It is human nature to crave connection and community. As individuals, we long to be accepted and to know we are not alone in our feelings, thoughts, or interests. One of the most powerful ways to feel understood is through reading. Nonfiction, particularly memoirs, can offer readers the opportunity to relate to someone’s personal experiences. However, I’ve often found the deepest sense of connection through fiction. While the characters in fictional stories may exist in made-up worlds, they are often built on seeds of truth, formed from real-life experiences.
This need to be understood highlights why it’s essential to have a wide selection of books written by and featuring people from different backgrounds and experiences. Every person deserves to see themselves reflected in books and to feel a sense of belonging.
Sally Hepworth, a New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, has become one of my favorite writers largely due to the complex characters she creates. In each of her books, the characters grapple with a range of conditions, struggles, and situations that I rarely see addressed in such a nuanced way. Some of the challenges her characters face include infertility, pill addiction, binge eating disorder, early-onset dementia, kleptomania, PTSD, and physical abuse. Additionally, some of her main characters have been on the autism spectrum, grown up in unhealthy foster care environments, or faced misdiagnosed mental health issues.
Although Sally’s books are often categorized as thrillers, the true heart of her stories isn’t the suspense or twists. It’s the way her characters’ internal struggles affect those around them that drives the narrative. For me, this is what sets her work apart and makes it meaningful and relatable. Her characters are far from having their lives together—quite the opposite, in fact! They are often trying to hide their struggles from loved ones, and that vulnerability makes them feel real. As a reader, I find that much more relatable than characters who always seem effortlessly strong or invincible.
In contrast, I’ve sometimes felt that when authors tackle sensitive subjects like the ones mentioned above, it can seem as if they’re using these issues as convenient plot devices—ways to explain a character’s behavior or add drama. Some stories miss the mark in terms of fully exploring these topics. What I appreciate about Sally Hepworth’s writing is that she approaches difficult subjects with respect and care. Her stories allow readers to empathize with her characters while also being educated about important issues.
Whether or not you personally relate to the topics Sally Hepworth addresses in her books, I hope you find comfort in her imperfect characters. And even if Hepworth’s books don’t resonate with you, I encourage you to find an author who speaks to you through their storytelling. You are not alone in your struggles or feelings, and sometimes a book can provide the understanding and solace we need.
If you’re unsure where to start or are looking for a book on a specific topic, feel free to ask one of our amazing librarians—they’ll be happy to help!
Books by Sally Hepworth:
- The Secrets of Midwives
- The Things We Keep
- The Mother’s Promise
- The Family Next Door
- The Mother-in-Law
- The Good Sister
- The Younger Wife
- The Soulmate
- Darling Girls
Written by Christine Campbell – PDL team member