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The Bright Side: Twelve Months, Three Heartbreaks, and One (Maybe) Miracle
“Anyone who has had their life completely gutted and rewired will adore this family story. Bradbury's dark humour and gloriously upbeat voice makes it the perfect antidote to a tough year. I loved it!”—Plum Johnson, author of They Left Us EverythingThe hilarious and moving story of how a modern woman's life can change utterly in a single year—and how, even when life whacks you in the head, you can find yourself rewarded with grace.Cathrin Bradbury's life imploded in the space of a few months. Her beloved parents died, her marriage limped to an end after twenty-five years, her heavily mortgaged house turned against her, and a promising new romance ended in crushing disappointment. But somewhere in that year, a new path, or three or four, began to open up. As Bradbury navigates the setbacks, her troubled brother makes an astounding recovery to health and sobriety. She is reunited with her closest childhood friend after a long absence, with deeply satisfying results. She and her four siblings feel their way to becoming a new kind of family without their parents. And her adult children emerge into sharper focus, each gloriously and uniquely themselves. Slowly, she discovers that the path is steep, the view obscured, but there's light ahead. Cathartic, hilarious, and profoundly moving, The Bright Side broadens the way we think and talk to each other about the ordinary experiences we all share. A master of the uncomplaining voice, Bradbury combines grace and humanity to look at the world unflinchingly and see what makes it wonderful and absurd at the same time, and to let us all in on the secret.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 8, 2021
Warm, funny, serious, validating... utterly marvellous! “The Bright Side” opens with: “My house is spitting on me. This bright home with four sides of windows that bring light from every direction, my dear, doted on Number 9, has turned against me. I’d like to spit on it too.” From that description and onward, Cathrin Bradbury invited me into her life, describing the turmoil which can hit all at once or so it seems- and took me on a fast-track ride through the ups, downs and craziness of being human.
Bradbury had an exceptional working life, as an editor of major news publications - but her personal life was more fractious, and in 2015 it imploded. This memoir recounts this period, her thoughtful connections to the past, her family and friends and the effort to find a way into a different future.
Her writing is wry, and had me laughing out loud in self recognition in places. In others, I found tears on my cheeks.
The chapter titled, “KEDS”, a combination of musings and memories on shopping, is practically worth buying the book!
“As a seasoned seasoned shopper, Johanna knew that need was not only secondary but anxious-making. ‘Say I need black pants. Suddenly the world is either empty or astoundingly full of black pants.” Instead, she searched for a deeply discounted item that made her feel like she was getting away with something. ‘But mainly the magic purchase is finding a thing that makes me look the way I want to look.’”
Most of all, in a year when so much is upside down for so many of us, I found her honest memoir so validating. We all live with uncertainty, are mired in periods of dread, deal with dead end relationships at one point or another- Bradbury lived through a year heaped and shaped by much all at once and survived.
Best of all, as her book went to print, she added an epilogue- to update where everyone was from the point of her book - a charming inclusion.
Highly recommended. Bradbury is a modern woman’s Stephen Leacock or Nora Ephron.
Bradbury had an exceptional working life, as an editor of major news publications - but her personal life was more fractious, and in 2015 it imploded. This memoir recounts this period, her thoughtful connections to the past, her family and friends and the effort to find a way into a different future.
Her writing is wry, and had me laughing out loud in self recognition in places. In others, I found tears on my cheeks.
The chapter titled, “KEDS”, a combination of musings and memories on shopping, is practically worth buying the book!
“As a seasoned seasoned shopper, Johanna knew that need was not only secondary but anxious-making. ‘Say I need black pants. Suddenly the world is either empty or astoundingly full of black pants.” Instead, she searched for a deeply discounted item that made her feel like she was getting away with something. ‘But mainly the magic purchase is finding a thing that makes me look the way I want to look.’”
Most of all, in a year when so much is upside down for so many of us, I found her honest memoir so validating. We all live with uncertainty, are mired in periods of dread, deal with dead end relationships at one point or another- Bradbury lived through a year heaped and shaped by much all at once and survived.
