A Secret Sorrow and "A Sorrowful Woman".
Not a particularly attractive word, it is actually a word that conjures up negative thoughts. Yet strangely, "Sorrow" is so prominent in the stories, "A Secret Sorrow" and "A Sorrowful Woman". Both stories revolve around a central female character that seems to have emotional difficulties. However, both authors take a very different approach to utilizing the sorrow. Godwin's "A Sorrowful Woman" is a thought-provoking story with interesting characters. It seemed to be the type of story when reread reveals new insights not noticed before. "A Secret Sorrow" was very difficult to read because it was far too dramatic. It was hard to read one time and I doubt I would be able to read it a second. .
In the story "A Secret Sorrow", a woman by the name of Faye is battling a traumatic accident which has left her barren. While she is trying to come to terms with this tragedy, she falls in love with a man. The man accepts her flaw, and they live happily ever after. An interesting premise, tragedy is always a romantic topic to write about but the author of this story decided to take it to the next level. Her descriptive use of adjectives was, frankly, nauseating. I doubt that I would ever be able to read this story a second time. God forbid a third.
"A Sorrowful Woman" was a much more original idea with engaging characters. The ambiguity of the characters makes the story universal to all women. In the story none of the characters have names thus making it easier to identify with them. Because of the symbolism in the story, it requires several readings. Each time something new becomes apparent to you. Even with an unusual female lead character who does not embody typical behaviors expected of women you find yourself being sympathetic towards her. I would definitely read this story more than once, if just to understand what the author was trying to say. .
Both authors rely on sorrow to drive the story line along, but that is the only similarity these two stories share.
