Sigrid Nunez has written multiple award-winning books. Her writings on grief, comedy and friendship cut to the bone, and her new novel, WHAT ARE YOU GOING THROUGH, is no exception.

A female narrator recounts a series of interactions she has had with a mélange of people. She discusses her encounters with an ex-boyfriend, a friend from her college years who is fighting a deadly disease, and an elderly neighbor who is not pleasant to be around. Throughout the book, she mostly just listens, commenting on any observations she has.

I respect the novel's premise. Neighborly love is defined here as being able to ask someone what they are going through. The narrator lends people her ears when they have something they need to get off their chest. Thanks to her compassion, she provides them with a safe space to express their emotions, desires and darkest thoughts.

"This pensive novel makes readers question their obligation to the world and its inhabitants.... Nunez has produced a divine piece of work that is relatable and engaging."

This pensive novel makes readers question their obligation to the world and its inhabitants. Must we be good neighbors? Do we listen to the torments of others? If so, who listens to ours? The narrator has a very calm tone, though she often goes on tangents and rambles, which can be somewhat tedious at times. Despite being an older woman, there is a youthfulness about her; she makes astute observations, and her inner thoughts seem a bit unfiltered.

Another aspect of the book that I found captivating was the whole idea of the past. The narrator has a history with two of the characters, which we only get to see in bits and pieces. We are presented with the recurring theme of how much each of them has grown and changed since they had been together last. It is intriguing to see how relationships transform over time.

I also appreciated how Nunez drew from multiple inspirations. The narrator discusses a movie about people praying to God, and she interprets the life of a new cat that was adopted by her Airbnb owner. These two small anecdotes were such fun to read.

Nunez has produced a divine piece of work that is relatable and engaging. The inner workings of someone’s mind may seem boring at times, but there is so much going on below the surface that any person’s story will enrapture you. In WHAT ARE YOU GOING THROUGH, Nunez brings this truth to the light.