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The Good Mother
Moving back in with her dad was not part of Kate's plan. Blindsided by her husband's affair and the break-up of their family, Kate must balance the needs of three very different children - solo. Seven-year-old Bobby is having meltdowns at school. Eighteen-year-old Luke vows that he'll never speak to his father again. And sweet middle-child Jess, always the peacemaker, is just trying to cheer everyone up as best she can. But when Jess is diagnosed with cancer, Kate's resilience is put to the ultimate test. She knows she has to put aside her own hurt and do what is best for her little girl. But maybe doing the right thing means doing the unthinkable?
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2017
622 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Sinéad Moriarty
31 books496 followersSinéad was born and raised in Dublin where she grew up surrounded by books. Her mother is an author of children’s books. Growing up, Sinead says she was inspired by watching her mother writing at the kitchen table and then being published. From that moment on, her childhood dream was to write a novel.
After university, she went to live in Paris and then London. It was at the age of thirty, while working as a journalist in London that she began to write creatively in her spare time – after work, at lunch times … and, truth be told, during work hours.
After a couple of years toying with ideas, she joined a creative writing group and began to write The Baby Trail. The bitter-sweet comedy of a couple struggling to conceive hit a nerve in publishing circles. It was snapped up by Penguin Publishing in the UK and Ireland and has, to date, been translated into twenty languages.
Since writing The Baby Trail, Sinead has moved back to Dublin where she lives with her husband, two sons and baby girl.
Her second book A Perfect Match has been published worldwide. The US version of A Perfect Match is called The Right Fit. Her third novel – From Here to Maternity – is the third installment of the Emma Hamilton series. Her fourth book – In My Sister’s Shoes – is about two sisters who help save each other. Her fifth book has been published under two different titles: Whose Life Is It Anyway? in Ireland and Keeping it in the Family in the UK.
Her sixth book, Pieces of my Heart, about a family dealing with a terrible crisis, went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her seventh book – Me and My Sisters – went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her most recent novel Mad About You is the fourth novel in the Emma Hamilton Series.
After university, she went to live in Paris and then London. It was at the age of thirty, while working as a journalist in London that she began to write creatively in her spare time – after work, at lunch times … and, truth be told, during work hours.
After a couple of years toying with ideas, she joined a creative writing group and began to write The Baby Trail. The bitter-sweet comedy of a couple struggling to conceive hit a nerve in publishing circles. It was snapped up by Penguin Publishing in the UK and Ireland and has, to date, been translated into twenty languages.
Since writing The Baby Trail, Sinead has moved back to Dublin where she lives with her husband, two sons and baby girl.
Her second book A Perfect Match has been published worldwide. The US version of A Perfect Match is called The Right Fit. Her third novel – From Here to Maternity – is the third installment of the Emma Hamilton series. Her fourth book – In My Sister’s Shoes – is about two sisters who help save each other. Her fifth book has been published under two different titles: Whose Life Is It Anyway? in Ireland and Keeping it in the Family in the UK.
Her sixth book, Pieces of my Heart, about a family dealing with a terrible crisis, went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her seventh book – Me and My Sisters – went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her most recent novel Mad About You is the fourth novel in the Emma Hamilton Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
February 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
My first Sinead Moriarty Novel and I was pleasantly surprised by the emotions this one stirred up in me.
Having been left devastated and homeless after her husband's affair and the break-up of their family, somehow she has pulled through. Though times are still tough, she's beginning to see the start of a new life.But when twelve-year-old Jesssica is diagnosed with cancer, Kate's resilience is put to the ultimate test.
A thought provoking realistic story with a twist in the tale that I did not expect. Well drawn characters and a page turning novel.
You feel you are there with the characters and the real experiences of family life, especially when a child is ill.
An emotional but well written story and a book that many will enjoy.
My thanks to Penguin Books for the opportunity to read this in return for an honest review
My first Sinead Moriarty Novel and I was pleasantly surprised by the emotions this one stirred up in me.
Having been left devastated and homeless after her husband's affair and the break-up of their family, somehow she has pulled through. Though times are still tough, she's beginning to see the start of a new life.But when twelve-year-old Jesssica is diagnosed with cancer, Kate's resilience is put to the ultimate test.
A thought provoking realistic story with a twist in the tale that I did not expect. Well drawn characters and a page turning novel.
You feel you are there with the characters and the real experiences of family life, especially when a child is ill.
An emotional but well written story and a book that many will enjoy.
My thanks to Penguin Books for the opportunity to read this in return for an honest review
February 19, 2017
Kate is just beginning to get her life back on track after a difficult few years. Her husband, Nick, has left her and their three children for a younger model and a new baby son. She has lost the family home and her dignity. Now herself and the children are living with her elderly father and are beginning to adjust. All this changes when her twelve-year-old daughter, Jessica, is diagnosed with leukemia.
There is no worse fear for a parent than the suffering of a child. Kate is knocked for six with the news and she tries to balance her emotions whilst also staying strong for her family. Her eighteen-year-old son, Luke, has given up on his father and her youngest son, Bobby, is not exactly enthralled with his missing parent either. However, Jess is torn between her two parents. She is the peace-maker, the sounding board and is full of youthful compassion. As her health deteriorates, she must surrender the parenting to her Mum and Dad. Hospital becomes her new world and she finds friendship within the children's ward. Each family member deals with Jessica's illness differently and they try to put their differences aside, not always successfully. Along with a great support network of friends, they try to make Jessica their priority.
Sinéad Moriarty brings the reader into the sadness of Kate's world as she deals with the most difficult situation imaginable. The anger she feels must be set aside, the resentment smothered and the bitter pills swallowed. She does her best to balance her time between all three children, yet her heart is slowly breaking. Nick is in complete denial (and is tormented by non-stop phone calls from an insecure girlfriend) and tensions are wrought. The story is written with tenderness and with a good touch of humour. There is an on-going diary entry from Bobby, which although not completely necessary, shows how he is dealing with the changes in his life. But it is Luke who adds a nice parallel narrative. His story unfolds alongside his sisters, with his girlfriends family adding much-needed light-relief. (Think of the family in Roddy Doyle's Barrytown Trilogy) There is laughter to balance the tears and childhood innocence to counteract the darkness of cancer treatment. Moriarty has managed to combine the beauty of The Fault in our Stars, the sadness of Me Before You and the emotions of My Sister's Keeper. Jessica is a wonderful character who will linger in your thoughts, long after you turn the final page. I have tweeted the author, advising her that I shall forward my bill for tissues and therapy.
There is no worse fear for a parent than the suffering of a child. Kate is knocked for six with the news and she tries to balance her emotions whilst also staying strong for her family. Her eighteen-year-old son, Luke, has given up on his father and her youngest son, Bobby, is not exactly enthralled with his missing parent either. However, Jess is torn between her two parents. She is the peace-maker, the sounding board and is full of youthful compassion. As her health deteriorates, she must surrender the parenting to her Mum and Dad. Hospital becomes her new world and she finds friendship within the children's ward. Each family member deals with Jessica's illness differently and they try to put their differences aside, not always successfully. Along with a great support network of friends, they try to make Jessica their priority.
