Review: Mother by Hannah Begbie
Her love for her daughter is everything.
Her love for him is deadly.
Cath had twenty-five perfect days with her newborn daughter before Mia’s deadly illness was diagnosed.
Cath has dreamed of being a Mother her whole life and yet just twenty five days later the perfect life she had planned comes crumbling down when she and her husband receive the devastating diagnosis that Mia has Cystic Fibrosis.
Following Cath’s grieving process as she comes to terms with the fact her daughter has a life limiting condition was heartbreaking. As a Mother, and particularly as a Mother who has lost a child, I found myself feeling every one of Cath’s emotions right through from denial to desperation. And yet as difficult as it was to read I was compelled to keep turning the page.
As her life implodes Cath attends a parental support group where she meets Richard, father to Rachel who also has Cystic Fibrosis. Richard is charming and handsome, and extremely convincing in his belief that a cure for CF is just around the corner. Desperate to believe, Cath soon finds herself hanging onto Richards every word and pretty soon it becomes clear that the couple are in a very dangerous territory and risk losing everything.
I knew very little about Cystic Fibrosis before I started this novel and was surprised to learn that cross infection between Cystic Fibrosis sufferers can be catastrophic. As Cath and Richard’s affair inevitably begins to unfold we realise that the nature of Mia’s illness means that Cath’s betrayal endangers not just her marriage, but the life of her baby.
Whilst it is apparent that Cath is fully aware of the risk she poses to her child by having physical contact with Richard, she appears to be obsessed with him and looks to him as a form of escape from the realities of Mia’s diagnosis. It was at this point in the novel I felt confused about my feelings towards Cath. On the one hand my heart broke for a Mother who desperately wanted to cure her sick child, and on the other I felt that her actions were selfish to choose her love for Richard over the love of her own child.
Mother is a story of love and obsession whilst educating the reader on Cystic Fibrosis, a condition which Begbies own son was diagnosed with at just a few weeks old. Throughout the book I cried tears for Cath, for Mia and, ultimately, for Begbie who writes so beautifully about a subject that to so many of us is unimaginable.
Mother made me question just how far I would go to protect my own child, the power of attraction, and the ripple effect of such a betrayal. And ultimately it compelled me to read to the very last page, set down the book, and climb the stairs to kiss my four healthy children goodnight and remember just how very lucky I am.
** We were sent this copy as part of the Mumsnet Book Club. All words and opinions are my own unless otherwise stated **
This books sounds interesting. I would like to learn more about cystic fibrosis and love that this book is both a story I might relate to in the sense of grief but also something new to learn about at the same time.
This story sounds heartfelt and heartwrenching. I am thankful not to have had any first hand experience with this. Children are a joy and so vulnerable. It is everything to try to protect ad nurture them.
“Mother” sounds like one heck of a story! I love books that make you think and explore your own ideas on things. I plan on adding this book to my never-ending “must-read” list. TY for your review!
The story is such heart warming and heart breaking. I cannot imagine how hard it would have been to take decision like this. I would love to read this book.
It sounds a heart wrenching book, one for when you want to get really involved with the characters. It’s good that you can learn more about cystic fibrosis.
I know nothing about cystic fibrosis so it’s an interesting twist to include in the story line. That said it sounds like a gut wrenching book but a page turner.
Oh my goodness this book sounds so powerful and heartbreaking I’m pretty sure it would be a difficult one to put down. xx
That sounds like exactly the sort of book I would enjoy. The once where the author has personal experience are always the most compelling. Cystic Fibrosis is a devastating condition.
Disease is such a terrible beast, especially when it attacks a child. I see a good cry coming when I read this book. I have added it to my wishlist for the next month or so.
That book sounds so sad. But I’m sure its a powerful message and one that needs to be shared
Oh goodness, this does sound heart-wrenching! I’ve found books with sad plots about children so much more difficult to read since having my kids!
Sounds like a really compelling but heartbreaking storyline. Definitely one to make you think…
Sounds like a very interesting book and plot. It’s hard to believe that a mother would prioritize a partner over a child, but it happens all the time. Whether she does it as an escape from the harsh reality or selfishness (or even a combination), it still sounds like a thrill to read from beginning to end.
I am not sure that this is my type of book. I id have a work colleague who lost a child to cystic fibrosis and know it can be a devastating illness on the whole family. Her marriage did not survive.
I have just got back into reading again (thanks to sitting poolside 5 evenings a week) – this sounds like just the book to add to my reading list
I personally don’t like heartbreaking stories… I prefer funny ones.
This books sounds pretty sad to be honest, but emotional books can be really rewarding x
This sounds so interesting !!! I have to check this out I LOVE reading!
This sounds like a really good book with a deep and through provoking storyline. Glad you enjoyed it!
My cousin died of CF at 29 years old. My husband’s cousins died when they were just 7 and 11; he is a carrier. Before we decided to try for children we were both tested. Luckily I’m not a carrier, so at worse our children will be carriers, but couldn’t have CF. My children are 12 and 10 – I’ll have to have them tested at some point so they know. CF is horrible 🙁
Sounds like a deep and provocative book dealing with many emotionally charged topics. I don’t know much about CF, but Mother sounds like the perfect book to not only describe the illness, but the emotions around it as well.
This book sounds heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine having to go through something like that. Thanks so much for your review!
Oh my, this sounds intense ! I was about to say that I don’t think I could get through reading it, but then part of me said that it’s skmmy to say that & I shouldn’t let myself be sheltered from the reality- after all, this ‘story’ isn’t a story to some people and I shouldn’t allow myself to hide away from it. I think I’d like to try giving it a read, I know very little about CF so it could be an interesting read. Thank you for your review!
This book sounds like a fab little read. Love the fact that it raises awareness at the same time too x
sounds like a thought provoking read, glad you enjoyed reading and could connect to the character.
What an interesting subject for a book – although honestly, since becoming a mum I tend to struggle to read anything that involves any harm coming to children, especially babies. I’m not sure how I feel about the main character – as you said, I can imagine feeling sorry for her as a mum with such an ill child, but to put her child in harms way for any reason takes away a bit of that sympathy. How did you feel towards Cath by the end of the book?
This sounds like it would be an interesting book to read. I’m a little too sensitive to read books like this. I don’t think I’d be able to cope with it even if it’s written well.
Sounds like a great read. I must admit I don’t know alot about CF so this would also be educating for me!
This book brought out a lot of emotions in me. I would like to explore further because it was interesting. I would like to learn more about cystic fibrosis..
I can not even begin to imagine what Cath must have been going through and the affair might have seemed like an escape but it wasn’t really was it?
I was interested in this review as soon as I read the cover. It sounds like an intriguing story that explores some challenging themes. Emotions can be more powerful than Motherhood itself sometimes
What a story if you have to choose between a man and health in a child what would you do. CF is a very difficult disease even in this day and age and very difficult for the parents.
This sounds like a good book to read. Cath’s Character sounds intriguing.
This sounds like an emotional, painful, amazing book to read. Thanks for the review. I’m definitely going to go look for this one.
As painful as this must be to read, the book sounds amazing. I’ll have to add it to my need to read pile 🙂
Until recently I’ve been guilty of only reading chick flick type books. However have recently challenged myself to read different genres, including more emotional books so will definitely take a look at this one, thank you for the inspiration.
Oh gosh it sounds like the author has written the book perfectly. I personally prefer a crime thriller. I get far too upset far too quickly.
I use to read before my Phd journey. Now all i seem to read are peer-reviewed articles.
Heartfelt story. I am sure this was an emotional read for you. Especially, with you being able to relate to the character.
Sounds like a thought provoking read and yes I would have gone and given mine a little cuddle too
Motherhood has made me an empath. This book sounds amazing and I already want to pick up the book and scream, “What is wrong with you!?!?!”, then stumble around the house in a bad mood because it was so good and filled with so many emotions that I can’t help but feel them, too.
What a great review – sounds like a very emotional novel. I think I’m going to pick this one up, I like stories that have a lot of depth.
Sounds like a sad (tormenting even?) read. It sounds like as well as being a page-turner with a strong main character, it raises awareness of cystic fibrosis.
This books sounds really interesting actually. Very emotional which I always find the easiest to get into and feel the emotions of the characters. Will definitely be checking it out 🙂
This books interesting, I like to read and write stories that have a lot of depth.
Interesting book you have there! Seems like a very intriguing read. Lets see if I can have these on our nearest bookstore.
I actually just finished my last book and need a good one to take on my next vacation. This one sounds like something I would enjoy. Thanks for the review.
This sounds like a very hart wrenching read if it made you question just how far you would go to protect your own child. As a mother, I know I could never answer this question unequivocally.
THe book sounds interesting. Have to check it out.
This sounds like an intriguing read. I may try to find a copy at a library to read it for myself.
It sounds a good experience and a good book. Thanks for details information.