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Inconceivable
A beautiful and timeless memoir about family in all its forms, from television documentary director, Rebecca Coxon.
'Moving, courageous, enlightening' ELIZABETH DAY
'Immaculately sculpted. I loved it and could not put it down’ SARA COLLINS
‘My family tree is not simple; my lineage is not linear. There are the branches we see and the roots we do not. Not all bloodlines flow with blood.’
When Rebecca Coxon uploaded her genetic data to an ancestry website, she had no idea of the chain reaction it would spark. Confronted by the shocking discovery that her father was not biologically related to her, the secrets revealed by her genes would alter her understanding of identity and family forever.
In this deeply honest and intimate memoir, Rebecca – a donor-conceived IVF triplet who has donated her eggs and undergone fertility treatment herself – shares her remarkable story. It’s one of family secrets, shame, resilience and warmth, offering a profound glimpse into the consequences of how we choose to create new life.
Written with nuance and tenderness, Inconceivable is a beautiful meditation on our place within history and the wider universe and, above all else, a love letter to family in all its forms.
'Moving, courageous, enlightening' ELIZABETH DAY
'Immaculately sculpted. I loved it and could not put it down’ SARA COLLINS
‘My family tree is not simple; my lineage is not linear. There are the branches we see and the roots we do not. Not all bloodlines flow with blood.’
When Rebecca Coxon uploaded her genetic data to an ancestry website, she had no idea of the chain reaction it would spark. Confronted by the shocking discovery that her father was not biologically related to her, the secrets revealed by her genes would alter her understanding of identity and family forever.
In this deeply honest and intimate memoir, Rebecca – a donor-conceived IVF triplet who has donated her eggs and undergone fertility treatment herself – shares her remarkable story. It’s one of family secrets, shame, resilience and warmth, offering a profound glimpse into the consequences of how we choose to create new life.
Written with nuance and tenderness, Inconceivable is a beautiful meditation on our place within history and the wider universe and, above all else, a love letter to family in all its forms.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 25, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive this brilliant memoir on the last day of 2025.
This emotional book explores family in all its forms.
Rebecca always knew that she was an IVF baby but only discovered she was donor-conceived by accident when she decided to do a genetic test on an ancestry website. This discovery would be life changing and her ideas of identity would never be the same again.
With writing that was both honest and unflinching, Rebecca not only described her changing family dynamics and difficult fertility journey but included so many interesting (and sometimes appalling!) social and medical facts in the book.
A very important, informative and excellent read.
Thank you so much to @bigdaybooks for sending me this advanced copy for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
As soon as I heard Rebecca Coxon talk about her book at 4th Estate Live, I knew it was a story I wanted to read. A non-fiction book that is part memoir, part discourse on fertility, infertility, donor-conception, IVF and everything in between.
Inconceivable is a moving memoir that starts with a shocking discovery when the author who is a television director of real-life documentaries, finds out she is donor-conceived. What follows is her coming to terms with the news, finding out about those who she is biologically connected to, and communicating with such warmth and understanding rather than shame and stigma.
It was a deeply personal book for Coxon to write and seeing the conversations with her family and their attitude towards life and each other was lovely to read. I haven't had this exact experience, but have had family-rocking secrets and revelations that have tested the family and sibling dynamic and I found similarities in the way the core of our family held together.
I think as a society we are talking more about infertility, but this book is a reminder on why to be caring and compassionate, and to not assume where people are on their journey with having (or not having) children.
As a brand new release that is set to be published I had to race to her Instagram to see if the epilogue does indeed have a happy ending and I genuinely felt such joy for a stranger that I have never met, but feel like I have had such an intimate glimpse into their life from reading the book.
Inconceivable is a moving memoir that starts with a shocking discovery when the author who is a television director of real-life documentaries, finds out she is donor-conceived. What follows is her coming to terms with the news, finding out about those who she is biologically connected to, and communicating with such warmth and understanding rather than shame and stigma.
It was a deeply personal book for Coxon to write and seeing the conversations with her family and their attitude towards life and each other was lovely to read. I haven't had this exact experience, but have had family-rocking secrets and revelations that have tested the family and sibling dynamic and I found similarities in the way the core of our family held together.
I think as a society we are talking more about infertility, but this book is a reminder on why to be caring and compassionate, and to not assume where people are on their journey with having (or not having) children.
