Fiction: Spilt Milk by Amy Beashel
This is a raw, gut-punch of a novel following teacher, social media influencer and mum, Bea Straw, in the aftermath of a brutally honest comment – the worst thing a mother could possible think, let alone say – which has gone viral, making the national news… where husband Craig first hears about it. Detonating a bomb would cause less damage.
Honest and unflinching, this is a complex story about the compromises of motherhood, which alters us at our deepest level – physical changes, bodily indignities, a complete remaking of your sense of self. For some the monster of motherhood swallows careers, interests, imagined futures and passion, all devoured whole. But ask ‘is it worth it?’ and risk wrath and condemnation. The balancing act of love vs an ocean of responsibility is one I think every mother will recognise.
This is a book which asks why are the goal posts so different for men, why are women demonised if they are less than angelic, perfect mothers, and is it so wrong to want the freedom of choice for our own bodies, without shame or judgement.
Fast paced, superbly written and raising necessary conversations about body autonomy, gender equality and women’s rights. Spilt Milk is a breath of fresh air.
Non Fiction: Enchantment by Katherine May
Overwhelmed exhaustion seems to be a commonplace emotion everywhere we turn. A fractured state of mind, distress and unease seem the universal mood. The past few years have taken their toll on us all and it is tiring.
In Enchantment, Katherine May poses the question, how do we rediscover a sense of wonder in the world and our lives, how do we re-root ourselves to the magic of the everyday?
This gorgeous collection of interconnected essays examines the question within the framework of the four elements; earth, water, fire and air. She sets out to reconnect to the wisdom of the land, the natural cycles of nature, the moon, tides and starlight by waking barefoot, drinking from streams, observing otherworldly phenomenal such as Brocken Spectres, and waiting quietly on comets and shooting stars.
The result is quiet, considered, sublime. A reminder of the beauty of slow, the peace to be found and wonder available to us all if we just take the time to stop and look.