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The Mother of All Calamities
A relatable, humorous and heartfelt take on contemporary parenting culture, exposing the cracks behind the Instagram gloss.
In Greengully, the perfect suburb with perfect parents, nothing is quite as it seems. Chrissy, the teacher who always has the answers, can't understand why her clueless male colleague just scored the job she deserved. Jenny, the perennial class mum, is desperate to hide her son's escalating behaviour from the other parents. Estelle insists her daughter Harmony is a delight—despite mounting evidence to the contrary. And Viv, the quiet one, carries a secret so dark it could destroy everything she loves.
As friendships strain and facades crack, the Greengully school year exposes the lies we tell ourselves and the masks we wear for others. Sharp-eyed and utterly relatable, it What would happen if we all stopped pretending everything was fine?
'Lisa is a deft and effortless storyteller who casts an unflinching and wonderfully sharp gaze over her characters and their world. A writer to watch.' Lucy Treloar, author of Wolfe Island and Days of Innocence and Wonder
'Moule conjures the atmosphere of the contemporary Australian school environment as a pitch-perfect social microcosm.' Cate Kennedy, author of Like a House on Fire
In Greengully, the perfect suburb with perfect parents, nothing is quite as it seems. Chrissy, the teacher who always has the answers, can't understand why her clueless male colleague just scored the job she deserved. Jenny, the perennial class mum, is desperate to hide her son's escalating behaviour from the other parents. Estelle insists her daughter Harmony is a delight—despite mounting evidence to the contrary. And Viv, the quiet one, carries a secret so dark it could destroy everything she loves.
As friendships strain and facades crack, the Greengully school year exposes the lies we tell ourselves and the masks we wear for others. Sharp-eyed and utterly relatable, it What would happen if we all stopped pretending everything was fine?
'Lisa is a deft and effortless storyteller who casts an unflinching and wonderfully sharp gaze over her characters and their world. A writer to watch.' Lucy Treloar, author of Wolfe Island and Days of Innocence and Wonder
'Moule conjures the atmosphere of the contemporary Australian school environment as a pitch-perfect social microcosm.' Cate Kennedy, author of Like a House on Fire
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
18 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Moule
4 books12 followersLisa’s first novel THE MOTHER OF ALL CALAMITIES will be published next March 2026, with Allen and Unwin. Lisa is an actor and writer.
Lisa grew up in Melbourne and graduated from Melbourne University, before moving to Paris to study theatre at the École Jacques Lecoq. She then moved to London to begin a career as an actor and voice artist, appearing at The London Playhouse, Soho Theatre, and The Belgrade, Coventry, among others. She has voiced commercials, audiobooks, and animations including The Thunderbirds and The Skinner Boys. She has performed in countless plays.
Lisa began writing in 2019 when she commenced the Professional Writing and Editing course at RMIT. Since starting Lisa has published several short stories. In 2023 Lisa won second prize in The Australian Short Story Festival (ASSF), Emerging Writers’ Short Story Prize. She was shortlisted for the Peter Carey Award with Newton’s Cradle and shortlisted for Stringybark Short Story Award for Highly Flammable. In 2022, she won second prize in the Furphy Literary award for The Game (the winner was Cate Kennedy), she was a finalist in Newcastle Short Story Award with The Roundabout. In 2020 she published her first short story Estelle for the anthology Ordinary People .
She currently co-hosts 3CR’s Published or Not.
Lisa grew up in Melbourne and graduated from Melbourne University, before moving to Paris to study theatre at the École Jacques Lecoq. She then moved to London to begin a career as an actor and voice artist, appearing at The London Playhouse, Soho Theatre, and The Belgrade, Coventry, among others. She has voiced commercials, audiobooks, and animations including The Thunderbirds and The Skinner Boys. She has performed in countless plays.
Lisa began writing in 2019 when she commenced the Professional Writing and Editing course at RMIT. Since starting Lisa has published several short stories. In 2023 Lisa won second prize in The Australian Short Story Festival (ASSF), Emerging Writers’ Short Story Prize. She was shortlisted for the Peter Carey Award with Newton’s Cradle and shortlisted for Stringybark Short Story Award for Highly Flammable. In 2022, she won second prize in the Furphy Literary award for The Game (the winner was Cate Kennedy), she was a finalist in Newcastle Short Story Award with The Roundabout. In 2020 she published her first short story Estelle for the anthology Ordinary People .
She currently co-hosts 3CR’s Published or Not.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 27, 2026
This is a book which is relatable and as a school mum, you could definitely see this happening at your school. It's a book about parenting, sexism, forgiveness and school politics.
It talks about motherhood, mothers who protect their children, even when they may be in the wrong. It relates to behavioral problems in children.
It's told by all 4 ladies POV. They all have very different personalities and opinions too.
What I loved about this book was how relatable it was. So many times, I was nodding my head. I also loved the splashes of humor through the book.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. What a great debut.
It talks about motherhood, mothers who protect their children, even when they may be in the wrong. It relates to behavioral problems in children.
