The Other Mother – A Book Review

As I find myself snuggling into warmer clothing and my fluffy slippers, in preparation for the colorful arrival of Autumn, I feel myself being drawn into my favorite daily escape during the chilly winters months, reading.

One book that had been added to my reading list was The Other Mother by Gwendolen Gross.

Having just finished this amazing book, I was anxious to talk about it.

The Other Mother is a fictionalized story about two neighbors. Thea, a stay-at-home-mom of three and Amanda, a full-time career woman and new mother. As you become absorbed into the stories and points of view of both Amanda and Thea, you find yourself being drawn to a clear understanding of both sides – while at the same time, all the opinions you used to have become quite grey with question.

The precise timing of the story captures the truest most vulnerable times any mother has experienced, as one mother struggles with the fact that all her kids will soon be attending school – while the other struggles with returning to work with a newborn at home.

We all know just how quickly we women are to judge others on their parenting skills while other times we struggle with guilt following our own selfish desires of wanting just a short period of time all to ourselves. Somehow this book makes you realize that it’s ok to feel that guilt, to have those desires – that you’re almost normal.

The Other Mother may be fictionalized, but there’s no doubt that every mother will be able to relate and perhaps find themselves being just a bit more empathetic with their own opposing relationships and perhaps a bit kinder in things we say and how we say them.

The characters are so believable and are sure to leave a lasting impression, long after the final page has been turned. While I can’t tell you how the book ends, I will tell you that it’s the first time I’ve ever had to reach for the box of tissue while reading a book.

It’s THAT believable!

I highly recommend adding this book to your own reading list – nothing better than curling up with a fuzzy blanket, a cup of hot tea and The Other Mother.

The Other Mother: A Novel available on Amazon

Tags: Gwendolen Gross, The Other Mother, Book Club, Reading List, recommended reading