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luby's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
samsweebooknook's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Doesn't every new mother feel overwhelmed at times?"
Susannah Rice seems to have it all - two beautiful daughters, a happy marriage, a successful career as a doctor, and a public persona Dr. Sue who is loved by all. But things take a turn when one day, exhausted from juggling it all, Susannah makes the tragic mistake of leaving her youngest daughter in the car as she heads into work. As Susannah and her family come to terms with their loss, she faces scrutiny from every angle, including that of news reporter Adelaide Gold.
It goes without saying that there is a trigger warning for infant death so please proceed with caution if this might affect you.
A raw and heartbreaking subject matter but Coffey handles it sensitively and respectfully. As a mum, it does terrify me to hear of stories like this - whether it be fiction or real life - as it serves as a reminder of how easily mistakes can happen when you're under the intense exhaustion that often accompanies motherhood. The first few chapters were particularly heartbreaking, where Susannah is in work and the reader is waiting for the discovery of what has happened to little Louise.
What struck me most about the book was the judgement and the pressure on women (including working mum's, stay at home mum's and those who have decided against having children). A relatable but sad insight to the society we currently live in.
With it being set in America it also gave a heartbreaking insight into the lack of maternity leave compared to the UK & Ireland - mothers having to return to work while they are still recovering from the birth. I couldn't imagine having to leave my baby to return to work that early.
I flew through this book - reading it in two sittings so I could find out how things panned out in the court case. A really gripping and engaging debut novel.
Susannah Rice seems to have it all - two beautiful daughters, a happy marriage, a successful career as a doctor, and a public persona Dr. Sue who is loved by all. But things take a turn when one day, exhausted from juggling it all, Susannah makes the tragic mistake of leaving her youngest daughter in the car as she heads into work. As Susannah and her family come to terms with their loss, she faces scrutiny from every angle, including that of news reporter Adelaide Gold.
It goes without saying that there is a trigger warning for infant death so please proceed with caution if this might affect you.
A raw and heartbreaking subject matter but Coffey handles it sensitively and respectfully. As a mum, it does terrify me to hear of stories like this - whether it be fiction or real life - as it serves as a reminder of how easily mistakes can happen when you're under the intense exhaustion that often accompanies motherhood. The first few chapters were particularly heartbreaking, where Susannah is in work and the reader is waiting for the discovery of what has happened to little Louise.
What struck me most about the book was the judgement and the pressure on women (including working mum's, stay at home mum's and those who have decided against having children). A relatable but sad insight to the society we currently live in.
With it being set in America it also gave a heartbreaking insight into the lack of maternity leave compared to the UK & Ireland - mothers having to return to work while they are still recovering from the birth. I couldn't imagine having to leave my baby to return to work that early.
I flew through this book - reading it in two sittings so I could find out how things panned out in the court case. A really gripping and engaging debut novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Minor: Suicide
hampshirebooklover's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
vickic91's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Child death
bookellys's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Having absolutely zero maternal instinct, and not being a Mum myself, I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy this book as it focuses quite heavily on the pressures put on working mothers, however I thought it was a fantastic read!
The book draws on some very relevant, very real issues with the expectations put on women to be the perfect wife, mother, friend etc whilst at the same time balancing home, work and social lives, and the damned if you do, damned if you don’t scrutiny.
There are two fantastic, strong female lead characters in this story, with a couple of bad-ass minor characters too.
My first book for 2022 and an attempt to not only clear my TBR but also get through some of my Net Galley backlog. Thank you @netgalley and @ for my advanced copy of this book, I wish @edelcoffey they best of luck when this is released on 20th Jan!
⚠️There are some very triggering subjects covered in this book so I would recommend checking them out prior to reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
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