It's told by all 4 ladies POV. They all have very different personalities and opinions too.
What I loved about this book was how relatable it was. So many times, I was nodding my head. I also loved the splashes of humor through the book.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. What a great debut.
April 13, 2026
Very much a domestic, lives of school parents, community drama. The overall vibe was what I was looking for, but the background stories of the characters didn’t really hang together as a cohesive whole, so it lacked a bit of narrative drive and structure. Easy reading, but just ok for me.
March 10, 2026
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Debut Crew of 2026 thrives with another participant, author Lisa Moule and her brilliant book The Mother Of All Calamities.
Lisa puts her own spin on the subject matter of competitive parents, friendly teachers, bratty kids against the backdrop of school and blows the reader away with her witty, clever and black comedy narrative.
Greengully, a picture perfect suburb with unadulterated residents…… or is it!
Behind every closed door is a secret.
For a select group of women anything goes.
Jenny, Viv and Estelle, these mothers will do whatever it takes for their children.
And for Chrissy, the teacher everyone loves battles her own work evils.
As their friendship fractures and the appearances begin to crack, their real feelings surface and secrets arrive with a powerful force.
An ingenious look into the world of mothers and parents and what they will do for a prominent position and for their children to be popular.
There was so much to enjoy with this read.
The engaging plot, the sneaky characters, the parent antics, the school yard culture, the story is relatable and of course the laugh out loud moments.
Finally can we take a moment to admire the cover and the clever title of the book.
Debut Crew of 2026 thrives with another participant, author Lisa Moule and her brilliant book The Mother Of All Calamities.
Lisa puts her own spin on the subject matter of competitive parents, friendly teachers, bratty kids against the backdrop of school and blows the reader away with her witty, clever and black comedy narrative.
Greengully, a picture perfect suburb with unadulterated residents…… or is it!
Behind every closed door is a secret.
For a select group of women anything goes.
Jenny, Viv and Estelle, these mothers will do whatever it takes for their children.
And for Chrissy, the teacher everyone loves battles her own work evils.
As their friendship fractures and the appearances begin to crack, their real feelings surface and secrets arrive with a powerful force.
An ingenious look into the world of mothers and parents and what they will do for a prominent position and for their children to be popular.
There was so much to enjoy with this read.
The engaging plot, the sneaky characters, the parent antics, the school yard culture, the story is relatable and of course the laugh out loud moments.
Finally can we take a moment to admire the cover and the clever title of the book.
Did Not Finish
April 11, 2026DNF at page 110. I gave it a good crack. If this is what kids, parents and the education system look like now, god help me! The representation in this book was mind blowing!
Reading about these kids needing 'more agency', whilst biting adults & children, throwing metal stakes at parents & calling people 'mummy fuck face' in grade 3 was just pitiful.
The author recommendations on the cover saying this book was 'funny' makes me wonder, did they even read the book?!
The description of photos of DV were certainly NOT funny!
Reading about these kids needing 'more agency', whilst biting adults & children, throwing metal stakes at parents & calling people 'mummy fuck face' in grade 3 was just pitiful.
The author recommendations on the cover saying this book was 'funny' makes me wonder, did they even read the book?!
The description of photos of DV were certainly NOT funny!
April 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I totally enjoyed reading this schoolyard drama that takes place over the course of one school year.
The year seems to start so well for the three mothers Jenny, Viv and Estelle, until an incident involving one of the mums and a child that is not hers changes everything. There is also Chrissy, the long suffering grade 3 teacher who is struggling to deal with her male colleagues and the parents of her students.
With lots of Australian references and funny anecdotes, as an Australian reader, I thought this was a great read. The characters were all varied and interesting, although Viv was the best in my opinion! The kids are all well portrayed too, giving a good variety of personalities.
Thank you to Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for the arc for review.
I totally enjoyed reading this schoolyard drama that takes place over the course of one school year.
The year seems to start so well for the three mothers Jenny, Viv and Estelle, until an incident involving one of the mums and a child that is not hers changes everything. There is also Chrissy, the long suffering grade 3 teacher who is struggling to deal with her male colleagues and the parents of her students.
With lots of Australian references and funny anecdotes, as an Australian reader, I thought this was a great read. The characters were all varied and interesting, although Viv was the best in my opinion! The kids are all well portrayed too, giving a good variety of personalities.
Thank you to Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for the arc for review.
April 23, 2026
Loved it more than I thought I would! Humorous while pulling on the heartstrings. Loved the different perspectives of these women and their struggles and triumphs as mothers.
April 6, 2026
Relatable, observant and laugh-out-loud funny, this layered narrative is the perfect blend of too-real and turned-up! An allegory for the Australian suburban mother experience.
April 8, 2026
The Mother of All Calamities is a well written contemporary debut novel by Lisa Moule. But whoever said first novels cannot be exceptional, have not read this one. Experience can come in many forms and it appears this author is no amateur in the realm of communication (she is an actor and voice artist) and it shows.
