Good Enough Mother, A
Thomas, BevDr Ruth Hartland of a London Trauma Unit is well aware of the need to keep her private and professional lives separate. However, things start to get messy when a new patient to the unit bears an uncanny resemblance to her missing teenage son, Tom. Dan is a difficult and unstable client and the events that follow serve to reinforce why some boundaries should not be crossed.
Intense and gripping, this is an emotionally charged story that reflects the author's own considerable clinical experience as a psychologist and invites the reader to ponder among other things: was Ruth a good enough mother?
Pages
324
324
Year
2019
2019
Reviews
15-11-2023
We all enjoyed the book. We could all see how Ruth broke the boundaries of her profession and acted like any mother would, especially after losing her son. Her private grief affected her decisions in her professional world. A heartbreaking story of love and loss.
16-10-2023
An interesting discussion. Some found the book boring - too much like a text book! We didn't think Ruth was even a "good enough" mother and certainly not a good therapist.
13-07-2023
Generally liked but some readers disliked the theme/emphasis on therapy. Most appreciated the author's use of her own experience professionally to write an authentic story with characters who were true to life. Lively , thought-provoking discussion - with members referencing their own life experiences. All agreed the book was well-written.
23-06-2023
We found this an easy and interesting book to read.
08-05-2023
Is there such a 'thing' as a good enough Mother Grueling, frustrating and thought-provoking.
01-05-2023
Enjoyed by all.
20-04-2023
Fascinating read. Kept us in suspense throughout.
28-03-2023
Generated wide ranging discussion about 'good enough' mothers; also professionals along with boundary setting.
01-12-2022
Good read, we all enjoyed it.
29-08-2022
Interesting and unusual story.
15-08-2022
Those that read it were challenged. Well-written but the content left some feeling "squirmy".
21-07-2022
The book produced some interesting discussion, mainly about the professionalism of the main character. Generally we were pleased to have had the opportunity to read it, and thought that for a first book it was really good.
16-05-2022
Mostly a good and thought-provoking book for the group. An insight into how messy our modern lives are - so much that we don't do what we know we ought to. We can't help our personal lives intruding into our professional ones - or at least it is extremely difficult if you don't use the support around. Interesting insight to trauma psychology techniques.
11-04-2022
On the whole this book was enjoyed. We did get to wonder if Thomas was trying to make a point about the underfunding of the NHS. Publishers do encourage authors to write about what they know, but this did read like a diary of case notes. We were surprised that Ruth took on this client, but the ensuing story lead to an enjoyable and suspenseful read.
28-03-2022
Most found this a challenging and rewarding read.
01-10-2021
A bit of a mixed review, but majority of our group could not finish the book. The couple of people who did read it in its entirety enjoyed it and found it very thought provoking.
06-09-2021
No discussion because of Covid, but most members enjoyed the book. The protagonist was well drawn and most characters interesting. A good writer, and one to look out for in the future.
25-06-2021
A real page turner. Several 'binge' read it. Great conversational book. We spent ages talking about different things. All enjoyed it, and it was well-written.
16-04-2021
Slow to start, but worth persevering. Glad we got a positive ending. Lots to draw from and contemplate as mothers.