Best of all, as her book went to print, she added an epilogue- to update where everyone was from the point of her book - a charming inclusion.
Highly recommended. Bradbury is a modern woman’s Stephen Leacock or Nora Ephron.
April 25, 2021
An absolutely delightful memoir, by turns laugh out loud hilarious and poignantly heartbreaking. Canadian references were the cherry on top. I loved this book, and had great difficulty putting it down to walk my dog.
March 20, 2021
A perfectly lovely little antidote to the times, and not just because I happen to also be a 59 year old woman in my 25th year of marriage (one which, to the best of my knowledge, is on very firm ground…) with elderly parents - with failing memories approaching the point of needing more care - and siblings who are present in my life but not really part of my life. So many similarities...
Reading this was like having a kitchen party - sitting around the table with a bunch of good friends, homemade comfort food and a glass of wine - engaged in a mutual therapy session, whining and complaining about husbands and children and work, laughing, and crying, and coming away knowing that this too shall pass and we will come out stronger on the other side of things.
I long for the time when we can get back to just these kinds of social events… but in the meantime, thank you Cathrin Bradbury for inviting me in and reminding me that in fact, life is really pretty good, all things considered.
Reading this was like having a kitchen party - sitting around the table with a bunch of good friends, homemade comfort food and a glass of wine - engaged in a mutual therapy session, whining and complaining about husbands and children and work, laughing, and crying, and coming away knowing that this too shall pass and we will come out stronger on the other side of things.
I long for the time when we can get back to just these kinds of social events… but in the meantime, thank you Cathrin Bradbury for inviting me in and reminding me that in fact, life is really pretty good, all things considered.
October 13, 2021
Most people have a so-called “annus horribilis” in their life. Some are more horribilis than others, but it’s a matter of personal perspective. 2015 was this author’s low point: divorce, death of both parents, job stress, to name just a few. It’s hard to believe that, out of that year, was born such a joyous book. It was a pleasure from start to finish, with some truly poignant chapters and some good fun as well. There was a wistful tone throughout out that spoke to me. I’ve seldom read a memoir that touched me as deeply as this one. I loved every page.
March 13, 2021
A master of the uncomplaining voice, says the inside dust jacket, perfectly capturing Cathrin Bradbury’s unique and engaging point-of-view. Her voice feels fresh and new, although she’s been working as a journalist in Canada for decades. If this book is any measure, she’s been wasting her talents. I have been looking for more Cathrin Bradbury to read since her essay on sharing her home ran in the Toronto Star in October, 2018, link below. I read it three times, trying to parse out how she so expertly wove wit and honesty and elegance together.
Bradbury is at her best when she is addressing a specific topic — like the PNM, or Promising New Man — who takes up much of the first few chapters of the book. The second half of the book sags in places — she doesn’t succeed in making everything that happened to her interesting, and some of it is in fact, not that interesting. But that is often the case with books of all kinds, fiction and non-fiction. Beginnings always get more time and energy and attention than endings, which are often rushed, and middles, which can be a slog, a mirror of our lives, really. That is why this book gets a four star and not a five, but if Proust is a five I think the average writer should feel good about a four.
Bradbury keeps good company, including two other Canadian journalists I have long admired: Ian Brown and Johanna Schneller.
Birds of a feather.
Here’s a link to the story in the Star that got me interested in reading Bradbury: https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.thest...
Bradbury is at her best when she is addressing a specific topic — like the PNM, or Promising New Man — who takes up much of the first few chapters of the book. The second half of the book sags in places — she doesn’t succeed in making everything that happened to her interesting, and some of it is in fact, not that interesting. But that is often the case with books of all kinds, fiction and non-fiction. Beginnings always get more time and energy and attention than endings, which are often rushed, and middles, which can be a slog, a mirror of our lives, really. That is why this book gets a four star and not a five, but if Proust is a five I think the average writer should feel good about a four.