The statement about school mums has bite. “They ran their kid’s lives better than small businesses.” This satire on the modern parenting culture and the cracks that lie therein, along with the false perceptions of others, hits hard and with purpose. It makes you stop and look at the culture and cliques many finds themselves in. The social politics in schools, among teachers and parents. The competitions and conflicts between students, too. This story exposes it all and shows the cracks and blemishes, the human imperfections that are hidden by social graces and pretences. It analyses relationships, expectations and communication. Veiled secrets are uncovered in the midst of searching for identity and popularity. Encompassing the desire to be both hidden and seen while discipline and discipleship, desire and denial are revealed. These are just a few of the common issues dealt with in the novel, that are a clear and honest reflection of today’s society and the effects of its problems.
The novel cleverly follows the school terms (1-4) so we see a gradual progression of character development and events. Set in the typical suburb of Greengully which feels, as we would expect, familiar. Although this community appears perfect as the word green in its name suggests, it is far from that. Some thoughts about the name Greengully come to my mind. Green often symbolises nature, growth, prosperity and restfulness but coupled with the word ‘gully’ makes it a contradiction for that word means rut, furrow or chasm (and I might add chaos!). Like its characters, the town with ‘gully’ in its name, is hiding behind the façade of the calmness of the colour green. For it is anything but calm. Pretences are rampant.
The story has four points of view. One is Chrissy: a teacher who has lost a top position to a not so bright, less deserving/underqualified male teacher. And she has been mentoring him! His attitudes are appalling. The unfairness comes through loud and clear that he got the role over her when she is the one with all the experience. So typical and something we have all seen in many job situations! This plays a bit of havoc with her self-purpose. But she has been a good teacher to her students in the classroom. Plus dealt with the emotional issues of their parents. And “…in Chrissy’s experience, parents were riddled with prejudice and corruption, like the vilest of politicians. When children went to school, they worked out their parents’ traumas.’ Wow, heavy perception.
Jenny has the opening chapter and we learn a lot about her on the first few pages. She has been the Parent’s Association president a fair while. She is one of the school mothers, very organised with a high attention to detail. Makes cupcakes for class. Worries about her son who has major behavioural issues which she tries to hide. But has high hopes if he gets Miss Petty as a teacher, things will get better. She desperately wants her son to be accepted and have friends.
Tattooed Viv is as excited as a child on her first day back at work in a ‘male-dominated industry.’ In this cop setting she is not prepared for the brutality she encounters –‘a terrifying chorus of pain echoed through these (crime scene) pictures.’ Viv worries that this job might trigger some bad memories from the past and expose a secret she has kept under wraps for years.
Estelle, another school mother, ‘had a dysfunctional relationship with time,’ returns to the neighbourhood with her difficult daughter Harmony. She recognised Jenny from her ‘old house share days’ but did not take much notice of her back then. But Jenny’s friendliness captivates her and they become best friends after Jenny introduces Estelle to the whole school. But in time, trouble erupts…and Harmony is a nightmare until her grandmother gets involved and that sets off another whole change of events!
As we follow of each of these woman, the plot sends us on a roller coaster ride that is filled with truths, humour and sadness. The conflicts are epic and the drama is frantic but real. The writing style, phraseology and exceptional comparisons throughout— shine with originality and it left me opened mouth so many times. It has a vast audience of people who would find this very relatable and impressive for its accurate descriptions and observations.
The title suits this novel: The Mother of All Calamities – a phrase that often means “the single, root cause or biggest factor behind a series of overwhelming disasters or massive problems.” In this novel, it is the parenting politics, the cracks in modern parenting beliefs plus the hidden secrets that erode trust and threaten relationships. We see it happen in this novel but it doesn’t end there. There is hope and restoration, too. The realisation that nobody is perfect and it is okay to give yourself permission to be human. This is one of the biggest messages in the novel. Definitely get a copy of The Mother of All Calamities. Lisa Moule is an author to watch. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank to Allen and Unwin for my paperback review copy.
The statement about school mums has bite. “They ran their kid’s lives better than small businesses.” This satire on the modern parenting culture and the cracks that lie therein, along with the false perceptions of others, hits hard and with purpose. It makes you stop and look at the culture and cliques many finds themselves in. The social politics in schools, among teachers and parents. The competitions and conflicts between students, too. This story exposes it all and shows the cracks and blemishes, the human imperfections that are hidden by social graces and pretences. It analyses relationships, expectations and communication. Veiled secrets are uncovered in the midst of searching for identity and popularity. Encompassing the desire to be both hidden and seen while discipline and discipleship, desire and denial are revealed. These are just a few of the common issues dealt with in the novel, that are a clear and honest reflection of today’s society and the effects of its problems.
The novel cleverly follows the school terms (1-4) so we see a gradual progression of character development and events. Set in the typical suburb of Greengully which feels, as we would expect, familiar. Although this community appears perfect as the word green in its name suggests, it is far from that. Some thoughts about the name Greengully come to my mind. Green often symbolises nature, growth, prosperity and restfulness but coupled with the word ‘gully’ makes it a contradiction for that word means rut, furrow or chasm (and I might add chaos!). Like its characters, the town with ‘gully’ in its name, is hiding behind the façade of the calmness of the colour green. For it is anything but calm. Pretences are rampant.
