💔 Book Review: Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino
A heartfelt, humorous, and emotionally layered novel about widowhood, family friction, and the messy beauty of moving forward.
Sara Goodman Confino’s Good Grief is a 1960s-set historical fiction that blends poignant themes of loss and healing with sharp wit and vibrant Jewish cultural detail. With a glowing Goodreads rating of 4.53/5 from over 360 readers, it’s already being celebrated as one of Confino’s most emotionally resonant works.
🧠 Plot Overview
Two years after the death of her husband, Barbara Feldman is finally emerging from the fog of grief. She’s raising two kids and beginning to imagine a life beyond mourning. But her fragile peace is shattered when her mother-in-law, Ruth, arrives unannounced—with five suitcases and a plan to move in.
Ruth is abrasive, opinionated, and grieving in her own way. What begins as a short visit turns into an indefinite stay, and Barbara realizes something has to give. Her solution? Find Ruth a new husband. But Ruth has a similar idea—for Barbara. As the two women navigate their grief, generational differences, and the chaos of matchmaking, they discover unexpected common ground.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Sharp Humor Meets Emotional Depth: Confino balances laugh-out-loud moments with tender reflections on loss and resilience.
- Rich Historical Setting: 1960s Maryland comes alive with cultural nuance, especially within the Jewish community.
- Complex Female Relationships: The dynamic between Barbara and Ruth is layered, evolving from tension to mutual understanding.
- Themes of Reinvention: The novel explores how grief can be a catalyst for growth, connection, and rediscovery.
📣 Critical Praise
- “A celebration of all things Jewish, from cultural quirks to generational trauma—without ever feeling preachy.” — BookAnon
- “Confino finds a near-perfect balance between despair and hope, showing that moving on is hard—but possible.”
- “Barbara and Ruth are two of the most memorable women I’ve read this year.”
Some readers noted that the pacing slows in the middle, but most praised the emotional payoff and realistic portrayal of family dynamics.
🏁 Final Verdict
Good Grief is a warm, witty, and deeply moving novel that captures the complexities of grief, motherhood, and in-law relationships with grace and humor. If you enjoy character-driven stories with heart and historical texture, this one’s a must-read.