Sinéad Moriarty brings the reader into the sadness of Kate's world as she deals with the most difficult situation imaginable. The anger she feels must be set aside, the resentment smothered and the bitter pills swallowed. She does her best to balance her time between all three children, yet her heart is slowly breaking. Nick is in complete denial (and is tormented by non-stop phone calls from an insecure girlfriend) and tensions are wrought. The story is written with tenderness and with a good touch of humour. There is an on-going diary entry from Bobby, which although not completely necessary, shows how he is dealing with the changes in his life. But it is Luke who adds a nice parallel narrative. His story unfolds alongside his sisters, with his girlfriends family adding much-needed light-relief. (Think of the family in Roddy Doyle's Barrytown Trilogy) There is laughter to balance the tears and childhood innocence to counteract the darkness of cancer treatment. Moriarty has managed to combine the beauty of The Fault in our Stars, the sadness of Me Before You and the emotions of My Sister's Keeper. Jessica is a wonderful character who will linger in your thoughts, long after you turn the final page. I have tweeted the author, advising her that I shall forward my bill for tissues and therapy.
February 27, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Penguin Ireland in exchange for an honest review.
Kate is dealing with a lot as she moves out of her home following the breakdown of her marriage. With three children to support and an ex-husband preoccupied with his new, younger girlfriend and baby she's terrified of what will happen next and then her only daughter Jess is diagnosed with cancer. As Jess gets sicker but the family come together in support, Kate may have to face up to one of the hardest things she will ever have to do - allow her daughter to die.
This book is quite touching and emotional and will definitely leave many people weeping a bit at times (so probably not one to finish on the train home!). The story is quite easy to read and while I found the writing a bit simple at first I got used to it and the story began to flow quite naturally for me. At first I was a but unsure of some of the other POV's added such as Piper's but I got used to them and eventually liked them.
One of my main frustrations in this book was Nick, Kate's ex-husband. Literally everything he did was annoying, frustrating and over the top and he was just the type of character that would make any reader mutter under their breath. Even when Jess was sick, he would go off on one and shout at hospital employees and while I understand why he reacted the way he did at the end, I still hated him. I felt there was very little character development and for the entire book he remained an egotistical, selfish, d-head.
I also would have preferred to not have had to read Bobby's diary - I understand the point of it to see Bobby's side but I'm not sure it was really necessary plus, I didn't really want to read a deliberately misspelled kid writing diary.I actually thought considering how smart Bobby was with a lot of things, his writing and spelling would be good - or at least way better than what it was in the 'diary.'
While, I liked the ending as much as I could like an ending like that I think there would definitely be some people, depending on their own beliefs and feelings about the issue, that might find it very, very hard to read. I personally do not have ill feelings towards what ended up being of the main points of the book and would be an advocate for it, but others might find it more difficult. This is a good book for an emotional read but I would warn people off who may have had close friends or family members ill with cancer or a similar disease and/or those who find it tough to read about children with an illness.
Kate is dealing with a lot as she moves out of her home following the breakdown of her marriage. With three children to support and an ex-husband preoccupied with his new, younger girlfriend and baby she's terrified of what will happen next and then her only daughter Jess is diagnosed with cancer. As Jess gets sicker but the family come together in support, Kate may have to face up to one of the hardest things she will ever have to do - allow her daughter to die.
This book is quite touching and emotional and will definitely leave many people weeping a bit at times (so probably not one to finish on the train home!). The story is quite easy to read and while I found the writing a bit simple at first I got used to it and the story began to flow quite naturally for me. At first I was a but unsure of some of the other POV's added such as Piper's but I got used to them and eventually liked them.
One of my main frustrations in this book was Nick, Kate's ex-husband. Literally everything he did was annoying, frustrating and over the top and he was just the type of character that would make any reader mutter under their breath. Even when Jess was sick, he would go off on one and shout at hospital employees and while I understand why he reacted the way he did at the end, I still hated him. I felt there was very little character development and for the entire book he remained an egotistical, selfish, d-head.
I also would have preferred to not have had to read Bobby's diary - I understand the point of it to see Bobby's side but I'm not sure it was really necessary plus, I didn't really want to read a deliberately misspelled kid writing diary.I actually thought considering how smart Bobby was with a lot of things, his writing and spelling would be good - or at least way better than what it was in the 'diary.'
While, I liked the ending as much as I could like an ending like that I think there would definitely be some people, depending on their own beliefs and feelings about the issue, that might find it very, very hard to read. I personally do not have ill feelings towards what ended up being of the main points of the book and would be an advocate for it, but others might find it more difficult. This is a good book for an emotional read but I would warn people off who may have had close friends or family members ill with cancer or a similar disease and/or those who find it tough to read about children with an illness.
April 6, 2017
A beautifully written story; Funny, heart warming and heart breaking. A real page turner. This emotionally charged book had me reaching for the tissues.
November 30, 2017
Sinéad Moriarty brings us a thought provoking and heart wrenching story of love, loss and family. Kate, mother of three, is forced to deal with the break-up of her marriage. Her husband had an affair and moved out, deciding to marry the other woman. The first part of the story shows us how Kate and the children cope with this, the impact this has on the children, and how they all pull together to support one another.
The bonds between the siblings is very strong, and even though they act out in different ways, they come together to support their mother through this time. Jessica, the middle child of the three and the only girl brings a childish charm and a level of maturity that is common among children who are forced to grow up too soon. However, in her, this just makes her more likeable, and everyone's rock. Her older brother has a more difficult time dealing with the family break-up, as he looked up to his father more than anyone else. His support system are his sister and his girlfriend, who becomes a very integral part of the family and the story. The youngest, hardly knows his father, and is confused most of the time, acting out in any way that only children can.
The beauty of the plot is that the author portrays her characters in shades of grey. There is no right or wrong in this, things just happen, and after a point, you accept that and try to move on. Forgive, learn and move on, but it is not necessary to forget. The story moves at a steady place initially, painting a picture of Kate's life, her coping mechanisms, and the support she gets from her father. The plot thickens when Jessica, who is absolutely healthy, suddenly takes a turn for the worse, and is later diagnosed with cancer.
In reality, unless you have had to deal with such a situation by yourself, it is not easy to relate to the shock, pain and horror of someone having cancer. The author has brought out the feelings and emotions very well, making sure that the reader is able to understand them. We are taken on an emotional roller-coaster afterwards, as we follow Kate and her family as they deal with the cancer. The way it affects everyone and how Jessica deals with it form the crux of the later half of the story. There is a lot to learn from Jessica, who though a child, has an "old soul" and wisdom that goes beyond her years.
The final question that this book prompts is this: Would you love someone enough to let them go? and, if you do, can you live with the truth? These questions are food for thought and this well-written story is a gripping read to the end.
The bonds between the siblings is very strong, and even though they act out in different ways, they come together to support their mother through this time. Jessica, the middle child of the three and the only girl brings a childish charm and a level of maturity that is common among children who are forced to grow up too soon. However, in her, this just makes her more likeable, and everyone's rock. Her older brother has a more difficult time dealing with the family break-up, as he looked up to his father more than anyone else. His support system are his sister and his girlfriend, who becomes a very integral part of the family and the story. The youngest, hardly knows his father, and is confused most of the time, acting out in any way that only children can.
The beauty of the plot is that the author portrays her characters in shades of grey. There is no right or wrong in this, things just happen, and after a point, you accept that and try to move on. Forgive, learn and move on, but it is not necessary to forget. The story moves at a steady place initially, painting a picture of Kate's life, her coping mechanisms, and the support she gets from her father. The plot thickens when Jessica, who is absolutely healthy, suddenly takes a turn for the worse, and is later diagnosed with cancer.