The story has four points of view. One is Chrissy: a teacher who has lost a top position to a not so bright, less deserving/underqualified male teacher. And she has been mentoring him! His attitudes are appalling. The unfairness comes through loud and clear that he got the role over her when she is the one with all the experience. So typical and something we have all seen in many job situations! This plays a bit of havoc with her self-purpose. But she has been a good teacher to her students in the classroom. Plus dealt with the emotional issues of their parents. And “…in Chrissy’s experience, parents were riddled with prejudice and corruption, like the vilest of politicians. When children went to school, they worked out their parents’ traumas.’ Wow, heavy perception.
Jenny has the opening chapter and we learn a lot about her on the first few pages. She has been the Parent’s Association president a fair while. She is one of the school mothers, very organised with a high attention to detail. Makes cupcakes for class. Worries about her son who has major behavioural issues which she tries to hide. But has high hopes if he gets Miss Petty as a teacher, things will get better. She desperately wants her son to be accepted and have friends.
Tattooed Viv is as excited as a child on her first day back at work in a ‘male-dominated industry.’ In this cop setting she is not prepared for the brutality she encounters –‘a terrifying chorus of pain echoed through these (crime scene) pictures.’ Viv worries that this job might trigger some bad memories from the past and expose a secret she has kept under wraps for years.
Estelle, another school mother, ‘had a dysfunctional relationship with time,’ returns to the neighbourhood with her difficult daughter Harmony. She recognised Jenny from her ‘old house share days’ but did not take much notice of her back then. But Jenny’s friendliness captivates her and they become best friends after Jenny introduces Estelle to the whole school. But in time, trouble erupts…and Harmony is a nightmare until her grandmother gets involved and that sets off another whole change of events!
As we follow of each of these woman, the plot sends us on a roller coaster ride that is filled with truths, humour and sadness. The conflicts are epic and the drama is frantic but real. The writing style, phraseology and exceptional comparisons throughout— shine with originality and it left me opened mouth so many times. It has a vast audience of people who would find this very relatable and impressive for its accurate descriptions and observations.
The title suits this novel: The Mother of All Calamities – a phrase that often means “the single, root cause or biggest factor behind a series of overwhelming disasters or massive problems.” In this novel, it is the parenting politics, the cracks in modern parenting beliefs plus the hidden secrets that erode trust and threaten relationships. We see it happen in this novel but it doesn’t end there. There is hope and restoration, too. The realisation that nobody is perfect and it is okay to give yourself permission to be human. This is one of the biggest messages in the novel. Definitely get a copy of The Mother of All Calamities. Lisa Moule is an author to watch. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank to Allen and Unwin for my paperback review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 rounded up
I am absolutely here for this era of writing honestly and vulnerably about how bloody hard it is to be a mum.
Told across multiple POVs, Lisa Moule digs right into all of the messiness of motherhood in the modern day. It's not enough just to be a mum, you have to be super mum, and this looks different to everyone, so no matter what you do, someone is going to be giving you a bit of side eye.
I had to put this book down a few times, not because I didn't want to keep reading, but because I physically couldn't. I needed to take a break and fortify myself for the next big, embarrassing truth that Moule was going to put into the spotlight. This story isn't necessarily uncovering anything new - women get passed over for career opportunities, women do the lion's share of emotional labour, mothers face pressure to be 'perfect' and their children's behaviour reflects on them - but the way that the narrative refuses to pull back when things get uncomfortable backs the characters into a corner and makes for some explosive moments.
Moule explores the ongoing struggle with sexism facing women today from a variety of angles, and this is one area in which the POVs tend to unite.
There were some moments where the rhetoric felt a little jammed in - few enough that it didn't impact my enjoyment of the book, but there were a couple of instances where this took me out of the narrative.
I applaud Moule for including a character who doesn't want children, and for validating that choice through the narrative. While society has made a decent amount of progress on this front, there is still an underrepresentation of child-free women who are child-free by choice in media. I especially enjoyed how this character LIKES children, just doesn't want any. A perfectly normal way for a woman to feel, yet one that people still struggle to comprehend.
Overall, The Mother of All Calamities is an impressive debut. If you've been looking for a book that doesn't pull its punches, this is one worth looking into! I'll be picking up Moule's next book (and hoping we don't have to wait too long for it!)
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the arc.
I am absolutely here for this era of writing honestly and vulnerably about how bloody hard it is to be a mum.
Told across multiple POVs, Lisa Moule digs right into all of the messiness of motherhood in the modern day. It's not enough just to be a mum, you have to be super mum, and this looks different to everyone, so no matter what you do, someone is going to be giving you a bit of side eye.
I had to put this book down a few times, not because I didn't want to keep reading, but because I physically couldn't. I needed to take a break and fortify myself for the next big, embarrassing truth that Moule was going to put into the spotlight. This story isn't necessarily uncovering anything new - women get passed over for career opportunities, women do the lion's share of emotional labour, mothers face pressure to be 'perfect' and their children's behaviour reflects on them - but the way that the narrative refuses to pull back when things get uncomfortable backs the characters into a corner and makes for some explosive moments.
Moule explores the ongoing struggle with sexism facing women today from a variety of angles, and this is one area in which the POVs tend to unite.
There were some moments where the rhetoric felt a little jammed in - few enough that it didn't impact my enjoyment of the book, but there were a couple of instances where this took me out of the narrative.
I applaud Moule for including a character who doesn't want children, and for validating that choice through the narrative. While society has made a decent amount of progress on this front, there is still an underrepresentation of child-free women who are child-free by choice in media. I especially enjoyed how this character LIKES children, just doesn't want any. A perfectly normal way for a woman to feel, yet one that people still struggle to comprehend.
Overall, The Mother of All Calamities is an impressive debut. If you've been looking for a book that doesn't pull its punches, this is one worth looking into! I'll be picking up Moule's next book (and hoping we don't have to wait too long for it!)
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the arc.
March 17, 2026
I loved this book. I really loved it.
It pulled me in so easily. The writing feels natural and familiar in a way that makes it hard to put down, and I kept recognising people, dynamics, and little moments along the way. That whole world of school mums, group chats, unspoken expectations and trying to hold everything together… it just felt real in a way that I welcome wholeheartedly.
But the thing that stayed with me the most was how seen I felt reading it.
As a mum, and especially relating to Estelle, there were parts that landed really deeply for me. I don’t often come across characters and experiences that reflect that side of parenting in a way that feels this genuine and understood. It wasn’t just relatable, it actually felt comforting. Like someone handing you a cup of tea, made just the way you like it, with a whispered “you’re not alone in this”, then running you a bath and handing you a plush fluffy cotton robe, fresh and warm, straight from the dryer. That part was unexpected and deeply felt.
There’s something really special about a book that can make you feel both understood and completely absorbed in someone else’s story at the same time, and this book did that for me.
I found myself really caring about the characters and wanting to stay in their world a little longer, which is always a good sign, right? Actually as soon as I finished it, I went straight back to the beginning. I just wanted to soak up all the bits I didn’t fully take in the first time because I was so caught up in it. I can’t remember the last time I did that with a book.
Such an incredible debut, I’m so excited to see what Lisa Moule does next.
It pulled me in so easily. The writing feels natural and familiar in a way that makes it hard to put down, and I kept recognising people, dynamics, and little moments along the way. That whole world of school mums, group chats, unspoken expectations and trying to hold everything together… it just felt real in a way that I welcome wholeheartedly.
But the thing that stayed with me the most was how seen I felt reading it.
As a mum, and especially relating to Estelle, there were parts that landed really deeply for me. I don’t often come across characters and experiences that reflect that side of parenting in a way that feels this genuine and understood. It wasn’t just relatable, it actually felt comforting. Like someone handing you a cup of tea, made just the way you like it, with a whispered “you’re not alone in this”, then running you a bath and handing you a plush fluffy cotton robe, fresh and warm, straight from the dryer. That part was unexpected and deeply felt.
There’s something really special about a book that can make you feel both understood and completely absorbed in someone else’s story at the same time, and this book did that for me.
I found myself really caring about the characters and wanting to stay in their world a little longer, which is always a good sign, right? Actually as soon as I finished it, I went straight back to the beginning. I just wanted to soak up all the bits I didn’t fully take in the first time because I was so caught up in it. I can’t remember the last time I did that with a book.
Such an incredible debut, I’m so excited to see what Lisa Moule does next.
April 10, 2026
4.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Vibe check: Messy Motherhood, School Parent Drama
full review ⬇️
With its bright cover and fantastic title, I knew I was in for a ride here and The Mother of All Calamities threw me straight into the chaos of motherhood, grief and everything in between.
This one felt messy in a very intentional way and I mean that as a compliment.
The story follows multiple women in a seemingly ‘perfect’ suburb, where beneath the polished Instagram worthy surface, everyone is hiding something. Each character brings their own struggles from parenting pressures to secrets that could unravel everything and watching those threads slowly intersect was really fun.
The story is funny but emotional and filled with small, relatable school mum moments that made me feel both seen and slightly called out 😅
There were a couple of times I felt a little confused with the cast of characters and some of the dream like sequences but interestingly it kind of worked with the overall feeling of overwhelm that runs through the story. It almost mirrors the mental load and emotional fog the main character is navigating.
This is a very impressive debut and Lisa captured the complexity of motherhood and schoolyard politics in a way that felt less polished, more real.
A heads up trigger warning that this book does touch on child loss so please go into this gently.
A big thank you to Allen and Unwin for sharing this one with me.
Vibe check: Messy Motherhood, School Parent Drama
full review ⬇️
With its bright cover and fantastic title, I knew I was in for a ride here and The Mother of All Calamities threw me straight into the chaos of motherhood, grief and everything in between.
