Apparently a lot of people have found this book life-changing. I wouldn't go that far, but it's certainly thought-provoking. There is a lot in here: sex, ageing, peri/menopause, marriage/relationships, birth trauma, family vs career/art... and many quotable sentences. It's definitely one of the best books I've read this year and one that's made me feel quite reflective (and also a little apprehensive about what my 40s might bring). 

That said (not a spoiler as it happens near the start), it didn't feel realistic or understandable that the MC chose to just stay in the motel. There is a line about it that goes something like "why does anyone do anything?" but meh, it wasn't believable for me (other things about her behaviour bothered me too, but we don't have to love every character for a book to be good). I enjoyed the book much more in the later, non-motel-based, sections. I also found Sam, the child character, too good to be true. They are constantly saying funny/profound things and endlessly cute and intelligent, and whilst that side of parenthood is real, Sam never seemed to have an off-moment and as such, I will risk sounding like a horrible parent and say that this didn't feel like a realistic portrayal of parenthood. 

Plot/compellingness 3/5
Themes 5/5
Characters 4/5
Emotional resonance 5/5
Writing style 5/5