Bradbury keeps good company, including two other Canadian journalists I have long admired: Ian Brown and Johanna Schneller.
Birds of a feather.
Here’s a link to the story in the Star that got me interested in reading Bradbury: https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.thest...
April 5, 2021
As soon as I read a review of "The Bright Side" by Canadian journalist Cathrin Bradbury, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy.
"The Bright Side" describes how Bradbury survived her own personal annus horribilis (2015, pre-COVID) in which absolutely everything that could go wrong in her life, did. I haven't experienced most of the things that Bradbury did -- thankfully (yet??) -- but I can relate to the overall theme of midlife turbulence. (Plus, she also -- cough! -- turns 60 in the book!)
Despite the difficult situations described in its pages (and yes, I did shed some tears), there's good stuff that counterbalances the bad too. The overall tone of the book is upbeat, hopeful -- and frequently hilarious. And the writing is fabulous! I devoured more than half the book in one sitting, and finished it in a little over 48 hours.
As one Goodreads reviewer says, "She wasn't writing about Covid, but the timing's perfect." This theme was echoed in a cover endorsement from Plum Johnson -- author of my favourite books of 2015, "They Left Us Everything" (reviewed here) -- who called it "the perfect antidote to a tough year."
I loved it. 5 stars on Goodreads
"The Bright Side" describes how Bradbury survived her own personal annus horribilis (2015, pre-COVID) in which absolutely everything that could go wrong in her life, did. I haven't experienced most of the things that Bradbury did -- thankfully (yet??) -- but I can relate to the overall theme of midlife turbulence. (Plus, she also -- cough! -- turns 60 in the book!)
Despite the difficult situations described in its pages (and yes, I did shed some tears), there's good stuff that counterbalances the bad too. The overall tone of the book is upbeat, hopeful -- and frequently hilarious. And the writing is fabulous! I devoured more than half the book in one sitting, and finished it in a little over 48 hours.
As one Goodreads reviewer says, "She wasn't writing about Covid, but the timing's perfect." This theme was echoed in a cover endorsement from Plum Johnson -- author of my favourite books of 2015, "They Left Us Everything" (reviewed here) -- who called it "the perfect antidote to a tough year."
I loved it. 5 stars on Goodreads
April 2, 2021
An entertaining coming-of-late-middle-age memoir. Bradbury is her own brand of badass, and the view of the losing of jobs and the deaths of relatives and the resuscitation of long dormant friendships from her lens has a unique, foursquare (and so very Canadian) clarity. The set piece about being fired from (in her case, multiple) jobs was restorative, even years out from my own "restructuring" moment. And her perspective on the generational hierarchy reorg (speaking of restructuring) when your parents die was striking to me. I feel like I'll be reaching for this book again when (long may it be delayed) that time comes.
April 11, 2021
The memoir of a 60-year-old woman who explores her failed marriage, her PNM ("promising new man," decrepit parents, reacquaintance with a childhood friend, and her brother's return to her life, and his own. Told in a darkly funny and candid way. Parts of it had me laughing out loud at the absurdities and her truths as she describes them. For example, she says her family is a bunch of deniers. "And that's all I'm going to say about that." I like that it takes place in Canada and all the references that entail. I have to say I liked the first half more than the second, but overall worthy of a read - especially if you fall within this demographic.
March 19, 2021
I couldn't stop thinking about The Bright Side after I put it down (and it was hard to put down). Cathrin Bradbury's unique style of story-telling seamlessly moves from oh-so funny and relatable, to sad, to uplifting - and as a reader, it's a joy to be along for the ride. I'm glad I read it.
April 23, 2021
How many things can possibly go wrong in a year? Well, for Cathrin Bradbury it was a lot! From the end of her 25 year marriage, to the breakup of a new romance. With the death of both her parents and a troubled brother making his way back to sobriety, all while her heavily mortgaged house is falling apart around her. This memoir is described as hilarious and profoundly moving as Cathrin writes about how herself and her four siblings find their way to becoming a new family.