As a brand new release that is set to be published I had to race to her Instagram to see if the epilogue does indeed have a happy ending and I genuinely felt such joy for a stranger that I have never met, but feel like I have had such an intimate glimpse into their life from reading the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Inconceivable is a thought-provoking memoir about Coxon's personal experiences with IVF, donor-conception and infertility.
After taking a DNA test, Coxon unexpectedly opens up a pandora's box of emotional and moral questions about family, secrecy and shame. It's a sensitive and deeply personal journey that Coxon handles with honesty and care, every decision underscored by love.
Intertwined with this discovery are Coxon's own struggles with infertility, her experience of endometriosis and decision to explore IVF herself. It's still (sadly) a taboo subject and I found Coxon's candour deeply moving.
The introspection is balanced with interviews and research into IVF pioneers and the stories of other women who have struggled with fertility. In engaging with other perspectives, Coxon makes her own experience all the more relatable.
Smart and sensitive, Inconceivable tells an important story with care and compassion.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
After taking a DNA test, Coxon unexpectedly opens up a pandora's box of emotional and moral questions about family, secrecy and shame. It's a sensitive and deeply personal journey that Coxon handles with honesty and care, every decision underscored by love.
Intertwined with this discovery are Coxon's own struggles with infertility, her experience of endometriosis and decision to explore IVF herself. It's still (sadly) a taboo subject and I found Coxon's candour deeply moving.
The introspection is balanced with interviews and research into IVF pioneers and the stories of other women who have struggled with fertility. In engaging with other perspectives, Coxon makes her own experience all the more relatable.
Smart and sensitive, Inconceivable tells an important story with care and compassion.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
April 12, 2026
A beautifully honest and reflective memoir about family and blood, and how the two make us who we are.
It's clear from the off that Coxon has writing experience - she's thoughtful, compelling and knows how to tell a story. We begin with her finding out her dad is not her biological father, opening up a Pandora's box of sorts, initially within her relationship with her parents, and later, between her three siblings. This shock sends ripple effects through every aspect of life, leading her on a (reluctant) journey of self-discovery.
The memoir flits between personal experiences and reflections, to more social commentaries and facts on topics such as IVF. I really liked this, I learnt a lot and I thought it tied in nicely to Coxon's own story, especially since she was a journalist. These bits of her novel really disrupt social conventions about what family means, and I loved how the other people's stories she shares reflects her own experiences.
This was a really raw and honest memoir that I have no doubt will be a glimmer of hope for many and show them they are not alone.
It's clear from the off that Coxon has writing experience - she's thoughtful, compelling and knows how to tell a story. We begin with her finding out her dad is not her biological father, opening up a Pandora's box of sorts, initially within her relationship with her parents, and later, between her three siblings. This shock sends ripple effects through every aspect of life, leading her on a (reluctant) journey of self-discovery.
The memoir flits between personal experiences and reflections, to more social commentaries and facts on topics such as IVF. I really liked this, I learnt a lot and I thought it tied in nicely to Coxon's own story, especially since she was a journalist. These bits of her novel really disrupt social conventions about what family means, and I loved how the other people's stories she shares reflects her own experiences.
This was a really raw and honest memoir that I have no doubt will be a glimmer of hope for many and show them they are not alone.
May 3, 2026
I loved this book.
I’m dyslexic so I very rarely read for pleasure, but this genuinely was. Inconceivable is so uniquely honest in its point of view — very matter of fact, no overdoing it — which actually makes it hit harder.
What I found really refreshing is how it brings facts into conversations that are usually written off as “just emotional,” especially for women. So often these experiences get brushed over as something we just have to deal with, rather than properly understood or validated. This book doesn’t do that.
Reading it as a new mum made it even more meaningful. It’s definitely one I’ll keep and have on my bookshelf for my daughter to read one day.
Honestly, I think this should be mandatory reading in schools and college. It would spark so much more internal reflection earlier on, and I think that would lead to better emotional intelligence in relationships.
It’s just so honest and that’s what makes it so powerful. I feel so grateful to have read it.
I’m dyslexic so I very rarely read for pleasure, but this genuinely was. Inconceivable is so uniquely honest in its point of view — very matter of fact, no overdoing it — which actually makes it hit harder.
