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Mother
‘Brilliant! Cuts to the heart yet powerfully uplifting’ Jane Corry
Her love for her daughter is everything
Her love for him is deadly
Cath had twenty-five perfect days with her newborn daughter before Mia's deadly illness was diagnosed.
As her life implodes, Cath’s despair drives her to a parental support group where she meets a father in a similar situation, the dangerously attractive Richard – charming, handsome and adamant that a cure for their children lies just over the horizon: everything Cath wants to believe.
Their affair – and the chance to escape reality – is unavoidable, but carries catastrophic consequences: the nature of Mia’s illness means that Cath’s betrayal endangers not just her marriage but the life of her baby.
Can she stop herself before it’s too late?
Her love for her daughter is everything
Her love for him is deadly
Cath had twenty-five perfect days with her newborn daughter before Mia's deadly illness was diagnosed.
As her life implodes, Cath’s despair drives her to a parental support group where she meets a father in a similar situation, the dangerously attractive Richard – charming, handsome and adamant that a cure for their children lies just over the horizon: everything Cath wants to believe.
Their affair – and the chance to escape reality – is unavoidable, but carries catastrophic consequences: the nature of Mia’s illness means that Cath’s betrayal endangers not just her marriage but the life of her baby.
Can she stop herself before it’s too late?
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2018
87 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 25, 2018
Cath has just 25 days of 'normality' with her newborn baby, before Mia is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestine. Long-term issues include difficulty breathing and coughing up mucus as a result of frequent lung infections.
It's easy to see how a couple faced with such a frightening diagnosis would retreat into a corner, as if in war, preparing for battle, apportioning blame on the only ones they can - each other.
Cath and her husband Dave, find it impossible to talk to each other any more (difficult to be in the same room as each other) so Dave finds solace in football matches and a pint with his mates, while Cath joins a CF parental support group. It's here that she meets Richard, who’s daughter also has CF. Richard is handsome and charming and they begin a passionate love affair that puts not only their already precarious marriages in danger, but baby Mia's life in peril too!
This was so well written that it’s difficult to say you didn’t like the characters very much, Cath in particular. She knowingly puts Mia’s life in danger, preferring to put her role as a woman and mistress significantly higher than her role as a mother. She’s undoubtedly selfish, which also happens to describe Richard too, though his selfishness goes off the radar!
The narrative is written entirely from Cath’s perspective, and although we are given a sense of her immediate family’s feelings, it would have been good to see it from Dave’s point of view.
Motherhood can be a difficult and exhausting time anyway, without the stress and anxiety of that precious little bundle who you’ve waited 9 months to meet, being diagnosed with a life limiting disease, and in that respect it’s a distressing and moving read, but the author made this journey so compelling, and so informative, that there was no putting this one down!
* Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for my Arc. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
It's easy to see how a couple faced with such a frightening diagnosis would retreat into a corner, as if in war, preparing for battle, apportioning blame on the only ones they can - each other.
Cath and her husband Dave, find it impossible to talk to each other any more (difficult to be in the same room as each other) so Dave finds solace in football matches and a pint with his mates, while Cath joins a CF parental support group. It's here that she meets Richard, who’s daughter also has CF. Richard is handsome and charming and they begin a passionate love affair that puts not only their already precarious marriages in danger, but baby Mia's life in peril too!
This was so well written that it’s difficult to say you didn’t like the characters very much, Cath in particular. She knowingly puts Mia’s life in danger, preferring to put her role as a woman and mistress significantly higher than her role as a mother. She’s undoubtedly selfish, which also happens to describe Richard too, though his selfishness goes off the radar!
The narrative is written entirely from Cath’s perspective, and although we are given a sense of her immediate family’s feelings, it would have been good to see it from Dave’s point of view.
Motherhood can be a difficult and exhausting time anyway, without the stress and anxiety of that precious little bundle who you’ve waited 9 months to meet, being diagnosed with a life limiting disease, and in that respect it’s a distressing and moving read, but the author made this journey so compelling, and so informative, that there was no putting this one down!
* Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for my Arc. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
January 9, 2020
Oh Dave, where was your POV on this situation, how did you feel.
We have a couple who struggled with infertility for many years. Finally they have Mia.
After a few week with their beloved daughter they learn that she has medical complications. A condition CFS.
I fully get and understand the implications of how this would be. The strain and worry of it all.
The selfishness of the parents were beyond my comprehension. But then, not everyone reacts to situations in the same way, so I got over my judging anyone.
It’s well written and easy to follow.
Lots of research done on this subject matter, that goes without saying.
An OK read with lots of feeling.
We have a couple who struggled with infertility for many years. Finally they have Mia.
After a few week with their beloved daughter they learn that she has medical complications. A condition CFS.
I fully get and understand the implications of how this would be. The strain and worry of it all.
The selfishness of the parents were beyond my comprehension. But then, not everyone reacts to situations in the same way, so I got over my judging anyone.
It’s well written and easy to follow.
Lots of research done on this subject matter, that goes without saying.
An OK read with lots of feeling.
August 7, 2018
Cath and Dave’s initially excitement of parenthood is short lived.
As 25 days after baby Mia’s birth, she is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
This earth shattering news instantly impacts on the couples relationship.
Cath starts attends a support group that leads her to meet Richard.
Finding it easy to connect with him, Cath soon finds herself falling for him.
Cath is not only putting her marriage on the line, but Mia’s life too.
Even though her actions are totally out of character, it’s easy to sympathise with Cath.
I felt that the book helped give and insight into what life’s like with CF.
It’s a tough subject mater and Begbie handles it delicately.
I would have liked to have seen more of Dave’s side of the story though.
As 25 days after baby Mia’s birth, she is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
This earth shattering news instantly impacts on the couples relationship.
Cath starts attends a support group that leads her to meet Richard.
Finding it easy to connect with him, Cath soon finds herself falling for him.
Cath is not only putting her marriage on the line, but Mia’s life too.
Even though her actions are totally out of character, it’s easy to sympathise with Cath.
I felt that the book helped give and insight into what life’s like with CF.
It’s a tough subject mater and Begbie handles it delicately.
I would have liked to have seen more of Dave’s side of the story though.
September 21, 2018
I can always appreciate it when a book raises awareness of a disability or illness of some sort, and the exploration of both IVF treatment and cystic fibrosis was a heartbreaking and extremely emotional journey here. Unfortunately, I didn't find it was a story I could get invested in despite the important topics being handled with sensitivity. It wasn't as compelling as I thought it was going to be, and not only that but it started out so slow it literally felt like it was going absolutely nowhere. If you're looking for a thriller then I suggest looking elsewhere to avoid disappointment as this certainly hasn't enough thrills to be labelled as one! It is better defined as womens fiction/chick lit with an evocative medical based plot, but ultimately not what it states in the synopsis. It explores, in particular, the range of emotions felt by family and friends when Cath's daughter, Mia, is born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs which can lead to problems breathing and frequent lung infections.
The characters weren't at all likeable or relatable, so if you appreciate someone to cheer for in a story then this is likely not for you. The author would've fared better writing a non-fiction book as although this was fiction, it very much felt as though I was reading a medical textbook. I'm sure the information is completely accurate as I understand the author has a child with CF, it just felt out of place in a novel of this type. It really could've done a lot of good to raise awareness of an often misunderstood condition, but it just didn't work for me i'm afraid.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The characters weren't at all likeable or relatable, so if you appreciate someone to cheer for in a story then this is likely not for you. The author would've fared better writing a non-fiction book as although this was fiction, it very much felt as though I was reading a medical textbook. I'm sure the information is completely accurate as I understand the author has a child with CF, it just felt out of place in a novel of this type. It really could've done a lot of good to raise awareness of an often misunderstood condition, but it just didn't work for me i'm afraid.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 5, 2018
Cathy meets Richard at a support group, both their children have Cystic Fibrosis, and baby Mia is just diagnosed so Cathy is sad, guilt ridden and angry,
Her husband Dave is coping in his own way, so when Richard reaches out she finds someones who understands and also cares.
This is an emotional read and I had real empathy for Cathy. She is looking to save her child and Richard gives her hope and maybe something more.
It is a difficult topic and the author did good job at portraying Cathy through the many emotions of finding out your much wanted baby might die.
The end was unexpected and although this was a slow burning tale, it is well worth read.
It made me think how I might behave if I had been in Cathy's shoes.
Sad, brutal and beautiful
Her husband Dave is coping in his own way, so when Richard reaches out she finds someones who understands and also cares.
This is an emotional read and I had real empathy for Cathy. She is looking to save her child and Richard gives her hope and maybe something more.
It is a difficult topic and the author did good job at portraying Cathy through the many emotions of finding out your much wanted baby might die.
The end was unexpected and although this was a slow burning tale, it is well worth read.
It made me think how I might behave if I had been in Cathy's shoes.
Sad, brutal and beautiful
June 19, 2018
Her love for her daughter is everything Her love for him is deadly
Cath had twenty-five perfect amazing days with her newborn daughter and then something terrible happens Mia's deadly illness was diagnosed. and it sends shock waves through Cath and her husband..
in order to cope Cath joins a cystic fibrosis group to help her understand about her daughters illness there she meets Richard a man who's 15 year old Daughter has the same illness they both become close then Lovers but will her love for him harm her Daughter??
well i'm going to be very honest and say i did not like this book, i not like to give bad reviews but this book was boring and it didn't really have much of a story Cath spent most of the book Crying, i found it a real struggle to finish this book in the end i got to 88% of the book and i gave up i couldn't read anymore their was nothing about this book i enjoyed there was way to much medical talk it felt like i was reading a medical book about cystic fibrosis i feel bad about leaving this review but i have to be honest and say i didn't like it but some other people may like the book
Cath had twenty-five perfect amazing days with her newborn daughter and then something terrible happens Mia's deadly illness was diagnosed. and it sends shock waves through Cath and her husband..
in order to cope Cath joins a cystic fibrosis group to help her understand about her daughters illness there she meets Richard a man who's 15 year old Daughter has the same illness they both become close then Lovers but will her love for him harm her Daughter??
well i'm going to be very honest and say i did not like this book, i not like to give bad reviews but this book was boring and it didn't really have much of a story Cath spent most of the book Crying, i found it a real struggle to finish this book in the end i got to 88% of the book and i gave up i couldn't read anymore their was nothing about this book i enjoyed there was way to much medical talk it felt like i was reading a medical book about cystic fibrosis i feel bad about leaving this review but i have to be honest and say i didn't like it but some other people may like the book
September 20, 2018
After years or trying for a baby and later on using IVF, Cath and Dave finally have a beautiful baby girl. Everything is fine until a test shows that baby Mia has Systic Fibrosis. Lives are broken and Cath seeks comfort in another man's arms.
This book was an OK read but I also found it a bit confusing and messy in its writing style. And I don't understand why the book is called Mother
This book was an OK read but I also found it a bit confusing and messy in its writing style. And I don't understand why the book is called Mother
September 14, 2018
I thought the book was very interesting and a good read. I found the main character Cath to be extremely irritating and very selfish though. She was very self-centered making it about herself and not about her poorly daughter. I have been in the same position as the character Cath as my baby is poorly, she had a massive operation and will need regular check ups her whole life but I made sure she was ok and well taken of and put her needs first no matter my feelings. Other than that I did enjoy the book. I learnt a lot about cystic fibrosis which I never knew so I think it’s definitely going to help spread awareness. I hope to see more books from this author in the future. I definitely recommend it.
November 7, 2018
voto 4.5
Salve Confine.
Lo sentite l'odore del weekend in arrivo? Io sì, forte e chiaro, e non vedo l’ora, così potrò dedicare più tempo ad un paio di romanzi che ho tra le mani e che voglio divorare.
Intanto oggi vi parlerò di un bellissimo romanzo edito Fabbri, che ringrazio, dal titolo "Siamo stati una famiglia felice", di Hannah Begbie e di recente uscita.
Cath e Dave sono una coppia felice, finalmente. Dopo diversi tentativi di avere un figlio, finalmente arriva Mia.
La loro gioia è infinita, ma tanta felicità dura poco.
A 25 giorni dalla nascita a Mia viene diagnosticata la fibrosi cistica, una malattia genetica grave che viene trasmessa quando entrambi i genitori sono portatori sani di un preciso gene mutato.
La disperazione dei due novelli genitori è tanta, ma ognuno elabora la notizia a modo suo e mentre Cath va fuori di testa, si colpevolizza per via del gene e sembra non riuscire a prendersi cura della figlioletta come deve, Dave ha una reazione più contenuta e speranzosa.
Cath ha precedenti di depressione e Dave non vuole che la sua amata si incammini di nuovo verso quella direzione, così cerca di mantenere la situazione più facile e calma possibile, ma questo suo atteggiamento disturba Cath ancora di più.
I due cominciano ad allontanarsi, a essere in disaccordo su come prendersi cura di Mia, su quale tipo di speranza coltivare per il suo futuro.
Cath decide di unirsi ad un gruppo di genitori di figli malati di fibrosi cistica e lì incontra Richard.
Richard ha una figlia adolescente, che ama molto, malata di fibrosi, e sembra capire Cath come nemmeno il marito riesce a fare.
Richard ha lo stesso problema con la moglie ed un matrimonio ormai finito.
Tra il dolore e la disperazione, Cath e Richard cominciano una relazione segreta, che però mette a rischio la vita delle figlie.
Infatti i malati di fibrosi cistica non possono interagire tra loro per via delle infezioni che possono mischiarsi o che possono prendere da persone che sono state a contatto.
Cath ha paura di portare a casa della figlia una qualche infezione o virus preso dal suo contatto fisico con Richard, che sta chiaramente a contatto con sua figlia, ma questo non la ferma dal voler provare quel sollivo che solo l'uomo riesce a darle.
Inventa così situazioni in cui può stare con lui, ma questo la allontana dal marito e persino dalla figlia.
Giocare col fuoco porta inevitabilmente a bruciarsi e questo accade a Cath, che rischia di impazzire quando Mia, ad un tratto, sviluppa un tipo nuovo di infezione.
Ha portato lei quel virus in casa?
È stata colpa sua e del suo intimo contatto con Richard?
Mia riuscirà a superare questa crisi così pesante per una bimba di pochi mesi?
E il suo matrimonio resisterà a questa tempesta?
"Siamo stati una famiglia felice" tratta di una malattia genetica degenerativa veramente tremenda, ma il fuoco del romanzo non è la malattia e chi ne è affetto, bensì l'effetto che questa ha su chi la vive indirettamente, in questo caso i genitori.
Quando una bomba di queste dimensioni esplode all'interno di un nucleo, inevitabilmente ci si ritrova a pezzi.
Quello che viene dopo l'elaborazione della notizia è ciò che conta veramente.
Resistere e reagire è dura e, spesso, non si trova la forza per farlo, o lo si fa nel modo sbagliato.
Quello che accade al matrimonio di Cath e Dave non è così raro, anzi, credo sia all'ordine del giorno quando una coppia è costretta ad affrontare difficoltà grandi.
Cath e Dave non hanno trovato la chiave giusta e hanno distrutto tutto quello che avevano. La mancanza di comunicazione ha fatto il lavoro grande e le mancanze in generale hanno fatto il resto.
Cath non è da giudicare, nessuno può sapere in anticipo come si comporterà davanti a certe cose.
La sua fragilità, la sua paura per il futuro della figlia e il timore di non essere abbastanza forte da affrontare tutto quanto, la mettono nella situazione di aggrapparsi alla prima fonte di sicurezza, e questa non veniva dal marito, o almeno non veniva dal marito nella forma che lei si aspettava o di cui aveva bisogno.
Anche Dave, nel suo modo di affrontare la malattia della figlia, non va giudicato, anche perché, in aggiunta, ha il fardello della fragilità mentale di Cath da portare addosso.
Una persona che ho capito poco è stata Richard.
Troverete da subito che ha delle mancanze, degli angoli bui, e sebbene verranno svelati alla fine, a me continua a mancare un pezzo di quest'uomo.
Questa è l'unica mancanza di questo meraviglioso romanzo, che si legge in maniera scorrevole grazie allo stile semplice dell'autrice, che riesce a spiegare la malattia e le sue implicazioni in maniera chiara e precisa, così da farci comprendere meglio le paure di Cath e il perché non dovrebbe avere una relazione con Richard.
Tante emozioni e qualche dolore al petto per questa lettura forte e meravigliosa che consiglio vivamente.
Buona lettura.
Salve Confine.
Lo sentite l'odore del weekend in arrivo? Io sì, forte e chiaro, e non vedo l’ora, così potrò dedicare più tempo ad un paio di romanzi che ho tra le mani e che voglio divorare.
Intanto oggi vi parlerò di un bellissimo romanzo edito Fabbri, che ringrazio, dal titolo "Siamo stati una famiglia felice", di Hannah Begbie e di recente uscita.
Cath e Dave sono una coppia felice, finalmente. Dopo diversi tentativi di avere un figlio, finalmente arriva Mia.
La loro gioia è infinita, ma tanta felicità dura poco.
A 25 giorni dalla nascita a Mia viene diagnosticata la fibrosi cistica, una malattia genetica grave che viene trasmessa quando entrambi i genitori sono portatori sani di un preciso gene mutato.
La disperazione dei due novelli genitori è tanta, ma ognuno elabora la notizia a modo suo e mentre Cath va fuori di testa, si colpevolizza per via del gene e sembra non riuscire a prendersi cura della figlioletta come deve, Dave ha una reazione più contenuta e speranzosa.
Cath ha precedenti di depressione e Dave non vuole che la sua amata si incammini di nuovo verso quella direzione, così cerca di mantenere la situazione più facile e calma possibile, ma questo suo atteggiamento disturba Cath ancora di più.
I due cominciano ad allontanarsi, a essere in disaccordo su come prendersi cura di Mia, su quale tipo di speranza coltivare per il suo futuro.
Cath decide di unirsi ad un gruppo di genitori di figli malati di fibrosi cistica e lì incontra Richard.
Richard ha una figlia adolescente, che ama molto, malata di fibrosi, e sembra capire Cath come nemmeno il marito riesce a fare.
Richard ha lo stesso problema con la moglie ed un matrimonio ormai finito.
Tra il dolore e la disperazione, Cath e Richard cominciano una relazione segreta, che però mette a rischio la vita delle figlie.
Infatti i malati di fibrosi cistica non possono interagire tra loro per via delle infezioni che possono mischiarsi o che possono prendere da persone che sono state a contatto.
Cath ha paura di portare a casa della figlia una qualche infezione o virus preso dal suo contatto fisico con Richard, che sta chiaramente a contatto con sua figlia, ma questo non la ferma dal voler provare quel sollivo che solo l'uomo riesce a darle.
Inventa così situazioni in cui può stare con lui, ma questo la allontana dal marito e persino dalla figlia.
Giocare col fuoco porta inevitabilmente a bruciarsi e questo accade a Cath, che rischia di impazzire quando Mia, ad un tratto, sviluppa un tipo nuovo di infezione.
Ha portato lei quel virus in casa?
È stata colpa sua e del suo intimo contatto con Richard?
Mia riuscirà a superare questa crisi così pesante per una bimba di pochi mesi?
E il suo matrimonio resisterà a questa tempesta?
"Siamo stati una famiglia felice" tratta di una malattia genetica degenerativa veramente tremenda, ma il fuoco del romanzo non è la malattia e chi ne è affetto, bensì l'effetto che questa ha su chi la vive indirettamente, in questo caso i genitori.
Quando una bomba di queste dimensioni esplode all'interno di un nucleo, inevitabilmente ci si ritrova a pezzi.
Quello che viene dopo l'elaborazione della notizia è ciò che conta veramente.
Resistere e reagire è dura e, spesso, non si trova la forza per farlo, o lo si fa nel modo sbagliato.
Quello che accade al matrimonio di Cath e Dave non è così raro, anzi, credo sia all'ordine del giorno quando una coppia è costretta ad affrontare difficoltà grandi.
Cath e Dave non hanno trovato la chiave giusta e hanno distrutto tutto quello che avevano. La mancanza di comunicazione ha fatto il lavoro grande e le mancanze in generale hanno fatto il resto.
Cath non è da giudicare, nessuno può sapere in anticipo come si comporterà davanti a certe cose.
La sua fragilità, la sua paura per il futuro della figlia e il timore di non essere abbastanza forte da affrontare tutto quanto, la mettono nella situazione di aggrapparsi alla prima fonte di sicurezza, e questa non veniva dal marito, o almeno non veniva dal marito nella forma che lei si aspettava o di cui aveva bisogno.
Anche Dave, nel suo modo di affrontare la malattia della figlia, non va giudicato, anche perché, in aggiunta, ha il fardello della fragilità mentale di Cath da portare addosso.
Una persona che ho capito poco è stata Richard.
Troverete da subito che ha delle mancanze, degli angoli bui, e sebbene verranno svelati alla fine, a me continua a mancare un pezzo di quest'uomo.
Questa è l'unica mancanza di questo meraviglioso romanzo, che si legge in maniera scorrevole grazie allo stile semplice dell'autrice, che riesce a spiegare la malattia e le sue implicazioni in maniera chiara e precisa, così da farci comprendere meglio le paure di Cath e il perché non dovrebbe avere una relazione con Richard.
Tante emozioni e qualche dolore al petto per questa lettura forte e meravigliosa che consiglio vivamente.
Buona lettura.
July 14, 2019
There was a stillness in me after I read the book as I didn't know how to review it. There was so much pathos and pain and guilt in this story, and above that, a need to escape the irredeemable truth of chronic illness in a newborn child.
Cathy's daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and the world as she knew as a new mother ended. All that remained was a world of pain and fear for her daughter's life which gripped her almost every waking second. Countless hours of cleaning, antibiotics, antibacterial spray, keeping her daughter free of germs, preventing lung infection was the norm of life. Then one day, she met a man and embarked on an affair with him, cutting hours of her time with her daughter. Hypocrisy became her way till the story heralded off to a natural finish.
My first book by author Hannah Begbie, I was gripped with the prose where I knew the main character was embarking on a slippery slope of the end of her marriage. Pain makes us take horrible decisions in order to escape it. Cath did the same, one part of me didn't want to judge her because I have taken some rotten decisions too. But one tiny sliver of me hated the fact that she was risking everything for those moments of lust.
I found myself standing at the bank of the river where I couldn't gauge how deep it was. Such were the emotions evoked in me where I couldn't understand what I felt. Cystic fibrosis was shown in an authentic manner. Fear of infection that parents deal with jumped off the pages.
The characters were off with their reactions, but then again I didn't know how each human would react in such a situation. Something niggled in me, I didn't mind the affair, I didn't mind her lies. What I minded was the main character leaving her sick child to have sex, even when she knew he was the harbinger of bacteria.
I do understand mothers are humans, and they make mistakes. Hence I was in a dilemma about this book where I felt I was on the precipice where I shouldn't even begin to judge her. A difficult story to say the least where I was catapulted to an indecisive place at the end of it.
Cathy's daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and the world as she knew as a new mother ended. All that remained was a world of pain and fear for her daughter's life which gripped her almost every waking second. Countless hours of cleaning, antibiotics, antibacterial spray, keeping her daughter free of germs, preventing lung infection was the norm of life. Then one day, she met a man and embarked on an affair with him, cutting hours of her time with her daughter. Hypocrisy became her way till the story heralded off to a natural finish.
My first book by author Hannah Begbie, I was gripped with the prose where I knew the main character was embarking on a slippery slope of the end of her marriage. Pain makes us take horrible decisions in order to escape it. Cath did the same, one part of me didn't want to judge her because I have taken some rotten decisions too. But one tiny sliver of me hated the fact that she was risking everything for those moments of lust.
I found myself standing at the bank of the river where I couldn't gauge how deep it was. Such were the emotions evoked in me where I couldn't understand what I felt. Cystic fibrosis was shown in an authentic manner. Fear of infection that parents deal with jumped off the pages.
The characters were off with their reactions, but then again I didn't know how each human would react in such a situation. Something niggled in me, I didn't mind the affair, I didn't mind her lies. What I minded was the main character leaving her sick child to have sex, even when she knew he was the harbinger of bacteria.
