Little Disasters
Vaughan, SarahEd and Jess have three children. Ed is a great dad ... when he's at home, that is. The rest of the time it is up to Jess to manage everything, and she is finding Betsey, the baby, hard work. It all comes to a head when Betsey ends up in the Emergency Department with an injury that is not easily explained. The doctor on call is none other than Liz, one of Jess's good friends. This forces Liz to re-evaluate their relationship, Jess's 'perfect' family, and even her own choices.
This authentic portrayal of motherhood is delivered through its well-developed characters and its empathetic examination of parenting and postnatal depression.
Pages
415
415
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
11-03-2024
Very slow to start but warmed up as a thriller.
22-01-2024
A compelling read. Most enjoyed it but some found it very disturbing. Well-written and a great twist at the end.
18-01-2024
Some of our group found it a hard read. Made for a good discussion around post natal depression, and the lack of recognition and support for a lot of women. Also talked around the need some women feel to be perceived as "perfect".
28-11-2023
Mixed reaction - too many needy women. A great discussion was the result, however.
24-11-2023
Most thought it portrayed post natal depression well but thought the twist at the end not so believable.
13-11-2023
This book created much discussion. It was both depressing and controversial. Older members had difficulty relating to Jess's situation as when they had babies there was a great deal of support from health professionals and family.
27-09-2023
We all enjoyed this book although the subject was a little harrowing. We found it an interesting expression of hidden post natal depression and mental unwellness, and also of the expectation that since you are female and a mother, you are equipped to cope.
16-08-2023
We enjoyed the book and could all relate to the post natal stress! Kept us guessing all along as to what 'really' happened.
23-06-2023
Quite traumatic for some of us. Good read.
08-06-2023
Most of us really liked this one. Felt the ending was a twist but a little weak. Some found it very confronting.
18-05-2023
Great for discussion. Relevant to today's society.
17-05-2023
Not a great book but readable. We felt the story and characterisation were muddled. The ending, while tidy and unsatisfactory, was unbelievable.
17-05-2023
An easy read that left most of the group a little disappointed due to the predictable near ending followed by a non-believable final ending.
10-05-2023
We found this novel "riveting" - it covered a number of emotional problems.
20-04-2023
Gripping and thought provoking read. Shows what could happen when someone can see something isn't quite right, but the full story isn't shared initially.
30-03-2023
A confronting book, but well worth reading. A realistic thriller covering most of the problematical aspects of modern childrearing in our middle class European society.
28-03-2023
Enjoyed this.
12-01-2023
Not our most favourite book! No one really enjoyed the story and it went on too long, but was well-written. Not a popular topic!
09-01-2023
Mixed response to this book, but it still created plenty of discussion on several of today's real social issues. e.g. post natal depression, child abuse and social services' handling of this, expectations we place on ourselves and those that others place on us, etc etc.
28-11-2022
An interesting book that provoked a lot of discussion about looking after one another, mental distress and inter-generational abuse.
08-11-2022
Wide range of opinions for 'Little Disasters'. Some found it gripping and compelling, others not at all. The very quick and 'tidy' ending jarred. The author did cover many aspects of motherhood and parenting relationships, so good for discussion.
13-10-2022
Our book group is full of mothers, and so we could all relate to this book. We enjoyed it and had a very animated discussion.
05-10-2022
Mixed reviews. Some really enjoyed it and felt it was a realistic representation of motherhood with young children. Others thought it too long and repetitive, no depth to characters and a contrived and unrealistic ending.
30-09-2022
Our group thought it an unusual and sad book with undercurrents running through it - eg. post natal depression. Overall they thought the book was rather drawn out.
08-09-2022
This book provoked much discussion. All agreed it was very interesting look at a very common problem, and still a very misunderstood one. The twist at the end ( in fact two twists) made the book a real page turner.
08-09-2022
Provoked some fairly intense reaction from our group about parenting, child abuse, post-natal depression, men's changing roles in society. Several members commented on how relevant and probing the questions are.
01-09-2022
Most of us enjoyed this book. Thanks.
22-08-2022
This book brought out lots of discussion on our own babies and parenthood! We could all relate to the themes in the story and enjoyed the characters and complexity.
15-07-2022
Book was a bit long, with a strange after plot at the end. Gripping read however, I read it quickly. Interesting about maternal OCD.
18-05-2022
Will read this author again.
13-12-2021
50% enjoyed and 50% not. Those who had crying babies could relate well to the emotion.
14-10-2021
Very relatable, and understandable. Could really identify with the situation.