO something!” So much of the story is about her hiding on the sidelines of her own life - in her relationships and even her own happiness - and bearing witness to that for hundreds of pages became a bit aggravating. There are scenes in the book where Sophie is so insecure that I’m embarrassed for her and just want to sign her up for a back bone implant.
The relationship between Sophie and Lilac was probably the most interesting, and simultaneously cringey, part for me. It explores that strange parasocial relationship we can have with authors or actors, professional athletes, musicians, etc. and other people whose work we admire. We can feel like we know someone because we’ve read their books, seen pics of them online, listened to their interviews, or followed their lives, but that doesn’t mean we actually know the person at all. And when Sophie finally gets the chance to interact with Lilac, that distinction becomes very complicated.
The book doesn’t turn into a simple “famous author saves lonely woman” story. Sophie ultimately has to confront the fact that the person she has been looking for, and the connection she’s been craving, might not be where she thought it was. Overall, I liked "Sophie, Standing There", even though it made me uncomfortable at times. It’s thoughtful, beautifully written, sad, and surprisingly funny. Sophie has stayed with me since I finished the book, even if there were moments when I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to hug her or yell at her. Recommend.
Now can I go back to my romcoms? :)
reviewed by April James