I do understand mothers are humans, and they make mistakes. Hence I was in a dilemma about this book where I felt I was on the precipice where I shouldn't even begin to judge her. A difficult story to say the least where I was catapulted to an indecisive place at the end of it.
August 6, 2018
Cath and Dave has a new baby Girl called Mia. After a routine blood test Mia is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and both their worlds fall apart. With the stress of the diagnosis and the medication and the hospital visits. Both Cath and Dave cope with it in different ways.
Cath joins a support group to find out more about Cystic Fibrosis, the causes and how to cope with it and also the medical side. Hoping new drugs come out to help Mia. She meets Richard there, who has a teenage daughter with the same condition. He seems to understand her, more than her husband Dave who thinks that she should be with the family and not going to this group. She all goes onto radio to talk about her experiences. They have an affair. At the same time, Mia worsens and so does her relationship with her husband Dave.
Well what can I say about this book in my own personal view. I understand that we need to be more aware of Cystic Fibrosis, the causes, the strains and how to cope if a loved one is diagnosed with it. I understand that the author has a child with this. But for me I wondering why it’s been put in a book of fiction. But it some parts of this I thought I was reading a medical text book and not a book of fiction. I didn’t like any of the characters, Cath was self-obsessed, Dave didn’t see how the seriousness of CF and Richard ended up like a stalker and I just didn’t get the ending at all.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book.
Cath joins a support group to find out more about Cystic Fibrosis, the causes and how to cope with it and also the medical side. Hoping new drugs come out to help Mia. She meets Richard there, who has a teenage daughter with the same condition. He seems to understand her, more than her husband Dave who thinks that she should be with the family and not going to this group. She all goes onto radio to talk about her experiences. They have an affair. At the same time, Mia worsens and so does her relationship with her husband Dave.
Well what can I say about this book in my own personal view. I understand that we need to be more aware of Cystic Fibrosis, the causes, the strains and how to cope if a loved one is diagnosed with it. I understand that the author has a child with this. But for me I wondering why it’s been put in a book of fiction. But it some parts of this I thought I was reading a medical text book and not a book of fiction. I didn’t like any of the characters, Cath was self-obsessed, Dave didn’t see how the seriousness of CF and Richard ended up like a stalker and I just didn’t get the ending at all.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book.
December 22, 2018
Review to follow...
September 27, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
Cath and Dave are the proud parents of newborn Mia after years of infertility and heartbreak. At 25 days old Mia is given the diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. This obviously throws their lives into turmoil as they come to terms not only with the prognosis but also the daily routine of multiple medications and physiotherapy.
This is an extremely well researched book about CF. At the end I learned the author has a child with CF. The scientific and medical information was excellent and very informative. I am a retired RN and am particularly picky when incorrect medical information is in books.
The problem I had with this storyline was firstly I would like to have heard from Dave about how he felt as a father with a child that has the diagnosis of a life threatening disease. Secondly Cath was selfish shallow and oh yes even more selfish. She only cared about how she was suffering and rejected all offers of help even from her sister. Then we meet Richard, this man was even worse, manipulative selfish and a bit of a stalker.
I really could have done without the side story of the affair and felt the story would have had more of an impact if it focused on the family and how each member dealt with the diagnosis and not just Cath.
Cath and Dave are the proud parents of newborn Mia after years of infertility and heartbreak. At 25 days old Mia is given the diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. This obviously throws their lives into turmoil as they come to terms not only with the prognosis but also the daily routine of multiple medications and physiotherapy.
This is an extremely well researched book about CF. At the end I learned the author has a child with CF. The scientific and medical information was excellent and very informative. I am a retired RN and am particularly picky when incorrect medical information is in books.
The problem I had with this storyline was firstly I would like to have heard from Dave about how he felt as a father with a child that has the diagnosis of a life threatening disease. Secondly Cath was selfish shallow and oh yes even more selfish. She only cared about how she was suffering and rejected all offers of help even from her sister. Then we meet Richard, this man was even worse, manipulative selfish and a bit of a stalker.
I really could have done without the side story of the affair and felt the story would have had more of an impact if it focused on the family and how each member dealt with the diagnosis and not just Cath.
July 13, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this book and the writer is clearly talented. However, I didn't like any of the characters, especially the mother at the centre of the story. Perhaps if we'd seen what she was like before her daughter's diagnosis then I could've seen how that changed her. She came across as really selfish and horrible to her husband and own mother so it was hard to feel sympathy
I really wanted to like this book and the writer is clearly talented. However, I didn't like any of the characters, especially the mother at the centre of the story. Perhaps if we'd seen what she was like before her daughter's diagnosis then I could've seen how that changed her. She came across as really selfish and horrible to her husband and own mother so it was hard to feel sympathy
October 23, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI:
http://valentinaabbr.blogspot.com/201...
Siamo stati una famiglia felice è un libro che è arrivato nella mia vita dopo la lettura di un altro libro altrettanto forte e spiazzante. Credevo che il livello di dolore e tristezza provati non potessero aumentare più di così, e invece mi sono rimessa in gioco. Ho sofferto ancora e ancora. Ho sentito il cuore squarciarsi, ridursi in mille pezzi più e più volte.
Leggendo la trama e l’inizio di questa recensione penserete che tutto gira intorno alla malattia di Mia, che il dolore sia causato da questo. In realtà non è proprio così. A farmi male è stata la relazione tra Cath e Dave, il suo evolversi, il suo sgretolarsi. Il racconto che fa l’autrice è senza filtri, maturo, realistico. È un racconto spoglio di retorica, essenziale, che arriva al nocciolo della questione. È delusione, rimpianto e rassegnazione. È cercare di ricucire un vestito ridotto a brandelli, riportandolo al suo stato iniziale, alla sua integra bellezza. È aprire gli occhi, giorno dopo giorno, e acquisire la consapevolezza – la dolorosissima È un matrimonio che smette di esistere, due persone che finiscono di amarsi in maniera lenta e definitiva. Non c’è più sintonia, non si viaggia più sullo stesso binario, non ci si capisce più, non si desiderano più le stesse cose.
È amarezza.
Cath è la voce narrante, è lei a raccontarci di com’era la vita con Dave prima di Mia, com’è stato pregare di diventare mamma, com’è affrontare giorno per giorno la fibrosi cistica. È una lotta contro microbi, batteri, infezioni, medicinali.
Vedremo questa donna cadere infinite volte, schiacciata dal peso della responsabilità. La vedremo ammettere di essere incapace di reggere a questo colpo, ammettere la sua fragilità a gran voce e non essere ascoltata. Razionalmente più e più volte ho imprecato contro di lei, pensando che a volte basterebbe dirsele le cose. Dirsele in faccia, urlarsele pure, se serve. Ma dirle. I silenzi logorano, separano, dividono.
Più volte ho pensato che Cath stesse scegliendo la strada più semplice da percorrere ignorando le sue responsabilità e rifugiandosi in un altro letto. Ho pensato che si sarebbe pentita, prima o poi. Ma l’attimo dopo mi sono detta che quando ci sei dentro tante cose non riesci a vederle e quelli che sono errori che portano una scritta a caratteri cubitali sopra ti sembrano l’unica via percorribile.
Ho dato colpe grosse a questa donna; l’avrei scossa violentemente per farla rinsavire. Sono arrivata prima di lei a certe conclusioni. Ma ci sono stati anche momenti in cui ho compreso il suo stato d’animo e la sua condizione. Momenti in cui ho pensato solo che quello che è toccato a lei nessuna madre dovrebbe viverlo.
Questo romanzo mi ha tolto il sonno. Mi ha regalato un viaggio unico e inaspettato in una vasta gamma di emozioni: dalle più negative alle più forti. Ansia, trepidazione, preoccupazione, malinconia, tristezza. Le ho provate tutte, a momenti alterni. Mi sono sentita Cath, poi Dave, poi di nuovo Cath. Mi sono schierata da una parte e poi dall’altra. Avrei voluto fare da paciere, aprire i loro occhi e provare a far funzionare questo matrimonio. Perché se due persone decidono di giurarsi amore eterno, quest’amore non può sparire. Finisce da qualche parte, si nasconde, e allora basta andare a cercarlo, scovarlo. Bastavolerlo stanare, ovunque esso sia.
Siamo stati una famiglia felice è un romanzo intenso, per cuori duri. Un romanzo che fa riflettere su temi importanti, su come la malattia cambi le persone, le relazioni, il nostro modo di vedere il mondo circostante. Un romanzo che vi consiglio di leggere perché saprà affascinarvi e coinvolgervi a trecentosessanta gradi, più di quello che pensate.
CONTINUA SUL BLOG
http://valentinaabbr.blogspot.com/201...
Siamo stati una famiglia felice è un libro che è arrivato nella mia vita dopo la lettura di un altro libro altrettanto forte e spiazzante. Credevo che il livello di dolore e tristezza provati non potessero aumentare più di così, e invece mi sono rimessa in gioco. Ho sofferto ancora e ancora. Ho sentito il cuore squarciarsi, ridursi in mille pezzi più e più volte.
Leggendo la trama e l’inizio di questa recensione penserete che tutto gira intorno alla malattia di Mia, che il dolore sia causato da questo. In realtà non è proprio così. A farmi male è stata la relazione tra Cath e Dave, il suo evolversi, il suo sgretolarsi. Il racconto che fa l’autrice è senza filtri, maturo, realistico. È un racconto spoglio di retorica, essenziale, che arriva al nocciolo della questione. È delusione, rimpianto e rassegnazione. È cercare di ricucire un vestito ridotto a brandelli, riportandolo al suo stato iniziale, alla sua integra bellezza. È aprire gli occhi, giorno dopo giorno, e acquisire la consapevolezza – la dolorosissima È un matrimonio che smette di esistere, due persone che finiscono di amarsi in maniera lenta e definitiva. Non c’è più sintonia, non si viaggia più sullo stesso binario, non ci si capisce più, non si desiderano più le stesse cose.