In reality, unless you have had to deal with such a situation by yourself, it is not easy to relate to the shock, pain and horror of someone having cancer. The author has brought out the feelings and emotions very well, making sure that the reader is able to understand them. We are taken on an emotional roller-coaster afterwards, as we follow Kate and her family as they deal with the cancer. The way it affects everyone and how Jessica deals with it form the crux of the later half of the story. There is a lot to learn from Jessica, who though a child, has an "old soul" and wisdom that goes beyond her years.
The final question that this book prompts is this: Would you love someone enough to let them go? and, if you do, can you live with the truth? These questions are food for thought and this well-written story is a gripping read to the end.
April 19, 2017
Totally enjoyed this book. From start to finish, this story is about Katie and her family and all the ups and downs of being a mother and some more.. You will need Kleenex for this book it's devastating in parts,totally heart wrenching and deeply moving A great read.
September 23, 2017
Really enjoyed the book even though it was sad most of the time. The characters were relatable and well made. It's a shame that no one really caught a break but that's what made it realistic as well.
July 12, 2017
I love this author - she never disappoints! I adored this book. Poignant, emotional, heartrending, taking us on a heartbreaking but hopeful journey. I loved all the characters, felt for them. A beautiful story, one I highly recommend.
January 22, 2018
Heart-breaking novel set in DUBLIN
This is not an easy read; it’s troubling and heart-breaking in equal measure and yet it’s quite un-put-down-able. Be prepared to get through a lot of tissues.
Kate, the good mother of the title, has been abandoned by her husband, Nick, who has gone off to live with his young girlfriend and new baby. Kate and her three children have to leave the family home, since they can no longer afford to live there, and move back in with Kate’s dad in the Village Café. Conditions aren’t ideal and her daughter Jess is forced to share a room with her youngest, Bobby. Kate’s oldest child, Luke, is studying for his Leaving Cert and is so angry with his father that he’s in danger of wrecking his future. Bobby is a troubled soul, who doesn’t even have any good times with his father to look back on and has retreated into obsessional and infuriating fascination with facts to compensate. Nick, never the best of fathers when he was with the family, has become even more useless now he’s gone and continually lets the children down, on top of which his new partner, Jenny, is struggling with the baby and needs Nick constantly by her side. Kate would like to do nothing more than crawl under the duvet and give in to grief, but she can’t because she has her children to support and she is, first and foremost, a good mother. Moving back in with George, her father, is something of a saving grace for this little family, as he is able to fill some of the gaps left by Nick, but just as it looks as though life might be looking up for Kate, her darling daughter Jess is diagnosed with leukaemia.
Tragic enough for you? Well, hang fire, it’s going to get a whole lot worse. Now, if you’re thinking that this novel sounds too depressing to be broached in these dark January days, take heart. For this is a skilful piece of writing by a very experienced author, who knows that you’ve got to balance the gloom with some lighter moments and this is done brilliantly. The Good Mother is set in Dublin, but there’s little sense of the physical place; instead Moriarty gives us a host of Dublin characters that convey the atmosphere perfectly. Luke’s girlfriend, Piper, comes from a colourful family and the scenes where we see her father, Seamus, a typical middle-aged Dublin man trying to cope with his wife and five daughters, as they discuss intimate issues to do with the female body, make you laugh out loud and provide a very necessary counterpoint to the sadness of the main story. So, too, the delightful character, Natalie, the French waitress, who has some wonderful comments to make on the Irish male in general.
Moriarty has done her research well and explores the world of cancer and cancer care confidently. She clearly understands children too and the scenes where Jess and her friend, Larry, another sufferer, discuss their illness and the future are particularly convincing.
This is a courageous and thought-provoking piece of writing and few writers, I think, would dare to wander into the territory that Moriarty explores here with great candour. In an odd way, too, it is also up-lifting for there is a wonderful sense of movement in the novel. As you focus on the story of Jess, you lose sight of Nick and the children and, when the main story has played out and the reader is free to look around again, you find that things have moved on too and the relationship between father and children has improved. Time heals and hope returns.
This is not an easy read; it’s troubling and heart-breaking in equal measure and yet it’s quite un-put-down-able. Be prepared to get through a lot of tissues.
Kate, the good mother of the title, has been abandoned by her husband, Nick, who has gone off to live with his young girlfriend and new baby. Kate and her three children have to leave the family home, since they can no longer afford to live there, and move back in with Kate’s dad in the Village Café. Conditions aren’t ideal and her daughter Jess is forced to share a room with her youngest, Bobby. Kate’s oldest child, Luke, is studying for his Leaving Cert and is so angry with his father that he’s in danger of wrecking his future. Bobby is a troubled soul, who doesn’t even have any good times with his father to look back on and has retreated into obsessional and infuriating fascination with facts to compensate. Nick, never the best of fathers when he was with the family, has become even more useless now he’s gone and continually lets the children down, on top of which his new partner, Jenny, is struggling with the baby and needs Nick constantly by her side. Kate would like to do nothing more than crawl under the duvet and give in to grief, but she can’t because she has her children to support and she is, first and foremost, a good mother. Moving back in with George, her father, is something of a saving grace for this little family, as he is able to fill some of the gaps left by Nick, but just as it looks as though life might be looking up for Kate, her darling daughter Jess is diagnosed with leukaemia.
Tragic enough for you? Well, hang fire, it’s going to get a whole lot worse. Now, if you’re thinking that this novel sounds too depressing to be broached in these dark January days, take heart. For this is a skilful piece of writing by a very experienced author, who knows that you’ve got to balance the gloom with some lighter moments and this is done brilliantly. The Good Mother is set in Dublin, but there’s little sense of the physical place; instead Moriarty gives us a host of Dublin characters that convey the atmosphere perfectly. Luke’s girlfriend, Piper, comes from a colourful family and the scenes where we see her father, Seamus, a typical middle-aged Dublin man trying to cope with his wife and five daughters, as they discuss intimate issues to do with the female body, make you laugh out loud and provide a very necessary counterpoint to the sadness of the main story. So, too, the delightful character, Natalie, the French waitress, who has some wonderful comments to make on the Irish male in general.
Moriarty has done her research well and explores the world of cancer and cancer care confidently. She clearly understands children too and the scenes where Jess and her friend, Larry, another sufferer, discuss their illness and the future are particularly convincing.
This is a courageous and thought-provoking piece of writing and few writers, I think, would dare to wander into the territory that Moriarty explores here with great candour. In an odd way, too, it is also up-lifting for there is a wonderful sense of movement in the novel. As you focus on the story of Jess, you lose sight of Nick and the children and, when the main story has played out and the reader is free to look around again, you find that things have moved on too and the relationship between father and children has improved. Time heals and hope returns.
February 25, 2017
Oh lord SInead Moriarty does it again. This is a real page turner it made me laugh cry and gasp in horror. I love it when a book does that too me it doesn't happen very often.
Katie's husband has left her she has to move in with her dad, and her three children are acting in different ways trying to deal with their dads affair.
Life deals them all a devastating blow when 12 year old Jess is diagnosed with cancer. Without spoiling the story for everyone things get harrowing and emotional. There is a twist at the end I really wasn't expecting but I'll leave you to find that out for yourself. This is a must read
Katie's husband has left her she has to move in with her dad, and her three children are acting in different ways trying to deal with their dads affair.
Life deals them all a devastating blow when 12 year old Jess is diagnosed with cancer. Without spoiling the story for everyone things get harrowing and emotional. There is a twist at the end I really wasn't expecting but I'll leave you to find that out for yourself. This is a must read
August 16, 2017
I have loved every book I have read from Sinéad Moriarty. I'm a big fan of her writing style and I always enjoys the story lines. I hate to say this wasn't one of my favorites. I didn't hate it, the book just wasn't one of my favorites. I didn't fall in love with the characters and Nick was simply horrible.
The book opens with Kate moving out of her dream home with her three children. She's moving back home to live with her father. Her husband Nick decided to have an affair with a much younger woman and now has a new baby. Now Nick doesn't seem to have time to spend with his older children and every time he manages to see them for a tiny amount of time, he needs to rush home to Jenny and his baby. Nick was the most unlikable character in the book.
Then Kate's daughter Jess is diagnosed with cancer and everything changes. Many times I started to tear up. How can you not when a twelve year old is dying of cancer? The book is definitely a tear jerker.
If you are a fan of Sinéad Moriarty give the book a try.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author, Sinéad Moriarty, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
The book opens with Kate moving out of her dream home with her three children. She's moving back home to live with her father. Her husband Nick decided to have an affair with a much younger woman and now has a new baby. Now Nick doesn't seem to have time to spend with his older children and every time he manages to see them for a tiny amount of time, he needs to rush home to Jenny and his baby. Nick was the most unlikable character in the book.
Then Kate's daughter Jess is diagnosed with cancer and everything changes. Many times I started to tear up. How can you not when a twelve year old is dying of cancer? The book is definitely a tear jerker.
If you are a fan of Sinéad Moriarty give the book a try.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author, Sinéad Moriarty, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
March 24, 2017
Kate is a single mother to her three children; Luke, Jess and Bobby. They have recently had to move in with her father and are struggling with the adjustment. Things are beginning to go okay for the family and then Jess is diagnosed with cancer and their world falls apart. As Kate struggles to hold her angry family together she is faced with doing the unthinkable.
I should start with a warning, and that is that this book will make you cry buckets and I mean buckets. Moriarty has written an extremely emotional novel which only increases in intensity as the novel progresses. I started this knowing it would be emotional but I underestimated how much, and I wept a lot, so be warned!
The whole plot for 'The Good Mother' is obvious but this in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book. This really is a novel for getting stuck into the plot, characters and emotional turmoil that they go through and I was completely invested in their story.
'The Good Mother' has high emotion in both a positive and negative way and Moriarty complements it perfectly with a fantastic cast of characters. They are so realistic and well written and they will all feel like your friends and family before you finish reading this. I adored that the problems experienced are realistic and could happen to anyone. Of course this makes the novel even more emotional to read, but it is so worth it for the realism factor.
I loved 'The Good Mother' so much and this is a very simple, realistic plot that will tug on your heartstrings in the most emotional, incredible way.
I should start with a warning, and that is that this book will make you cry buckets and I mean buckets. Moriarty has written an extremely emotional novel which only increases in intensity as the novel progresses. I started this knowing it would be emotional but I underestimated how much, and I wept a lot, so be warned!
The whole plot for 'The Good Mother' is obvious but this in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book. This really is a novel for getting stuck into the plot, characters and emotional turmoil that they go through and I was completely invested in their story.
'The Good Mother' has high emotion in both a positive and negative way and Moriarty complements it perfectly with a fantastic cast of characters. They are so realistic and well written and they will all feel like your friends and family before you finish reading this. I adored that the problems experienced are realistic and could happen to anyone. Of course this makes the novel even more emotional to read, but it is so worth it for the realism factor.
I loved 'The Good Mother' so much and this is a very simple, realistic plot that will tug on your heartstrings in the most emotional, incredible way.
January 4, 2018
The Good Mother by Sinead Moriarty will make you cry. You might not cry easily, you might not get emotional over books, but I don’t doubt this books ability to make the tears flow. The story follows Kate and her family – three children and divorced husband – who are still adjusting to life in a broken home after the marriage dissolves via infidelity. But the harder news is just on the horizon – quickly on Jess, the middle child and only daughter in the family, is diagnosed with leukemia. The rest of the novel takes readers through her story, diagnosis, bone marrow transplant, and so much more. It was very challenging to read long sections at a time, because it was so emotional and honestly, nearly painful to read. The writing was very raw and realistic to a mother losing her child, a friend losing her first best friend, and a young girl losing her life. I have read from Sinead Moriarty in the past and do not doubt her writing capabilities and the way she can bring characters to life, but I will say if you can’t handle intensely emotional scenes, I would not read this one. There really is no let up throughout the book, it’s scene after scene of tears and emotions and pain. I was also a little confused as to the title of the book, as I have seen it advertised as The Good Mother and also as Never Let You Go. But overall, a really wonderful, thought-provoking read, just at times a little too overwhelming for me.
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
February 8, 2018
En bref, Le choix d’une mère m’a émue. Littéralement. C’est une petite bombe intense. J’ai eu une boule d’émotions. Kate m’a fait réfléchir. Et les mots de Sinéad Moriarty se parent d’un cocktail étonnant, parfois brut, parfois drôle. J’ai aimé suivre l’héroïne et ses trois enfants. J’ai eu des pincements, de très nombreux, des pleurs et de nombreux sourires teintés de mille émotions. Peut-être est-ce le côté maman, la maladie d’un enfant, la détresse, la manière de poser la trame, je ne sais pas, je me suis laissée emporter par le combat de cette mère délaissée par son mari infidèle. Je crois que quelque part, j’ai du mal à poser mes ressentis car j’ai du mal à imaginer l’inimaginable, cette douleur de voir son petit, son enfant atteint d’un cancer… Et j’ai compris les routes prises. Partez à la découverte de Jess, partez la voir, petite merveille, petite étoile...
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March 30, 2018
The front cover of Sinéad Moriarty’s The Good Mother says that if you love Jojo Moyes, then you’ll love The Good Mother and the blurb is right. Just as Kate is finding her feet, after discovering her husband is leaving her and her three children for another woman, she suffers the worst blow of all when her beloved only daughter, Jess, is diagnosed with cancer. Moriarty’s writing is heartfelt without being schmaltzy, as she introduces us to a wide cast of characters who feel real and true. I loved that Kate and Jess are part of a wider blended family, which complicates matters (in a good way), adding layers to the storyline. Little Bobby’s diary entries would make the hardest of hearts ache. This was my first Sinéad Moriarty and I’m very much looking forward to enjoying her back catalogue. A moving read for lovers of Amanda Prowse and Dorothy Koomson.
September 2, 2017
Holy crap! This was an amazing book. Do NOT read unless you want to cry and have a full box of tissues handy. Or maybe two. Seriously.
At the very beginning, I struggled to get into this, but I’m honestly not sure if that was the book or just me as I was feeling incredibly antsy when I started this. It took a bit of getting tossed from one character’s perspective to another without warning before I was able to sink into the flow. But once I was there, I did not want to put it down, even for the needed tissue grabs.
As much as I loved this and am giving it a full rating, I can say that it was so emotional that I don’t think I could handle reading it a second time. It kind of ripped my heart out, probably because my daughter is only about a year older than Jess is in the story. It was way too easy to see my girl in that same place and that isn’t something any mother wants to imagine, so that part was hard.
This has it’s quirky moments and a little fun, but there is just an overwhelming amount of heavy that flows through the entire thing. I loved it, but it was hard to read. I cried from about a third of the way in all the way to the end, giving me the kind of headache you only get after hours of hard crying.
There were things that I liked and didn’t like about all of the characters, but those are all the things that made them so realistic and human. The things that I would like or dislike about any person I would meet in real life. Nick especially. I didn’t like him because he’s a jerk. But… he is supposed to be a jerk. It isn’t a story about perfect people in a perfect world. Far from it. So having these characters that are so imperfect makes this story so much better. They are so well crafted, it was easy to see them come to life.
That said, this is not the kind of book to pick up if you are looking for light and happy. It is heartbreaking. Beautiful, but heartbreaking.
*Read under the more recent title of Never Let You Go.
At the very beginning, I struggled to get into this, but I’m honestly not sure if that was the book or just me as I was feeling incredibly antsy when I started this. It took a bit of getting tossed from one character’s perspective to another without warning before I was able to sink into the flow. But once I was there, I did not want to put it down, even for the needed tissue grabs.
As much as I loved this and am giving it a full rating, I can say that it was so emotional that I don’t think I could handle reading it a second time. It kind of ripped my heart out, probably because my daughter is only about a year older than Jess is in the story. It was way too easy to see my girl in that same place and that isn’t something any mother wants to imagine, so that part was hard.
This has it’s quirky moments and a little fun, but there is just an overwhelming amount of heavy that flows through the entire thing. I loved it, but it was hard to read. I cried from about a third of the way in all the way to the end, giving me the kind of headache you only get after hours of hard crying.
There were things that I liked and didn’t like about all of the characters, but those are all the things that made them so realistic and human. The things that I would like or dislike about any person I would meet in real life. Nick especially. I didn’t like him because he’s a jerk. But… he is supposed to be a jerk. It isn’t a story about perfect people in a perfect world. Far from it. So having these characters that are so imperfect makes this story so much better. They are so well crafted, it was easy to see them come to life.
That said, this is not the kind of book to pick up if you are looking for light and happy. It is heartbreaking. Beautiful, but heartbreaking.
*Read under the more recent title of Never Let You Go.
August 17, 2017
This was my first book by this Sinead Moriarty. The story was wonderful, horribly sad, but still wonderful. The character development was excellent. The dialogue between family members was so well written it was heartbreaking. Though a few of the situations were a reach, the major ones provided insight into real-world dilemmas. Some of the minor characters provided comic relief. I look forward to reading more of Moriarty's books. This would be a good selection for a book club.
August 8, 2023
Delightfully HEARTBREAKING.
January 12, 2025
Could not put it down. Thought provoking. Cried.
July 25, 2023
constante ansiedade no rolar da narrativa. desenvolvimento agridoce com um final previsível. independente disso, boa história, com uma autora que nos mantém no mundo real.
August 29, 2017
Excellent
November 8, 2017
Probably should have been a tear jerker, but it dragged a little in spots for me.
July 25, 2017
The Good Mother, written by Sinéad Moriarty, is a beautifully written story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Whenever I sit down to read a book by this author, I know I am in for a treat, and this book definitely exceeded my expectations.
Kate has been to hell and back...her husband, Nick, has left her alone and homeless to raise their three children while he moved on with his life and another woman. Left with nowhere to go, she ends up moving in with her father. She is completely devastated by the affair, and the quick downward spiral her life took immediately after. This is something nobody should ever have to deal with, but all too often, so many do. However, Kate is a strong woman, and she found a way to get through it all, regardless of the obstacles she had to overcome. Just when she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel, she receives news that no parent ever wants to hear...her twelve-year-old daughter Jessica has cancer.
The story that unfolds will definitely pull at your heartstrings. Kate is an amazing character...a strong woman on the outside, while on the inside, she's falling apart piece by piece...all while trying to keep her family together. Her kids haven't been the same since her family broke up. Luke, her eighteen-year-old son, wants nothing to do with his dad. Jessica, the optimist, tries to keep things civil between her parents...a responsibility no child should have to take on. Bobby is the youngest, and like Luke, he has also lost respect for his dad. As Jessica's health deteriorates, the family has to learn how to deal with it and they all struggle to do so.
The author perfectly balances the good with the bad....there are times you will laugh, and times you will cry. The characters are extremely well-written, and the situation is one that is all too realistic. This is a story that will take you on a rollercoaster ride filled with emotion, but one you will remember long after the story ends. I can't stress enough just how amazing this story is. I strongly recommend reading this beautifully told story that is guaranteed to touch your heart and soul!
I received an advance copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Kate has been to hell and back...her husband, Nick, has left her alone and homeless to raise their three children while he moved on with his life and another woman. Left with nowhere to go, she ends up moving in with her father. She is completely devastated by the affair, and the quick downward spiral her life took immediately after. This is something nobody should ever have to deal with, but all too often, so many do. However, Kate is a strong woman, and she found a way to get through it all, regardless of the obstacles she had to overcome. Just when she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel, she receives news that no parent ever wants to hear...her twelve-year-old daughter Jessica has cancer.
The story that unfolds will definitely pull at your heartstrings. Kate is an amazing character...a strong woman on the outside, while on the inside, she's falling apart piece by piece...all while trying to keep her family together. Her kids haven't been the same since her family broke up. Luke, her eighteen-year-old son, wants nothing to do with his dad. Jessica, the optimist, tries to keep things civil between her parents...a responsibility no child should have to take on. Bobby is the youngest, and like Luke, he has also lost respect for his dad. As Jessica's health deteriorates, the family has to learn how to deal with it and they all struggle to do so.
The author perfectly balances the good with the bad....there are times you will laugh, and times you will cry. The characters are extremely well-written, and the situation is one that is all too realistic. This is a story that will take you on a rollercoaster ride filled with emotion, but one you will remember long after the story ends. I can't stress enough just how amazing this story is. I strongly recommend reading this beautifully told story that is guaranteed to touch your heart and soul!
I received an advance copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
August 2, 2017
Emotionally an unparalleled journey!
This novel starts off commonly enough with the breakup of a family through a difficult divorce. It's relevant and honest in it's realistic view and grabs you from the start, especially if you're a child of divorce or have become a single parent through it. And that's just the beginning of a fabulous and heartwarming, heartbreaking journey as Kate, Luke, Jess, Bobby and even Nick ...plus an extended cast of equally as well developed and colorful cast of characters that fill their lives with laughter, madness and unwavering love and support...traverse the horrendous mine field of childhood cancer and the fight to persevere, hold everyone together and find peace and joy while grabbing onto life with desperate hands and hearts. This is a painfully honest glimpse into the laughter, fights, joy and pain of such an unexpected and unfair part of life and death that effects everyone within the family and their individual lives as they plow through the uncertainty and dangerous decisions and treatments as well as the emotional tsunami that threatens to overtake them all along the way. It's a simple storyline that could fail and fall into overused and well known concepts and just rely on the reader's emotions and experience to drive it to success. However, it doesn't do that!! It's exceptionally well written and explores the depth of the range of emotions that others often shy away from. It's more than just tugging heartstrings but a fully developed life of a family grappling with all the complexities of life beyond just the illness and battle with cancer...the fight to not become defined and destroyed by the illness. I loved this story but the additional insight into the thoughts and emotions of one of the characters who seems to have become lost and overlooked by events and a world he doesn't understand is inspirational and makes you wish you could step into the story and help in some way. To capture the voice of this character in an unflinching and realistic way is a testament to the talent of this author and one of the highlights of this novel that sets it apart from many dealing with the same subject matter. This was my first novel by Sinead Moriarity but I am immediately following this up with another of the two that I've already purchased upon completion of this story even before my tears had dried.
This novel starts off commonly enough with the breakup of a family through a difficult divorce. It's relevant and honest in it's realistic view and grabs you from the start, especially if you're a child of divorce or have become a single parent through it. And that's just the beginning of a fabulous and heartwarming, heartbreaking journey as Kate, Luke, Jess, Bobby and even Nick ...plus an extended cast of equally as well developed and colorful cast of characters that fill their lives with laughter, madness and unwavering love and support...traverse the horrendous mine field of childhood cancer and the fight to persevere, hold everyone together and find peace and joy while grabbing onto life with desperate hands and hearts. This is a painfully honest glimpse into the laughter, fights, joy and pain of such an unexpected and unfair part of life and death that effects everyone within the family and their individual lives as they plow through the uncertainty and dangerous decisions and treatments as well as the emotional tsunami that threatens to overtake them all along the way. It's a simple storyline that could fail and fall into overused and well known concepts and just rely on the reader's emotions and experience to drive it to success. However, it doesn't do that!! It's exceptionally well written and explores the depth of the range of emotions that others often shy away from. It's more than just tugging heartstrings but a fully developed life of a family grappling with all the complexities of life beyond just the illness and battle with cancer...the fight to not become defined and destroyed by the illness. I loved this story but the additional insight into the thoughts and emotions of one of the characters who seems to have become lost and overlooked by events and a world he doesn't understand is inspirational and makes you wish you could step into the story and help in some way. To capture the voice of this character in an unflinching and realistic way is a testament to the talent of this author and one of the highlights of this novel that sets it apart from many dealing with the same subject matter. This was my first novel by Sinead Moriarity but I am immediately following this up with another of the two that I've already purchased upon completion of this story even before my tears had dried.
August 2, 2019
De que va: Despues de que su marido le deja por otra, Kate y sus tres hijos han pasado por lo peor. Despues de mudarse a casa de su padre, empieza a ver la luz al final del tunel. Sin embargo, de la nada les dan la noticia de que Jess, su hija de 12 años, tiene cancer. A Kate, la vida le vuelve a poner a prueba. Su hijo de 18 años odia a su padre, su hijo de 7 esta en modo rebelde, y su ex-marido no asume sus responsabilidades. En medio de todo esto, su hija lucha contra su enfermedad, y empeora por momentos. Kate sabe que tiene que dejar de lado sus miedos y su corazon roto y estar al ñ lado de sus hijos, sobretodo con Jess. Pero y si hacer lo correcto, significa tener que hacer algo impensable?
Opinion: Decir que este libro es una lectura facil es completamente incorrecto. Si eres de lagrima facil, no os lo recomiendo (especialmente las ultimas 30 paginas). Si eres como yo, y casi nunca lloras, dejame que te recomiende que cojas kleenex, porque lo vas a necesitar. Como os fije en la seccion de "De Que Va" despues de pasar por una infidelidad por parte de su marido, y que este le dejara sola con 3 hijos, Kate ahora afronta la noticia de que a su hija Jess, de 12 años, le diagnostican con leucemia. Este libro va de esta lucha y de como afecta la vida a todos los que rodean a Jess. No soy de dejar libros a medias, pero ha sido todo un reto no dejar de leer este libro. @sineadmoriartywriter nos cuenta una historia honesta, llena de emociones fuertes, y casi doloroso de leer. Nunca habia leido nada de esta autora, pero no dudo en sus habilidades para escribir y en la manera que define y caracteriza a sus personajes. Me gusto mucho, pero vuelvo a decir, no soy de las que se emocionan facilmente, pero me rompio en mil pedazos el corazon. Si no soportais momentos duros, no os lo recomiendo. No hay momento en el que no te haga derramar una lagrima, llenarte de emociones, o incluso sentir dolor por la familia y amigos de Jess, y por ella misma.
Opinion: Decir que este libro es una lectura facil es completamente incorrecto. Si eres de lagrima facil, no os lo recomiendo (especialmente las ultimas 30 paginas). Si eres como yo, y casi nunca lloras, dejame que te recomiende que cojas kleenex, porque lo vas a necesitar. Como os fije en la seccion de "De Que Va" despues de pasar por una infidelidad por parte de su marido, y que este le dejara sola con 3 hijos, Kate ahora afronta la noticia de que a su hija Jess, de 12 años, le diagnostican con leucemia. Este libro va de esta lucha y de como afecta la vida a todos los que rodean a Jess. No soy de dejar libros a medias, pero ha sido todo un reto no dejar de leer este libro. @sineadmoriartywriter nos cuenta una historia honesta, llena de emociones fuertes, y casi doloroso de leer. Nunca habia leido nada de esta autora, pero no dudo en sus habilidades para escribir y en la manera que define y caracteriza a sus personajes. Me gusto mucho, pero vuelvo a decir, no soy de las que se emocionan facilmente, pero me rompio en mil pedazos el corazon. Si no soportais momentos duros, no os lo recomiendo. No hay momento en el que no te haga derramar una lagrima, llenarte de emociones, o incluso sentir dolor por la familia y amigos de Jess, y por ella misma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2022
Myslím si, že knihu DOBRÁ MATKA si může přečíst naprosto kdokoliv, ať už je čtenář žena nebo muž. Je to smutný příběh a já jsem si tuto knihu vybral k přečtení před Vánocemi, což asi nebyl dobrý nápad. Po přečtení knihy jsem myslel na tento příběh a dotazoval jsem se, jestli se matka rozhodla v určité záležitosti správně či nikoliv. Matčino rozhodnutí je velmi těžké hodnotit a možná budou mít čtenáři na její rozhodnutí rozdílné názory. Pokud bych se ocitl v roli matky, sám nevím, jak bych se zachoval..
Nejtěžší ze všeho je, když onemocní děti nějakou zákeřnou nemocí a hodně při tom trpí! Rodiče stojí při svých dětech, pomáhají jim v těchto těžkých chvílích, stejně jako hrdinové tohoto románu své dvanáctileté dceři. Pro všechny jsou to těžké chvíle, které si člověk nedovede představit, pokud se v této situaci neocitl osobně, anebo jako osoba, která má nemocné dítě. Já vždy přemýšlím nad tím, proč děti musí takto trpět? Kladu si otázku PROČ a připadá mi to hodně nespravedlivé, protože děti by si měly hrát, smát se, provádět nezbednosti, měly by si užívat života plnými doušky, a nikoliv trávit své chvíle v nemocnici a trpět! Jsou to otázky mezi nebem a zemí, které nedovedeme pochopit a já vždy o tom přemýšlím, když čtu knihy s tímto námětem.
Kniha se četla celkově dobře, celkově nemám asi ke knize žádné výhrady. Všechno působilo důvěryhodně a tak, jak jde život. Knihu jsem si rozložil do více dnů, protože mi svým tématem dala hodně zabrat, hlavně emocionálně mě docela vyšťavila. Samozřejmě při této knize jsem se neubránil ani slzám, jinak to nešlo, a pokud čtenář není z kamene a má srdíčko na správném místě, ponechal slzám volný průběh, protože si myslím, že kniha dojme úplně každého čtenáře.