What I found really refreshing is how it brings facts into conversations that are usually written off as “just emotional,” especially for women. So often these experiences get brushed over as something we just have to deal with, rather than properly understood or validated. This book doesn’t do that.
Reading it as a new mum made it even more meaningful. It’s definitely one I’ll keep and have on my bookshelf for my daughter to read one day.
Honestly, I think this should be mandatory reading in schools and college. It would spark so much more internal reflection earlier on, and I think that would lead to better emotional intelligence in relationships.
It’s just so honest and that’s what makes it so powerful. I feel so grateful to have read it.
May 10, 2026
This is a brilliant debut, a memoir that is beautiful and heart-breaking, informative and honest.
Rebecca finds out that she has been one of the first donor conceived IVF children in the UK and struggles with her own infertility journey. The various topics, including endometriosis, infertility, IVF, sperm donors and mental health, are incredibly well researched and very informative. I’ve appreciated learning so much whilst also hearing very personal stories and honest thoughts.
Such a complex topic was incredibly well presented. It’s emotionally rich, thought provoking and has a lot of depth. But it’s also leaving space to form own opinions and gives contrasting views too. I found this an enriching read all round.
I highly recommend this on audio, the author is narrating it herself. A fabulous non-fiction read I would urge you to add to your tbr lists!
“Well, when it comes down to it” he said, it’s not how babies are conceived, it’s how you bring them up.”
Rebecca finds out that she has been one of the first donor conceived IVF children in the UK and struggles with her own infertility journey. The various topics, including endometriosis, infertility, IVF, sperm donors and mental health, are incredibly well researched and very informative. I’ve appreciated learning so much whilst also hearing very personal stories and honest thoughts.
Such a complex topic was incredibly well presented. It’s emotionally rich, thought provoking and has a lot of depth. But it’s also leaving space to form own opinions and gives contrasting views too. I found this an enriching read all round.
I highly recommend this on audio, the author is narrating it herself. A fabulous non-fiction read I would urge you to add to your tbr lists!
“Well, when it comes down to it” he said, it’s not how babies are conceived, it’s how you bring them up.”
Read
April 8, 2026Inconceivable is a deeply thoughtful and emotional read that I’m sure will stay with me for a long time.
Rebecca shares her family’s story with honesty, care, and sensitivity, making it both incredibly moving and easy to connect with.
What really stands out is how engaging and informative it is — you’re not just reading a personal story, you’re learning about the founding fathers of IVF, Frida Khalo and reflecting alongside Rebecca as she comes to terms with all that’s happened in a debut novel no less! It’s the kind of book that makes you feel, think, and want to keep turning the pages.
A powerful story that I’d highly recommend.
Rebecca shares her family’s story with honesty, care, and sensitivity, making it both incredibly moving and easy to connect with.
What really stands out is how engaging and informative it is — you’re not just reading a personal story, you’re learning about the founding fathers of IVF, Frida Khalo and reflecting alongside Rebecca as she comes to terms with all that’s happened in a debut novel no less! It’s the kind of book that makes you feel, think, and want to keep turning the pages.
A powerful story that I’d highly recommend.
March 17, 2026
Beautiful. Poignant. Emotive. I cried and I swore. This book was frustrating as well as enlightening. Everyone should read this book.
I loved the way Coxon told her story (I’d feel guilty for giving something so personal anything less than 5 stars!) from the way she revealed her personal, family and professional struggles to the chapter titles and definitions - a nice touch.
Very well researched and very well written.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the way Coxon told her story (I’d feel guilty for giving something so personal anything less than 5 stars!) from the way she revealed her personal, family and professional struggles to the chapter titles and definitions - a nice touch.
Very well researched and very well written.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2026
This book is precious. I learned so much about fertility, endometriosis and IVF through Rebecca's relatable stories and informative approach. It is beautifully written and feels very meaningful to read at this at this point in my life, as I am considering my own biological clock. Such an important book for everyone to engage with (including the guys!). Thank you so much Rebecca for sharing your story, courageously and honestly.
May 8, 2026
This is everything I love in a book. It moved me, inspired me, enlightened me ❤️
It covers so many topics that are not spoken about enough, told with honesty and bravery. I’ll be talking about this book for a long time.
It covers so many topics that are not spoken about enough, told with honesty and bravery. I’ll be talking about this book for a long time.
March 19, 2026
Beautifully written and very moving. A brave book to write and an important read for any woman.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews