Supporting Act

by Agnes Lidbeck, Nichola Smalley (Translator)

The social contract is non-negotiable. The woman must be a mother. The woman must be desirable. The woman must be a caregiver.

When Anna gives birth, she surrenders completely to motherhood, reshaping her body, identity and purpose, shielding herself from the burden of her own desires. But as her marriage crumbles and her children grow independent, she needs a new role. An affair with an ageing writer, Ivan, offers her a new narrative, a way to rewrite herself. But no role lasts forever, and sooner or later Anna must confront the woman beneath the performance.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Grace]

Wow bleak

[Anya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be quite a depressing book really, starting with motherhood at the outset and going on to difficulties with kids, relationships and aging. Not exactly inspiring. I did however like the intimate writing style. The book also does perhaps portrays well how one can try living in concepts of how one should act, resulting in unhappiness on all sides. This became more and more apparent, as the book progressed, showing that with the protagonist didn’t really know what she wanted or what she was looking for in life, leading to erratic behaviour and incomplete relationships. She was trying to serve others and not serving herself. So there is definitely food for thought there, making it definitely a worthwhile if not frustrating read.