This one felt messy in a very intentional way and I mean that as a compliment.
The story follows multiple women in a seemingly ‘perfect’ suburb, where beneath the polished Instagram worthy surface, everyone is hiding something. Each character brings their own struggles from parenting pressures to secrets that could unravel everything and watching those threads slowly intersect was really fun.
The story is funny but emotional and filled with small, relatable school mum moments that made me feel both seen and slightly called out 😅
There were a couple of times I felt a little confused with the cast of characters and some of the dream like sequences but interestingly it kind of worked with the overall feeling of overwhelm that runs through the story. It almost mirrors the mental load and emotional fog the main character is navigating.
This is a very impressive debut and Lisa captured the complexity of motherhood and schoolyard politics in a way that felt less polished, more real.
A heads up trigger warning that this book does touch on child loss so please go into this gently.
A big thank you to Allen and Unwin for sharing this one with me.
March 25, 2026
The Mother of All Calamities – Lisa Moule
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, what a debut. I absolutely devoured this book—especially as a mother myself, I found so much to connect with beneath all the drama. I was completely drawn into the scandalous lives of Chrissy, Jenny, Estelle and Viv. Each of these women felt so real—flawed, complicated, and trying to hold everything together while their worlds quietly unravel.
Moule does such a brilliant job of showing that in Greengully, nothing is ever quite as perfect as it seems. On the surface, everything looks polished and picture-perfect, but behind closed doors, friendships are strained, secrets simmer, and cracks begin to show. It’s a sharp and insightful look at modern motherhood, relationships, and the pressure to appear like you have it all together—especially in a world that feels filtered and curated.
I loved how the story slowly peeled back each character’s life, revealing that no one is immune to struggle, no matter how flawless things may look from the outside. It’s juicy, addictive, and full of those “just one more chapter” moments.
Such an impressive debut from Lisa Moule—I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, what a debut. I absolutely devoured this book—especially as a mother myself, I found so much to connect with beneath all the drama. I was completely drawn into the scandalous lives of Chrissy, Jenny, Estelle and Viv. Each of these women felt so real—flawed, complicated, and trying to hold everything together while their worlds quietly unravel.
Moule does such a brilliant job of showing that in Greengully, nothing is ever quite as perfect as it seems. On the surface, everything looks polished and picture-perfect, but behind closed doors, friendships are strained, secrets simmer, and cracks begin to show. It’s a sharp and insightful look at modern motherhood, relationships, and the pressure to appear like you have it all together—especially in a world that feels filtered and curated.
I loved how the story slowly peeled back each character’s life, revealing that no one is immune to struggle, no matter how flawless things may look from the outside. It’s juicy, addictive, and full of those “just one more chapter” moments.
Such an impressive debut from Lisa Moule—I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, what a wonderful read that was. So hard to believe that it is a debut novel. Well done to Lisa on a fantastic, entertaining story.
I love how the novel is broken up over the 4 school terms, with chapters being told from the points of view of 4 main characters. Chrissy is the year 3 teacher, frustrated at having been overlooked for promotion in favour of her male colleague who she had been mentoring. Jenny, mother of Valentino, is like a superwoman, so organised but struggling with Valentino's behavioral issues. Viv, another parent who is haunted by something that happened in her past. And Estelle, mother of Harmony, who is the newcomer to the school and trying to fit in with the other parents, whilst trying to deal with her own problems parenting Harmony.
Lots of sensitive topics covered off here, about the way women are treated not only in the workplace but elsewhere. All handled in a very respectful way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
I love how the novel is broken up over the 4 school terms, with chapters being told from the points of view of 4 main characters. Chrissy is the year 3 teacher, frustrated at having been overlooked for promotion in favour of her male colleague who she had been mentoring. Jenny, mother of Valentino, is like a superwoman, so organised but struggling with Valentino's behavioral issues. Viv, another parent who is haunted by something that happened in her past. And Estelle, mother of Harmony, who is the newcomer to the school and trying to fit in with the other parents, whilst trying to deal with her own problems parenting Harmony.
Lots of sensitive topics covered off here, about the way women are treated not only in the workplace but elsewhere. All handled in a very respectful way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2026
Loved the Mother of all calamities!!!
I loved this book, I actually finished it in 3 days as I couldn't put it down. I loved the different perspectives the book was told in, so much of each of the characters felt instantly relatable. This book went deeper into the challenges and faces we all put on as parents and the lies we tell to keep up appearances. I loved the back stories of the characters woven through. Many times I found myself laughing at the dark humor, the teacher Tom was this combination of so many males I have worked with! The book spans the school year which gave it a really natural flow, it meant you got to see growth, challengers and characters develop and change over the year.
Overall, it was so cleverly written, such a honest fresh take on the modern school gate culture and modern motherhood. Love Love Love it - recommend to anyone looking for a great read with real characters you will instantly recognize.