Nejtěžší ze všeho je, když onemocní děti nějakou zákeřnou nemocí a hodně při tom trpí! Rodiče stojí při svých dětech, pomáhají jim v těchto těžkých chvílích, stejně jako hrdinové tohoto románu své dvanáctileté dceři. Pro všechny jsou to těžké chvíle, které si člověk nedovede představit, pokud se v této situaci neocitl osobně, anebo jako osoba, která má nemocné dítě. Já vždy přemýšlím nad tím, proč děti musí takto trpět? Kladu si otázku PROČ a připadá mi to hodně nespravedlivé, protože děti by si měly hrát, smát se, provádět nezbednosti, měly by si užívat života plnými doušky, a nikoliv trávit své chvíle v nemocnici a trpět! Jsou to otázky mezi nebem a zemí, které nedovedeme pochopit a já vždy o tom přemýšlím, když čtu knihy s tímto námětem.
Kniha se četla celkově dobře, celkově nemám asi ke knize žádné výhrady. Všechno působilo důvěryhodně a tak, jak jde život. Knihu jsem si rozložil do více dnů, protože mi svým tématem dala hodně zabrat, hlavně emocionálně mě docela vyšťavila. Samozřejmě při této knize jsem se neubránil ani slzám, jinak to nešlo, a pokud čtenář není z kamene a má srdíčko na správném místě, ponechal slzám volný průběh, protože si myslím, že kniha dojme úplně každého čtenáře.
August 21, 2021
Příběh Kate, matky třech dětí, kterou opustí manžel kvůli mladší ženě. Kate se s tím musí vypořádat a do toho její rodinu zasáhne nečekaná těžká rána – její dvanáctileté dceři Jess lékaři diagnostikovali leukemii. Rodina je tak vystavena další zkoušce, která je může stmelit anebo navždy rozdělit.
Tak tohle jsem vážně nečekala, rodinné drama, které Vás chytne a nepustí. Knížku jsem přečetla za jeden den, protože jsem potřebovala nutně vědět, jak to bude dál. Než se pustíte do čtení, připravte si opravdu hodně kapesníčků, já brečela od začátku až do konce. Možná i díky tomu, že jsem ve věku Kate a sama mám stejně staré děti, tak mě to opravdu hodně zasáhlo.
To, co prožívala hlavní hrdinka, si neumím, a hlavně ani nechci, představit. Knížka, která je plná emocí, je psána svižně, žádné zbytečné „omáčky“ kolem, celé to má spád a nutí Vás to číst dál. Kromě samotné nemoci řeší rodina další problémy, které se dějí i v běžném životě, takže se v příběhu spoustu čtenářů najde.
Autorka se snažila vážné téma odlehčit vtipnými momenty a myslím, že se ji to povedlo a nejednou jsem se při čtení musela usmívat a zasmát.
Co mi trošku vadilo, tak deníček nejmladšího syna, který se několikrát v knížce objevil. Deníček byl plný chyb. Chápu, že se autorka snažila, abychom viděli problémy rodiny očima nejmladšího sedmiletého syna, ale pro mě to byl rušivý moment. Buď bych tam chyby nepsala vůbec anebo úplně vynechala tuto část.
Ale jinak knížka, která obzvláště všechny matky, chytne u srdce. I když k ní mám pár malých výhrad, nemohu hodnotit jinak než plným počtem hvězd, neboť emoce jsou to, co od knih očekávám. A určitě se podívám i po další knize autorky.
Tak tohle jsem vážně nečekala, rodinné drama, které Vás chytne a nepustí. Knížku jsem přečetla za jeden den, protože jsem potřebovala nutně vědět, jak to bude dál. Než se pustíte do čtení, připravte si opravdu hodně kapesníčků, já brečela od začátku až do konce. Možná i díky tomu, že jsem ve věku Kate a sama mám stejně staré děti, tak mě to opravdu hodně zasáhlo.
To, co prožívala hlavní hrdinka, si neumím, a hlavně ani nechci, představit. Knížka, která je plná emocí, je psána svižně, žádné zbytečné „omáčky“ kolem, celé to má spád a nutí Vás to číst dál. Kromě samotné nemoci řeší rodina další problémy, které se dějí i v běžném životě, takže se v příběhu spoustu čtenářů najde.
Autorka se snažila vážné téma odlehčit vtipnými momenty a myslím, že se ji to povedlo a nejednou jsem se při čtení musela usmívat a zasmát.
Co mi trošku vadilo, tak deníček nejmladšího syna, který se několikrát v knížce objevil. Deníček byl plný chyb. Chápu, že se autorka snažila, abychom viděli problémy rodiny očima nejmladšího sedmiletého syna, ale pro mě to byl rušivý moment. Buď bych tam chyby nepsala vůbec anebo úplně vynechala tuto část.
Ale jinak knížka, která obzvláště všechny matky, chytne u srdce. I když k ní mám pár malých výhrad, nemohu hodnotit jinak než plným počtem hvězd, neboť emoce jsou to, co od knih očekávám. A určitě se podívám i po další knize autorky.
May 19, 2017
This book. It needs a warning.
DO NOT OPEN WITHOUT TISSUES
It's been a while since I've read one of Sinead's books so I was so delighted when this came throught the letterbox. (Thanks Penguin.) It took me so long to write this review because I needed to get over all the feels this book gave me.
In the beginning of the book Kate is moving out of her home and in with her dad after a difficult separation. In the midst of all the chaos her daughter Jess is diagnosed with cancer. I'm not a parent, but I don't have to be as Sinead ensured that I felt every hurt that Kate experienced as she journeyed with Jess through her illness.
Books with cancer as the center of the plot tend to focus on the sufferer but what I loved about The Good Mother is that it showed the affect an illness can have on the whole family. I felt desperately sad for Jess's brothers and I felt angry at how her dad acted. He walked out on them then felt he had to take over and be obnoxious during difficult times.
Parts of the story are told through the eyes of the youngest character, Bobby. I feel like Sinead really nailed what it must be like for a small child to face the prospect of loosing a sibling. It must be so confusing. We're often quick to write off their feelings and think they don't understand but they do, and in the end Bobby shows exactly how much he understands.
The Good Mother is as absorbing as it is heartbreaking. I knew, what was coming, but I didn't want it happen, yet I couldn't stop turning the pages. Now, that is a good read.
DO NOT OPEN WITHOUT TISSUES
It's been a while since I've read one of Sinead's books so I was so delighted when this came throught the letterbox. (Thanks Penguin.) It took me so long to write this review because I needed to get over all the feels this book gave me.
In the beginning of the book Kate is moving out of her home and in with her dad after a difficult separation. In the midst of all the chaos her daughter Jess is diagnosed with cancer. I'm not a parent, but I don't have to be as Sinead ensured that I felt every hurt that Kate experienced as she journeyed with Jess through her illness.
Books with cancer as the center of the plot tend to focus on the sufferer but what I loved about The Good Mother is that it showed the affect an illness can have on the whole family. I felt desperately sad for Jess's brothers and I felt angry at how her dad acted. He walked out on them then felt he had to take over and be obnoxious during difficult times.
Parts of the story are told through the eyes of the youngest character, Bobby. I feel like Sinead really nailed what it must be like for a small child to face the prospect of loosing a sibling. It must be so confusing. We're often quick to write off their feelings and think they don't understand but they do, and in the end Bobby shows exactly how much he understands.
The Good Mother is as absorbing as it is heartbreaking. I knew, what was coming, but I didn't want it happen, yet I couldn't stop turning the pages. Now, that is a good read.
March 2, 2025
I picked up this book without reading the blurb because I had heard many good things about Sinéad. Once I picked up this book with Kate standing inside of an empty house ready to embark on the tough journey of becoming a divorcee and single mother unexpectedly, I knew I was in for an emotional rollercoaster.
