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A review by samsweebooknook
Breaking Point by Edel Coffey
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