
Book Review: Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman – A Tender Story of Grief, Love, and Rediscovery
Elissa Sussman, bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, returns with Totally and Completely Fine, a heartfelt and emotionally rich novel about grief, second chances, and the messy process of finding yourself again when life refuses to go as planned. It’s part romance, part self-discovery, and entirely human a book that isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, awkward, or painfully honest about the ways people heal.
A Widow, a Movie Set, and an Unexpected Spark
Lauren Parker has worn many labels in her small Montana hometown: rebellious teen, sister to a Hollywood star, and now a widowed single mother trying to keep herself and her daughter afloat. After losing her husband, Spencer, Lauren’s life has been defined by quiet grief and a sense of disconnection. She’s surviving, but not really living.
When her brother, Gabe, returns home to film a movie, Lauren meets Ben Walsh, a charismatic actor with a warm smile and just enough charm to make her remember what it feels like to be seen. Their chemistry is undeniable, and what begins as a fleeting, impulsive connection soon deepens into something that forces Lauren to confront her fears, her loneliness, and her capacity to love again.
Sussman structures the novel through alternating timelines: Lauren’s past with Spencer and her present with Ben. This duality gives readers a layered look at how love can evolve from the tender, youthful kind that builds a family to the complicated, mature love that emerges from pain.
Love, Loss, and the Courage to Begin Again
What makes Totally and Completely Fine stand out isn’t just the romance it’s how deeply it understands grief. Sussman writes with empathy about what it means to lose someone and still find yourself longing for joy. Lauren isn’t portrayed as a perfect heroine; she’s flawed, defensive, and often unsure. Yet her emotional journey feels real, especially in how she struggles to reconnect with her teenage daughter while trying to open her heart to someone new.
Readers like Nilufer Ozmekik have praised Sussman’s ability to balance humor, heart, and hard truths. The novel’s strongest moments lie in its quiet reflections: the awkward dinners, the small-town gossip, the moments of guilt that come with feeling happiness after tragedy. Sussman captures how grief doesn’t simply fade it reshapes you.
That said, the book has divided readers. Some, like Mimi, felt disconnected from the romantic aspect, finding Lauren’s relationship with Ben more rooted in lust than love. Others, such as Karen, noted that the novel’s frequent profanity and focus on sexual scenes occasionally undercut its emotional depth. But even with these mixed reactions, there’s no denying Sussman’s gift for crafting characters who feel authentically flawed and achingly real.
A Story About Being Human, Not Perfect
At its heart, Totally and Completely Fine isn’t a fairy-tale romance it’s about rediscovering yourself in the aftermath of heartbreak. It’s about realizing that healing doesn’t follow a straight path and that love, when it comes again, might look different but can still be meaningful. Sussman’s writing is eloquent and insightful, with moments that feel like gentle reminders to give yourself permission to live, love, and even make mistakes.
Lauren’s journey reminds readers that no one is ever truly “totally and completely fine.” And that’s okay.
✨ Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars
A poignant, funny, and hopeful story about love after loss, imperfect families, and the beauty of finding light again when life goes dark.
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