When Ann Patchett tells us a book is “unlike anything else I’ve ever read,” you don’t ask questions — you add it to the top of your TBR pile immediately. The book in question? Meg Mason’s Sophie, Standing There.
It follows Sophie, a literary-festival sound technician in her late 30s, who is, let’s say, going through it: She’s been dumped by her husband (while she was in the shower, no less), relegated to living in a run-down apartment that belongs to her soon-to-be ex, and is avoiding everyone who loves her. So Sophie takes refuge in the novels of Lilac Dunne, an author she discovered in her 20s — who, in a twist of fate, steps in for Elizabeth Strout at the very festivals where Sophie works.
Even better? Dunne takes an interest in her. Expect a story that, per Patchett, is “funny, readable, entertaining, and so profound.” We reached out to Mason to chat about what she listened to while writing her latest novel and her hot take on phone etiquette.
Q: What’s one thing you can’t stop listening to?
Mason: The year I wrote Sophie, Standing There, I listened to two songs, exclusively: “Cold Heart” by Elton John and Dua Lipa, and The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” Spotify freaked out trying to create a Wrapped out of two songs.
Q: What’s one unpopular opinion you have?
Mason: Being on your phone is like smoking. If you have to do it, go and do it outside.
Q: What’s the one place everyone needs to visit?
Mason: Come and see me in Australia. It’s 12,000 miles away, there’s only seven of us down here, and it’s very beautiful. And the dangerous animals you hear about, they never come into town.
Q: What’s one thing everyone needs to watch?
Mason: The cult British sitcom Gavin & Stacey followed by Stath Lets Flats, also a cult British sitcom.
Q: What should be required reading for every human being?
Mason: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Once a year, if possible.
Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?
Mason: Strangers and their flaws, I guess.
Q: What’s one thing that makes you laugh without fail?
Mason: When my daughter speaks in the voice of our dog, or I should say, voices our dog’s thoughts. They’re incredibly profound.
Q: What’s one thing that’s made you 10% happier?
Mason: Moving something messy out of my eyeline when I’m working — cables, the rubbish bin, an empty glass — can make me happier by more like 20%.
Q: What’s your shortcut to relaxation?
Mason: It would be irresponsible to say “booze,” but it’s not not booze. I did give it up for a whole year though, so we all know that I can.
Q: What’s the one thing you can’t leave the house without?
Mason: I recently discovered that leaving the house without anything, except a key to get back in, is like a tiny adrenaline rush. The freedom feeling, when you walk somewhere knowing nobody is right then doing a Find My on you, I can’t even describe it.
Meanwhile, on the internet…
Justice for anyone who refuses to throw anything away: The Hollister tops you bought with your babysitting money are suddenly in high demand.
Candy crisis averted — the sugary treat you only ever ate at bar and bat mitzvahs isn’t going anywhere after all. L’chaim.
Has anyone ever had more fun at a Safeway than these two lip-synching employees? Seems unlikely.