With every new symptom and diagnosis for Jess, I felt my anxiety growing because she was ignoring her ailing health for the sake of the family. She only spoke up once the pain became unbearable and she never complained. As Jess' cancer happened gradually, I felt the pace of the book quicken to symbolise how quickly things can change. With every new side effect, setback, hurdle, and small victory, my heart was bleeding for Kate. She just wanted to pick up the pieces of her life but it felt like she was picking up grains of sand at the beach. My heart broke for Kate and so many others like her (and me) clinging on to that hope that things will get better because they simply have to.
This was an emotionally charged read and I loved it! Sinéad Moriarty is a wordsmith and I am elated to have found her book at my local charity shop. With absolute certainty, this makes it into my list of favourite books. Clearly, I love these types of books because Girl in Pieces and All the Bright Places finally have someone rivalling their place.
Moriarty is a wordsmith! This book was a phenomenal read
With every new symptom and diagnosis for Jess, I felt my anxiety growing because she was ignoring her ailing health for the sake of the family. She only spoke up once the pain became unbearable and she never complained. As Jess' cancer happened gradually, I felt the pace of the book quicken to symbolise how quickly things can change. With every new side effect, setback, hurdle, and small victory, my heart was bleeding for Kate. She just wanted to pick up the pieces of her life but it felt like she was picking up grains of sand at the beach. My heart broke for Kate and so many others like her (and me) clinging on to that hope that things will get better because they simply have to.
This was an emotionally charged read and I loved it! Sinéad Moriarty is a wordsmith and I am elated to have found her book at my local charity shop. With absolute certainty, this makes it into my list of favourite books. Clearly, I love these types of books because Girl in Pieces and All the Bright Places finally have someone rivalling their place.
Moriarty is a wordsmith! This book was a phenomenal read
December 2, 2019
Ó Istenem, ez a könyv darabokra tépett!
Kilenc évet kellett várnunk arra, hogy újabb történetet olvashassunk az írónőtől, de maximálisan megérte.
Sok-sok évvel ezelőtt, még meg se volt a Nagy (aki ma már 10 éves), amikor először találkoztam az írónő történeteivel. Azonnal, egymás után faltam be az akkor már megjelent 3 regényét (Babablues, Egyről a kettőre, Született szülők) és imádtam őket! Életszagúak voltak, mindennapiak, tanulságosak, humorosak. Egyedi humorral írt az írónő a gyerekvállalás nehézségeiről vagy épp a gyereknevelésről. Tudjátok, nem a szirupos tündérmeséről, hanem a valóságról. Amikor hajnalban a százhuszadik ébredése után a kicsinek, nekimentek kómásan a falnak, amikor úgy szoptatsz, hogy fel se ébredsz, amikor sót teszel a reggeli kávédba cukor helyett. Pont azt szerettem a történeteiben, hogy a valóságról írt kendőzetlenül, és a humorának köszönhetően képes voltál nevetni a saját sutaságodon is.
Aztán A földre szállt nagynéni már érezhetően más volt. Komolyabb, de ugyanakkor mégis könnyed. Mint amikor Bridget Jones elkezd felnőni. És akkor jött A jó anya. Az a történet, ami már nem humoros volt, de mégis életszagú és fájdalmas. Az a történet, amit olvasva szerintem minden szülő, testvér, nagyszülő, rokon, barát, darabokra hullik. Ez a könyv beléd mar, szenvedsz a betűktől, de nem tudod letenni, mert tudni akarod. És úgy csukod be, hogy minden lapján ott vannak a könnycseppjeidnek a nyomai.
Furán hangzik azt írni erre a történetre, hogy szép, tekintve arra, hogy miről szól, de mégis az. Az írónő egy szép családot hozott össze. Életszagúak. Vannak problémáik, nehézségeik, veszekednek, harcolnak, olyan valóságosak. És sajnos valóságos az a probléma is, amiről szól. Magyarországon a 15 éven aluliak között évente kb. 150 új daganatos betegséget diagnosztizálnak. Ezeknek a 24%-a leukémia, a Gyermekleukémia Alapítvány adatai szerint.
Nem lehetett letenni ezt a könyvet, faltam és faltam. Még akkor is, hogy szinte végigsírtam. Az utolsó oldalaknál folyamatosan sírtam, a férjem azt se tudta, hogy mi bajom van. (Este, lefekvés előtt olvastam az ágyban.) Egyszerűen a kínok kínját éltem át csak a TUDAT miatt.
Nagyon ajánlom a figyelmetekbe! Nagyon sírós, nagyon megható, nagyon darabokra tépi a szívedet, de az írónő megint egy csodát alkotott és ezt olvasni kell!
Bővebben: https://azajtom.blogspot.com/2019/12/...
Kilenc évet kellett várnunk arra, hogy újabb történetet olvashassunk az írónőtől, de maximálisan megérte.
Sok-sok évvel ezelőtt, még meg se volt a Nagy (aki ma már 10 éves), amikor először találkoztam az írónő történeteivel. Azonnal, egymás után faltam be az akkor már megjelent 3 regényét (Babablues, Egyről a kettőre, Született szülők) és imádtam őket! Életszagúak voltak, mindennapiak, tanulságosak, humorosak. Egyedi humorral írt az írónő a gyerekvállalás nehézségeiről vagy épp a gyereknevelésről. Tudjátok, nem a szirupos tündérmeséről, hanem a valóságról. Amikor hajnalban a százhuszadik ébredése után a kicsinek, nekimentek kómásan a falnak, amikor úgy szoptatsz, hogy fel se ébredsz, amikor sót teszel a reggeli kávédba cukor helyett. Pont azt szerettem a történeteiben, hogy a valóságról írt kendőzetlenül, és a humorának köszönhetően képes voltál nevetni a saját sutaságodon is.
Aztán A földre szállt nagynéni már érezhetően más volt. Komolyabb, de ugyanakkor mégis könnyed. Mint amikor Bridget Jones elkezd felnőni. És akkor jött A jó anya. Az a történet, ami már nem humoros volt, de mégis életszagú és fájdalmas. Az a történet, amit olvasva szerintem minden szülő, testvér, nagyszülő, rokon, barát, darabokra hullik. Ez a könyv beléd mar, szenvedsz a betűktől, de nem tudod letenni, mert tudni akarod. És úgy csukod be, hogy minden lapján ott vannak a könnycseppjeidnek a nyomai.
Furán hangzik azt írni erre a történetre, hogy szép, tekintve arra, hogy miről szól, de mégis az. Az írónő egy szép családot hozott össze. Életszagúak. Vannak problémáik, nehézségeik, veszekednek, harcolnak, olyan valóságosak. És sajnos valóságos az a probléma is, amiről szól. Magyarországon a 15 éven aluliak között évente kb. 150 új daganatos betegséget diagnosztizálnak. Ezeknek a 24%-a leukémia, a Gyermekleukémia Alapítvány adatai szerint.
Nem lehetett letenni ezt a könyvet, faltam és faltam. Még akkor is, hogy szinte végigsírtam. Az utolsó oldalaknál folyamatosan sírtam, a férjem azt se tudta, hogy mi bajom van. (Este, lefekvés előtt olvastam az ágyban.) Egyszerűen a kínok kínját éltem át csak a TUDAT miatt.
Nagyon ajánlom a figyelmetekbe! Nagyon sírós, nagyon megható, nagyon darabokra tépi a szívedet, de az írónő megint egy csodát alkotott és ezt olvasni kell!
Bővebben: https://azajtom.blogspot.com/2019/12/...
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