This is just what I needed after a year in a global pandemic and I’m sure many people have been feeling the same these past 12 months! From many weeks of isolation and stressors in the world it has been nice to escape reality to read about other people’s lives. However this is not a depressing read and Cathrin brings humour all the way. After reading this book I actually felt quite lifted and grateful for the life I live! It’s not very often I read a book and find myself laughing out load, but this certainly did it for me. Funny highlights for me were Cathrin’s two ageing parents in their 90’s and her description of the quirky electrics in her house. I think what makes it so great is that Cathrin’s writing is very believable.
If anyone is in a bit of a slump and needs a good pick-me-up then this is the perfect antidote. Let’s hope the next year is better on us all!
This is just what I needed after a year in a global pandemic and I’m sure many people have been feeling the same these past 12 months! From many weeks of isolation and stressors in the world it has been nice to escape reality to read about other people’s lives. However this is not a depressing read and Cathrin brings humour all the way. After reading this book I actually felt quite lifted and grateful for the life I live! It’s not very often I read a book and find myself laughing out load, but this certainly did it for me. Funny highlights for me were Cathrin’s two ageing parents in their 90’s and her description of the quirky electrics in her house. I think what makes it so great is that Cathrin’s writing is very believable.
If anyone is in a bit of a slump and needs a good pick-me-up then this is the perfect antidote. Let’s hope the next year is better on us all!
August 9, 2021
The trials and tribulations of life challenge us all, but somehow we still hang on to hope, even when the evidence proves otherwise. A common human failing I think most of us have for what we want. Bradbury has us tag along through hers. I felt inspired and hopeful too for her PNM (Promising New Man) and deeply saddened and pissed off actually when he really didn't turn out to be the Stand-Up man he led us to believe he was. Further, I couldn't quite get over how Bradbury's writing style and her voice kept me thinking I was listening to Ann Patchett. I wouldn't be surprised to find out they are actually sisters.
March 26, 2021
3.5 - a Canadian journalist recounts in humorous and heartfelt ways one of her toughest years. In 2015 she got divorced, dealt with major house repairs, lost both parents and reconciled with a childhood friend after twenty years. Lots of relatable emotional stuff for anyone who has had to deal with caring for older parents and learning what life is like without them. Very similar vibes to Jane Christmas's Open House.
Important lessons from her father: finding happiness in what you have rather than what you desire or aspire to have.
Important lessons from her father: finding happiness in what you have rather than what you desire or aspire to have.
October 9, 2021
Absolutely loved this memoir that made me laugh (lots) and even cry. I rarely cry when reading a book these days. Cathrin wrote with vulnerability, reverence and humour. I loved her family, her friends and Number ‘9’. As a woman in my 60’s there was so much I could relate to. I just want to send her a message and thank her for being such an inspiration and for showing herself in such a light. I heard her speak with the Different Drummer series which made me buy this book, now I’d like to hear it all over again after having read it. Highly recommended!
April 20, 2021
A non-fiction memoir of how Cathrin Bradburry's life changed dramatically in a single year. Her parents die, her 25 year marriage ends, her old house is falling apart and a new romance ends . Despite all these set backs, good things do happen and Cathrin moves on with her life dealing .I am not a reader of non-fiction but I really enjoyed this book
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review
June 16, 2021
I enjoyed this memoir by a Canadian journalist. Bradbury had her personal annis horribilus in 2015, with the death of both parents, divorce after twenty-five somewhat tense years of marriage, and a beloved home needing repairs which no one was certain she could handle.
Bradbury intersperses her current happenings with recollections from her and her family’s past.
It is a celebration of family, friendship, and career, while recognizing the ups and downs of them all.
Bradbury intersperses her current happenings with recollections from her and her family’s past.
It is a celebration of family, friendship, and career, while recognizing the ups and downs of them all.
