Distorted Days
About
Some books mend your heart. Some friends save your life.
Heart-rending, humorous and above all authentic, Distorted Days is an exquisitely written account of the ways in which life can knock you off our feet – and how you can pick yourself up again.
So what happens when your husband runs off with your best friend? When you discover the dead body of an old man halfway through your delivery round? When your house is burgled and you get beaten up? Doris, Andy and Colleen are about to find out. Between the pages of beloved books and in the warmth of newfound friendship, they discover that endings aren't always endings—sometimes they're beautiful beginnings in disguise.
A tender, witty, and deeply moving story about the families we choose, the power of literature to heal, and the unexpected joy that can bloom in life's broken places. Perfect for book lovers everywhere and especially fans of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" by Rachel Joyce.
'An absolute joy to read. Uplifting and beautifully written.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A powerful and moving story. Full of tender moments and the healing that books can bring.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘It's full of wisdom and humour. I laughed out loud.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A formidable work.' Kirkus Review.
Watch the book trailer Distorted Days Book Trailer. - YouTube
Praise for this book
Distorted Days is a fiction book by Louise Worthington. It centres around the unexpected blows that life can send our way and finding the strength, courage, and support to keep going.
John walks out on Doris and their marriage without warning and offers no explanation. What is worse is that he leaves her for Lisa, Doris' best friend. The betrayal shatters Doris and leads to her miscarriage. She shrinks within herself, within the walls of her marital home, and escapes within the pages of her beloved fictional books. She dares not step out into the world. The solace she finds within her home is put to an abrupt stop when John sends an estate agent to sell the house, which belongs solely to him due to a prenuptial agreement. She must gather the courage to pick up the pieces of her life and move forward.
What I loved most about Distorted Days is its multifaceted characters. The characters are very human, flawed, and in some moments experience irrational thoughts and emotions. For instance, Doris experiences recurring daydreams about revenge. This desire for revenge seems out of character for selfless Doris. And yet, considering the circumstances, it fits perfectly and creates a more credible, realistic Doris. The author uses poetic language to present these recurring daydreams, altering minute details each time according to Doris' state of mind and emotional progress. The way the recurring daydreams were integrated into the story was effortless and natural. I feel that the author has taken the same amount of care and effort with the other characters, giving them a rich depth.
The divorce pushes Doris into a deep depression. I really appreciate how the author approached the issue of depression. Doris' doctor tells her that events themselves are not the cause of mental ill-health. Rather, the way we interpret those events makes the difference. And that is something I plan on remembering and using in my own life going forward.
My only complaint is that I was left with so many unanswered questions after the reason behind John's sudden departure was revealed. I realise though, that in leaving her readers with unanswered questions, the author was able to create a story that felt true-to-life. We don't always understand the reasons behind people's actions and behaviours.
Distorted Days is written in prose, and the author uses poetic devices to grip her readers. It is impeccably edited, and I thoroughly enjoyed its storyline, especially as its ending is far from being clichéd. Despite containing heavy themes like depression, it had moments that made me laugh. Therefore, I see it fit to give it a perfect 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to women who enjoy literary fiction.
All in all, this novel, through its dark comedy and stark reality, spoke to me, centred my day, and has been something I’ve been thinking about since I read it. Literary Fiction is such an open-ended genre, that for me, it simply encompasses these very special novels written in unique, captivating ways. If like me, you want something different, this is that. If you read and loved Mile Marker, Killing Them with Kindness, Cultivating a Fuji, The Pelican, or Dyed Souls, I think Distorted Days is easily something to pick up next, and enjoy for how bittersweet life truly is. In simple, its top marks from me.