I loved this book, I actually finished it in 3 days as I couldn't put it down. I loved the different perspectives the book was told in, so much of each of the characters felt instantly relatable. This book went deeper into the challenges and faces we all put on as parents and the lies we tell to keep up appearances. I loved the back stories of the characters woven through. Many times I found myself laughing at the dark humor, the teacher Tom was this combination of so many males I have worked with! The book spans the school year which gave it a really natural flow, it meant you got to see growth, challengers and characters develop and change over the year.
Overall, it was so cleverly written, such a honest fresh take on the modern school gate culture and modern motherhood. Love Love Love it - recommend to anyone looking for a great read with real characters you will instantly recognize.
March 12, 2026
I went into this read expecting it to be a silly lighthearted story about school mums, so I was really pleasantly surprised to discover all the layers of story it contained.
I did like that it covered a year in the life of a school class and all the changes the kids and families went through in that time. My family has just finished up with primary schooling, so I could relate to all the social drama and class allocation and teachers and principals.
I was really invested in the back stories of the characters as they were revealed and all the twists and turns as more and more of the plot was revealed.
And although there were some serious storylines, I appreciated the humour in the writing and the overall feel good vibes.
Really impressive from a debut author.
Thank you so much to @allenandunwin for gifting me this book to read and review.
I did like that it covered a year in the life of a school class and all the changes the kids and families went through in that time. My family has just finished up with primary schooling, so I could relate to all the social drama and class allocation and teachers and principals.
I was really invested in the back stories of the characters as they were revealed and all the twists and turns as more and more of the plot was revealed.
And although there were some serious storylines, I appreciated the humour in the writing and the overall feel good vibes.
Really impressive from a debut author.
Thank you so much to @allenandunwin for gifting me this book to read and review.
April 6, 2026
The Mother of all Calamities by Aussie author Lisa Moule is a witty and relatable read that explores the facade of motherhood and friendships and the cracks sitting just below the surface.
As a mother I found this such a relatable read. The internal monologue and the guilt and doubt we struggle with was beautifully explored through warmth and humour in this book.
The school setting allowed Moule to expertly entwine the lives of these four women seamlessly. Love and the illusion of perfection can blind these women to their reality. As the cracks and chaos start to appear it reminds them how much easier things could be if they were honest with themselves and their support network.
A thoroughly enjoyable and relatable contemporary read that I definitely recommend.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for a copy to read and honestly review.
As a mother I found this such a relatable read. The internal monologue and the guilt and doubt we struggle with was beautifully explored through warmth and humour in this book.
The school setting allowed Moule to expertly entwine the lives of these four women seamlessly. Love and the illusion of perfection can blind these women to their reality. As the cracks and chaos start to appear it reminds them how much easier things could be if they were honest with themselves and their support network.
A thoroughly enjoyable and relatable contemporary read that I definitely recommend.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for a copy to read and honestly review.
March 18, 2026
When my boys were at primary school I was heavily involved in the school, and I often thought that there was plenty of material there if I ever wanted to write a book. The aggressive pushy parents and the defensive hands-off parents. The teacher that everyone lobbied to get for their kids and the teacher that was inexplicably promoted up the ranks despite not being very good. The children who seemed so much better behaved than my own and the children I secretly itched to reprimand. All of those characters make an appearance in this Australian debut.
It’s set over the course of a year and follows four main characters: three parents and one teacher. All of them have their own problems and/or secrets. The central plot, which gives the book its title, is about a falling out between two Mums which affects all the characters. There are parts that feel improbable, but there are many more parts that feel extremely plausible.
It’s a super entertaining and easy read, nothing memorable or outstanding, but still good fun. My main complaint was that to me, some of the kids seemed much older than 8 years old but maybe I’m wrong? I have a friend who’s a primary school teacher and I know from her that children with behavioural issues are becomingly increasingly common and that is reflected in the book. In any case I really enjoyed being pitched back into that world for a day.
It’s set over the course of a year and follows four main characters: three parents and one teacher. All of them have their own problems and/or secrets. The central plot, which gives the book its title, is about a falling out between two Mums which affects all the characters. There are parts that feel improbable, but there are many more parts that feel extremely plausible.
It’s a super entertaining and easy read, nothing memorable or outstanding, but still good fun. My main complaint was that to me, some of the kids seemed much older than 8 years old but maybe I’m wrong? I have a friend who’s a primary school teacher and I know from her that children with behavioural issues are becomingly increasingly common and that is reflected in the book. In any case I really enjoyed being pitched back into that world for a day.
April 9, 2026
2.5 I struggled with this; I totally get the schoolyard mums vibe and teacher dynamics but I felt this story was trying too hard - some of the children’s dialogue seemed not quite right for their age; there were a lot of character stories brought together to make a point about the underlying stresses of the primary school context which should work but for me didn’t. I quite liked Chrissy. I bought the organisational Jenny. The ending felt contrived; perhaps some mums and or teachers relate better to the angst -
March 19, 2026
Told from four main characters including school mums and a teacher the reader is taken on a journey through the playground and it's dramas as well as the politics and issues that happen in every school from both staff, students and families. An interesting look from all perspectives in this debut novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 13, 2026
I became so engrossed by this book. It's written with such honesty, peeling back the layers of each character to reveal the truth behind their stories. It captures the complexities of family life, trauma, self discovery with a real transparency, highlighting the struggles that mothers face. The characters are all so relatable, and the story lines are woven together with humour and wit. I can't wait for the next novel.
April 26, 2026
Four Women. One School Year. A thousand little lies.
This is the story of a perfect school, in a perfect suburb, filled with perfect parents of perfect children - NOT! This story reveals the truths, the lies, the familiar and the absurdities of people’s lives, all intertwined in the most unique of ways.
Clever, witty, empathetic, relatable and utterly real - The Mother of All Calamities shines a spotlight on society, parenting, gender, guilt and trauma.
@lisamoule6
This is the story of a perfect school, in a perfect suburb, filled with perfect parents of perfect children - NOT! This story reveals the truths, the lies, the familiar and the absurdities of people’s lives, all intertwined in the most unique of ways.
Clever, witty, empathetic, relatable and utterly real - The Mother of All Calamities shines a spotlight on society, parenting, gender, guilt and trauma.
@lisamoule6
April 11, 2026
Loved this book! So relatable, and Moule's writing just pulls you in. Loved her subtle Easter eggs/links hidden throughout that linked to other events in the timeline and others' stories. Many laughable moments as well as moments so true to life as a woman, parent, and teacher that pulled at your heartstrings. This definitely surprised me and will be recommending this to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2026
One of my favourite sub genres is a group of fab women dealing with tough things and this book delivers it in spades. It’s truly so perfect! I loved or hated each character through different points in the book but will happily shout it from the rooftops that Viv is my number one!
April 3, 2026
I so much loved this book. Easy to read, funny. engaging and relatable characters. Will be watching closely for more from this Author.
April 6, 2026
Solid 3.5
April 13, 2026
A hard 4. There were a few omg moments, twists and shocks along the way. Points for being set in Melbourne.
April 19, 2026
Loved this book so much! The characters! The small town/school community dynamics! The twists and turns! And it’s so beautifully written!
April 22, 2026
Easy read some parts relatable if you are or have been a school mum. Nothing particularly stands out though ok.
May 2, 2026
3.75, but rounded up! This book was possibly a bit too close to home, given that it was set in a school! Some of the characters were very relatable, others not so much! A great debut novel.
April 7, 2026
This one sent me right back to my kids' school days. When I say right back…yes, quite a few years ago!! Funny though how some things don’t change! I remember kids like these kids and mums like these mums. Also, the great friendships you make during these years!
I really enjoyed this book. It was all very real and relatable. Schoolyard politics. Protecting our kids at all costs, sometimes to their detriment. Clicky groups. Scoring an invite to the party. The class bully.Trying to bring up kids out of guide books…
I also like that it highlighted male dominance in the workplace, police force, and school. Jobs for the boys… Hopefully, this is improving!
It was also interesting to read of the influence of their parents and the childhood they had and the lasting effects this had on them and their own parenting skills.
It has a great cast of different characters:
Jenny, fiercely protective mother, organiser, helper, has steadfast control of her emotions…until she doesn’t…
Estelle, hippy, earth mother, publicly serene, yet behind closed doors - anxious, worries about daughter Harmony’s behaviour and her steadfast opinions.
Viv, carrying a dark secret, works outside the home, a strong supporter of women.
Angus, traumatised by an event in his past, feels that it will reflect in his role as a parent.
Chrissy, wonderful, nurturing, caring teacher. Engaged to Mike but very unsure. Difficult/ non-existent relationship with her father.
I also really enjoyed the multi POV chapters.
This is a great read, told with both wit and compassion.
Another amazing debut author for 2026!!
4.8 ⭐️'s
I really enjoyed this book. It was all very real and relatable. Schoolyard politics. Protecting our kids at all costs, sometimes to their detriment. Clicky groups. Scoring an invite to the party. The class bully.Trying to bring up kids out of guide books…
I also like that it highlighted male dominance in the workplace, police force, and school. Jobs for the boys… Hopefully, this is improving!
It was also interesting to read of the influence of their parents and the childhood they had and the lasting effects this had on them and their own parenting skills.
It has a great cast of different characters:
Jenny, fiercely protective mother, organiser, helper, has steadfast control of her emotions…until she doesn’t…
Estelle, hippy, earth mother, publicly serene, yet behind closed doors - anxious, worries about daughter Harmony’s behaviour and her steadfast opinions.
Viv, carrying a dark secret, works outside the home, a strong supporter of women.
Angus, traumatised by an event in his past, feels that it will reflect in his role as a parent.
Chrissy, wonderful, nurturing, caring teacher. Engaged to Mike but very unsure. Difficult/ non-existent relationship with her father.
I also really enjoyed the multi POV chapters.
This is a great read, told with both wit and compassion.
Another amazing debut author for 2026!!
4.8 ⭐️'s
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