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The Longing
A compulsive and topical psychological thriller and a contemporary story of obsession, in which a happily married, educated, middle-class woman is driven to snatch a stranger’s baby from its pram. All she wanted was a baby. Was that so much to ask? A baby to nourish in her body, to give birth with pain and pleasure, to adore. A baby to suckle and care for, to clean and cuddle and comfort. A baby to make her whole and complete. But her womb was empty and its emptiness filled her days and her nights, invaded her dreams, determined every waking thought. A baby. All she wanted was a baby…
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 25, 2018
Thank you to netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review. I have never read a Jane Asher book so I was intrigued to see that this is a reprint from 1996 and was her debut novel.
Juliet and Michael are married with good careers but do want children. After 9 years of marriage they decide to try harder to have a baby and start off by going down the ovulation testing route. This however doesn’t work and performing to order somewhat kills the passion!!
Juliet and Michael attempt IVF which is the start of Juliet’s mental decline.
I was fascinated to see how this would end but unfortunately I found it too far fetched and found some of the characters damn right annoying!!! Not for me.
Juliet and Michael are married with good careers but do want children. After 9 years of marriage they decide to try harder to have a baby and start off by going down the ovulation testing route. This however doesn’t work and performing to order somewhat kills the passion!!
Juliet and Michael attempt IVF which is the start of Juliet’s mental decline.
I was fascinated to see how this would end but unfortunately I found it too far fetched and found some of the characters damn right annoying!!! Not for me.
May 15, 2022
Catching up on reviews
This book has been on my TBR forever. Check the year published.
Maybe I started this book on my kindle then ditched it for a bit then forgot? Because although this theme, topic of a story sounded good to me at the time, it’s a topic that has been written oftentimes. And I’m not being mean, but better.
This was too convenient.
Everything was just worked out. Ya know?
Not for me.
This book has been on my TBR forever. Check the year published.
Maybe I started this book on my kindle then ditched it for a bit then forgot? Because although this theme, topic of a story sounded good to me at the time, it’s a topic that has been written oftentimes. And I’m not being mean, but better.
This was too convenient.
Everything was just worked out. Ya know?
Not for me.
September 17, 2024
Książka, która zachwiała moje poczucie dystansu do żartów. Niektóre te epitafia były brutalne, jakby ktoś mi takie napisał to you best believe im haunting your ass
May 23, 2012
I really liked the idea of this storyline and, indeed it was intriguing (and heartbreaking when thinking of the real-life scenarios couples go through to concieve). Michael and Harriet are not really happy together when they embark on IVF treatment and Harriet has a difficult relationship both with her mother and even her best friend. It is not, therefore, the best foundation to start with. However couples do get lulled into a sense that everything would be okay if only they could have a baby and so I didn't find their going ahead with the procedure unrealistic. However as things go from bad to much worse I had the feeling that the reactions of some of the characters, Harriets mother in particular, were not true to themselves. This very straightlaced, insistent woman did not demand to see her daughter when the chips were down.
The plot was quite intricate but, for me, I think this whole story would have worked much better if the author had played it chronolgically. I could see that by introducing the tension early she let the reader in on awful events further down the line but, in this case, a slow build up as Harriet's mental health detiorated, might have been a better plan.
The plot was quite intricate but, for me, I think this whole story would have worked much better if the author had played it chronolgically. I could see that by introducing the tension early she let the reader in on awful events further down the line but, in this case, a slow build up as Harriet's mental health detiorated, might have been a better plan.
April 9, 2013
I remember reading this book many years ago and it left a lasting impression. I was at the time having similar problems and could relate to some of the feelings of the main character.
August 11, 2018
The longing by Jane Asher. All she wanted was a baby. Was that so much to ask? A baby to nourish in her body, to give birth with pain and pleasure, to adore. A baby to suckle and care for, to clean and cuddle and comfort. A baby to make her whole and complete. But her womb was empty and its emptiness filled her days and her nights, invaded her dreams, determined every waking thought. A baby. All she wanted was a baby… This was a good read with likeable characters. 4*.
February 24, 2019
Found it a bit boring and drawn out even though the topic should be fascinating. Pretty disappointed in this read to be honest, expected better.
May 21, 2018
This is a reprint from 1996 and it shows. I found the story old fashioned and dated. There are much, much better books to buy.
March 2, 2022
I only got to 49% of this book. It felt very dated and the characters rather prim and stuck up.
What finalised it for me was the death of a dog. The way it was laughed over and treated as if it was a comedy. I decided not to continue.
What finalised it for me was the death of a dog. The way it was laughed over and treated as if it was a comedy. I decided not to continue.
April 8, 2022
A truly gripping tragic tale read this in 3 sittings
January 21, 2024
I liked the plot of this book and the fact that it wasn't in chronological order. Also I loved the unexpected twist that was in the end,I would definitely recommend reading it
October 30, 2025
Full review to come, but overall this was a strange book that never quite came together
April 9, 2019
A compulsive and topical contemporary story of obsession, in which a happily married, educated, middle-class woman is driven to snatch a stranger's baby from its pram.
All she wanted was a baby. Was that so much to ask? A baby to nourish in her body, to give birth with pain and pleasure, to adore. A baby to suckle and care for, to clean and cuddle and comfort. A baby to make her whole and complete. But her womb was empty and its emptiness filled her days and her nights, invaded her dreams, determined every waking thought. A baby. All she wanted was a baby...
Michael and Juliet Evans long for a baby but are forced to resort to a world of private clinics and medical jargon. As they wait, Juliet's grasp on reality begins to slide. Into the picture comes Anna, a young, single mother from Glasgow whose child is missing.
**
Michael and Juliet Evans long for a baby but are forced to resort to a world of private clinics and medical jargon. As they wait, Juliet's grasp on reality begins to slide. Into the picture comes Anna, a young, single mother from Glasgow whose child is missing.
**
Michael and Juliet Evans long for a baby but are forced to resort to a world of private clinics and medical jargon. As they wait, Juliet's grasp on reality begins to slide. Into the picture comes Anna, a young, single mother from Glasgow whose child is missing.
**
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews