Another account of a mother struggling alone

Great writing, minute detail of the mind numbing work of parenting a young child. Frustratingly slow in the descriptiveness of this work, which I can relate to. Cleverly weaves in feminist concepts but ultimately reiterates the well worn narrative of a woman living out the blatant unfairness of being fully burdened with household work. Why this woman never actually says exactly what she needs, exactly how she wants it to be to her partner is unimaginable. It seems the writer wants to show that women can’t articulate their needs logically, instead relying almost exclusively on bitter jabs at their partner. What a sad reiteration of a cliche. When are we going to hear stories of parents (men and women) parenting together, so we can learn how to do it? Instead, we have modern (modern!) stories of these woes, beautifully written but, ultimately, uninspiring.
This book is a great contraceptive.
I wonder how many young people will find it hard to believe this parenting reality (in the West) still exists, realising too late how true it can be, but with no alternative narrative to turn to for help. Are books like this normalising that which we need to get away from?

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Emotionally raw

Not sure what to make of this, the sample gives a tiny snippet, but the raw emotion of the whole book is so palpable.

Any woman who has had or has young kids will fully understand everything written here.

The narration is perfect.

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A moving read

A thought provoking and emotional read with parts I could really identify with. I very much enjoyed this book and would wholly recommend it.

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Raw, honest and beautiful

I loved this story. Listening to it at a similar life stage, it spoke to my soul at times. It had me crying, laughing and cursing! As a new mother who is lost, this tale made me feel less alone. Beautifully performed, I was there right with Soldier and Sailor throughout. Highly recommended for all mothers, even more highly recommended for all fathers!

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Spectacular

I loved every sentence and sentiment in this book. The perfect reading of what it is to be a new mother.

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Beautiful

Such a beautifully written book. Dealing so sensitively with motherhood. I highly recommend this book I hardly ever write a review I have listened to so many but this really stands out.

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Tender and brave portrayal of motherhood

The story doesn’t shy away from the harder elements of becoming a mother. It’s beautifully paced, moving, eye opening and engrossing.

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Emotional

I haven’t read all of the books on the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist but this one definitely deserved its place. I’m not ashamed to say I wept at the end.

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The truth and frustration of life with a small child

I loved this. Funny, desperate and shines a light on how close are love and hate

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Keep this story close to your heart.

I’m very old so I listened to this tale very closely. I have time now. Not one word or idea was out of place. All of it came back to me so vividly that I often had to look up from my work and check where I was. When I was. Nothing could have been more poignant than looking with this tale at a life being lived with one child. I wonder if my life might have been different if I had heard this tale 75 years ago and then continued less shocked. Less alone.
Can I please emphasize that this novel does not take a stance or adopt a tone that I am often dismayed to recognize in latter day journalism. Those stories have their place..they are often slightly cynical or even sarcastic. This tale is so beautifully raw that it’s integrity is able to shine. I hear you. I see you. All of you young men and women who are coming. And all your children. Be strong.

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14 people found this helpful