October 1, 2021
This is a really beautiful book, not about extraordinary circumstances and amazing feats to overcome them, but about relatable problems and hard times that we all go through. It's written without pretension or pomp, in a manner very inclusive and easy to read, while still having a dry wit about it. I greatly enjoyed the book, and found myself cruising through it much faster than I would have expected, as I found it so easy and entertaining to read.
March 4, 2025
I wanted an easier read between heavier history books but I wasn’t expecting such a kooky and emotional experience as this gave me. I felt like Cathrin let her true self really show, the beauty and the quirks. Her descriptions of herself and the pickles she gets into, her family and history and friends and her honest self assessments made this such a treat. It also made me pick up my phone to call my mom a few times. What a lovely memoir.
March 28, 2021
I found this book to be a very satisfying read. Written with total honesty and conveyed with a voice that is full of humour and self reflection, the ordinary every day experiences that make up our daily existence transcends to a deliver a message that is uplifting. I would recommend it wholeheartedly.
April 2, 2021
Catherin Bradbury writes about her 2015 year, the end of her marriage, her parents deaths, dating in post marriage and looking after her house as a single person. Love her humour, her thought provoking stories and touching moments, especially the reason for an epilogue to her story (I feel the same way about an epilogue as Kelly).
June 24, 2021
I wish I’d known she was Canadian before I started this book. Truly bloody Canadian. Maybe it’s because we spend so much of our lives in the cold and dark but what she considers to be “the bright side”, really isn’t. Too much like most Canadian writing — brutally realistic — and not my cup of tea. And I’m Canadian.
September 14, 2021
I took this book to my cabin with me this summer and I could not put it down. It’s hilarious, and it made me cry, a rare combination. I also come from a large family with the usual joys and heartbreaks, and I have a troubled sibling too. Reading The Bright Side gave me hope. I’ve recommended to all my friends, and they love it too.
July 10, 2022
I didn't see the cover of this book before starting it and didn't realize that it was a memoir for quite a while. The first few chapters seemed like a modern rom-com with the PNM but then the real story began. Her description of the deaths of her parents and her brother's struggles were touching. Very glad I read it.
February 25, 2021
This was a beautiful, honest read. The reader is along for the journey, happy and sad. The highs and lows, unblemished and raw.
I am glad I read this.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I am glad I read this.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
March 5, 2021
This is the most buoyant book I've read in years. A moving, painful, and often hilarious story of a woman's fight to keep on her feet in a year of bruising loss. She wasn't writing about Covid, but the timing's perfect. Matthew
March 15, 2021
Bright, charming, funny *and* sad, this is an in-depth look at one year in the life of a woman on the verge of breakup, while dealing with family issues. Perceptive and witty, it's not your usual tell-all memoir.
March 23, 2021
Truly a member of the sandwich generation, Cathrin Bradbury offers a realistic look at the pressures of those dealing with their children as well as aging parents. Add to that a failed marriage, her propensity to lose things (!), this relatable story is the perfect read for these times.
March 30, 2021
I really liked this book! Funny, relatable and uplifting, a great pandemic read. Also nice to see a memoir set in Toronto for a change and not New York or some other U.S. city. You will recognize lots of local spots.
July 12, 2021
A narrative revealing how brokenness can bring wholeness and healing…if we wade in and allow it to show its bright side.
A very worthy read, especially for those of us approaching the shores of our mid-life and the losses and suffering often associated with that time of life.
A very worthy read, especially for those of us approaching the shores of our mid-life and the losses and suffering often associated with that time of life.
August 2, 2021
Treat yourself to the humour and insight of Cathrin Bradbury’s most challenging year. She excavates humour from many of life’s most delicate moments from losing your parents to having a brother recover from the brink. A perfect read for anytime!
September 19, 2021
The inclusion of remarks made by her father throughout his life, was an enjoyable read. Also interesting to see how one of her siblings managed to turn his life around. Therefore, the 2 stars.
For me, the rest of the content was just not of much interest, and was kind if a slog to get through.
For me, the rest of the content was just not of much interest, and was kind if a slog to get through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews