I thought this book was going to be a funny look at life but it was so much more than that. It was very enjoyable entertaining even well written and played out well

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me, I’m sure there are plenty of others that will enjoy this book of short stories, but I’m not one of them, this is just my general opinion, and I know plenty of others will enjoy this

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories, originally written in the 60’s and 70’s, and now republished with an additional story set in 2020. The stories all follow ordinary women as they; suffer from insomnia, take in their husband’s ex-wives and ‘go mad’ in supermarkets. Wolitzer has perfectly captured the tone and details of the era she writes in, and a woman’s place within it. Her writing is phenomenal, sharp, and often very funny.

I enjoyed this collection of short - some very short - stories, centred around relationships and marriage. With a couple of new stories included, these stories were originally published in the 60s and 70s, so it's interesting to see how much (or how little?!) has changed in a collection that still felt timely.

Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this collection of short stories. I’m not sure if short stories are for me as I felt confused after I had finished this book.

I had assumed that it was going to be stories about the woman in a supermarket who went mad, but I had thought wrong.

I know there will be readers out there who enjoy this book, but I’m afraid it wasn’t my cup of tea.

A collection of shorts - I'm not sure they are full enough to be called stories though - so lets call them snippets. They all feel like they are segments of larger stories - the middle if you will, with no prior information, and not much conclusion. Some were good and raised a little smirk but I think I read it at a time where I really wanted to get my teeth into a book so it all felt a bit random.

I had - shamefully - never read Hilma Wolitzer before and now I cannot get enough of her writing. There's a timeless quality to her stories, where the reader will recognise themselves despite many of them having been written decades ago.

I genuinely adored this collection. It's full of humanity, turning universal experiences into a study of the human condition. The stories are easy to read and easy to relate to.

Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Strout.

I can't believe I had never heard of Hilma Wolitzer before, totally brilliant. I am the mother having a mental breakdown in the supermarket, Hilma writes my inner monologue, she is wonderful and wise and I absolutely love her writing and can't wait to see what else is rereleased.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for ARC of this delightful collection of short stories, accompanied by a charming introduction by Elizabeth Strout.

This is a sparkling, brittle collection of linked stories about New York life, spanning a half century or so, which is a rare and beautiful thing in itself. Ordinary lives rendered in minute and perfect detail, warts and snores and all. It reminded me of the fiction my mother used to love when I was growing up in the 1970s, but is still fresh and vibrant. Loved it, but not sure how it will land with younger readers, who may see it as a period piece, of historical interest only, except perhaps for the most recent, pandemic-tinged story.

I always thought if I was ever to just give up one day, a supermarket trip with small children would probably be the catalyst for it, this title is perfect as was that story and a lot of the other stories in this collection.

I have been dipping in and out of this over the last month or two and I was sorry to finish it. I really enjoyed Wolitzer's writing. Most of these stories were previously published and some were written over 40 years ago and yet are as relevant today as they were when first published.

So much, wisdom and warmth. A gem of a short story collection and one I will buy copies of as gifts.

Recommend , a lovely lovely read.

I hadn’t realised this was all short stories. And not even that funny at that. I’m not a fan of short stories. I don’t yet engrossed on the story that way. Maybe ok for some. But not my cup of tea.

I received a arc of this novel at my request from Bloomsbury Publishing via NetGalley.

This is a collection of short stories by Hilma Wolitzer going from 1960s to the present day in covid times!
Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, sonetimes making you laugh, sometimes makes making you angry but quite often interesting. This collection of short stories is all about the "domestic bliss" in the 60's and 70's. A snapshot of a woman's life in a different era. Not all the stories grabbed me though, hence knocking 2 stars off.

The stories have a relationship theme and are kind of about the mundane aspects of day to day life, including the title story which is about a woman who has a breakdown in the middle of the supermarket due to the pressures of motherhood and marriage.
Most stories following the same couple Paulette and Harold, through different stages of their marriage.

I enjoyed the life observations throughout the stories, they were realistic and I feel relatable for some people.

I loved the fact that although oringallly written in the 60's and 70's. The final story, featured Paulette and Harold in the present day adjusting to life in a pandemic. I will say the final story was very depressing, I'm not sure if that's due to the fact its so relatable and covid is still so new but I had to skim read it to avoid it making me down

I know not many people on here enjoy short story collections. I'm not often a fan but I'm glad I read it.

Not always a fan of short story collections but I loved these by Hilma Wolitzer. Particularly loved the most recent writing about covid-19.

Brilliant and whip-smart collection of stories that despite having originally been published in the 60s and 70s still resonate. The fascination with ordinary lives is such a rich and diverse source to pull from and one I thoroughly enjoy reading. Thank you for the ARC.

The title of this one really intrigued me… and I wasn’t disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

This was such a timely book - really felt like I learned something new. It was clever, funny, witty and razor sharp.

This is a collection of short stories by Hilma Wolitzer that were mostly originally published in magazines in the 1960s and 1970s, with one new story at the end bringing two regularly appearing characters into the present day in covid times!

The stories have a relationship theme and are kind of about the mundane aspects of life. The title story is about a woman who has a breakdown in the middle of the supermarket due to the pressures of motherhood and marriage while other stories feature the same couple, Paulette and Harold at different stages of their marriage.

Although written in the 60s and 70s it is both reflective of the times and present day. I enjoyed the life observations throughout the stories but have to say my favourite story was the final one, featuring Paulette and Harold in the present day adjusting to life in a pandemic.

I know not many people on here enjoy short story collections so I would hesitate to recommend it as it wasn't really one I think a lot of people will like unless you're already a fan of the author. I'm glad I read it but there are more enjoyable short story collections I think are worth reading.

It is a long time since I have read a collection of stories, but the title of this one drew me in.

This is a collection of stories, many of which were published in magazines during the 1960s and 1970s, which give you a point in time view of ordinary family life. Many of them centre around Paulie and Howard's relationship, including ex wives, motherhood and insomnia.

The author, Hilma Wolitzer also writes new stories as part of this collection. The last chapter of Paulie and Howard's life focuses on Covid for example.

A quick read but one that gives a strange sense of peace. Showing that ordinary lives of ordinary people can actually feel quite extraordinary at times.

#libraryatsevern #bookworm #book #reading
#bookstagramuk #londonreader #bookreviewfeature #bookreview #bibliophile #bookstagrammers #readersofinstagram #reader #igreads #TodayaWomanWentMadintheSupermarket #bookblogger #goodreads #bookshelf #bookreviewer #bloomsbury #netgalley #lockdownreads #stayhomeandread #bookstragram#bookstagrammer

Surprisingly I had never heard of Hilma Wolitzer before receiving this arc and wow was I missing out!! Each story holds just enough for you to be able to identify with and it's sprinkles of humour throughout. My favourite has to be the story which penned the title - 'Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket'. I can't wait to dive into Wolitzer's back catalogue!! Thanks for the arc!

I couldn't stop smiling after finishing this short story collection. Each of the stories was so delightful in its own way and the writing was exquisite. I wasn't familiar with Hilma Wolitzer before I picked up the book, but I was intrigued by the title, cover and that = Elizabeth Strout had written a foreword.

I particularly enjoyed the stories featuring Paulette and Howard, a married couple, as we follow them throughout their lives - and ending, in a story that caught me off guard, with such a realistic portrayal of trying to live through the pandemic.

Wolitzer's stories in the book span decades of her career and it's an honour to be able to pick up and read stories that were written at specific points in time. All of the stories stand up in the present day though, and I appreciate how they highlight the realities and peculiarities of ordinary women's lives.