È amarezza.
Cath è la voce narrante, è lei a raccontarci di com’era la vita con Dave prima di Mia, com’è stato pregare di diventare mamma, com’è affrontare giorno per giorno la fibrosi cistica. È una lotta contro microbi, batteri, infezioni, medicinali.
Vedremo questa donna cadere infinite volte, schiacciata dal peso della responsabilità. La vedremo ammettere di essere incapace di reggere a questo colpo, ammettere la sua fragilità a gran voce e non essere ascoltata. Razionalmente più e più volte ho imprecato contro di lei, pensando che a volte basterebbe dirsele le cose. Dirsele in faccia, urlarsele pure, se serve. Ma dirle. I silenzi logorano, separano, dividono.
Più volte ho pensato che Cath stesse scegliendo la strada più semplice da percorrere ignorando le sue responsabilità e rifugiandosi in un altro letto. Ho pensato che si sarebbe pentita, prima o poi. Ma l’attimo dopo mi sono detta che quando ci sei dentro tante cose non riesci a vederle e quelli che sono errori che portano una scritta a caratteri cubitali sopra ti sembrano l’unica via percorribile.
Ho dato colpe grosse a questa donna; l’avrei scossa violentemente per farla rinsavire. Sono arrivata prima di lei a certe conclusioni. Ma ci sono stati anche momenti in cui ho compreso il suo stato d’animo e la sua condizione. Momenti in cui ho pensato solo che quello che è toccato a lei nessuna madre dovrebbe viverlo.
Questo romanzo mi ha tolto il sonno. Mi ha regalato un viaggio unico e inaspettato in una vasta gamma di emozioni: dalle più negative alle più forti. Ansia, trepidazione, preoccupazione, malinconia, tristezza. Le ho provate tutte, a momenti alterni. Mi sono sentita Cath, poi Dave, poi di nuovo Cath. Mi sono schierata da una parte e poi dall’altra. Avrei voluto fare da paciere, aprire i loro occhi e provare a far funzionare questo matrimonio. Perché se due persone decidono di giurarsi amore eterno, quest’amore non può sparire. Finisce da qualche parte, si nasconde, e allora basta andare a cercarlo, scovarlo. Bastavolerlo stanare, ovunque esso sia.
Siamo stati una famiglia felice è un romanzo intenso, per cuori duri. Un romanzo che fa riflettere su temi importanti, su come la malattia cambi le persone, le relazioni, il nostro modo di vedere il mondo circostante. Un romanzo che vi consiglio di leggere perché saprà affascinarvi e coinvolgervi a trecentosessanta gradi, più di quello che pensate.
CONTINUA SUL BLOG
September 29, 2018
Cath & Dave have been trying for a baby for a long while so when their baby daughter arrives they are delighted, but their joy was short lived. After just twenty five days their world comes crashing down when they discover that their long awaited child had cystic fibrosis- a life limiting lung disease which means a constant round of antibiotics, physiotherapy & avoiding any chance of infection.
Their child's disease puts a strain on their marriage. When Cath meets Richard at a parents support group she is attracted to his attitude to the disease & his determination to canvass for money for drugs & research. Before long, as her life unravels she needs Richard more & more.
This was obviously written by someone who knows a lot about this horrible disease. The author conveyed to the reader how hard it is for all involved with someone who has it. Whilst I could empathise with Cath I found it very difficult to like. II found the pace of the book rather slow & I was quite glad to get to the end of it.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
Their child's disease puts a strain on their marriage. When Cath meets Richard at a parents support group she is attracted to his attitude to the disease & his determination to canvass for money for drugs & research. Before long, as her life unravels she needs Richard more & more.
This was obviously written by someone who knows a lot about this horrible disease. The author conveyed to the reader how hard it is for all involved with someone who has it. Whilst I could empathise with Cath I found it very difficult to like. II found the pace of the book rather slow & I was quite glad to get to the end of it.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
September 7, 2018
An emotional wringer of a book!
Brilliant, challenging, gripping. Hannah Begbie writes with a depth of knowledge and emotional commitment that comes with experience.
Very highly recommended.
Brilliant, challenging, gripping. Hannah Begbie writes with a depth of knowledge and emotional commitment that comes with experience.
Very highly recommended.
Read
June 18, 2023Am abandonat-o undeva la 30% si ceva, ma enervau maxim personajele si deja nu ma mai atragea, decat sa ma lupt cu mine, mai bine am zis stop…🤷🏻♀️
July 1, 2018
This book was my first by this author and will not be my last it is a good read it is a gripping read.
The book was well written and fasted paced in places, loveable characters you can’t help but feel for them a difficult topic Cystic Fibrosis. It is a good storyline and made me cry in places but I did enjoy the book.
October 8, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for letting me read this book.
4 Stars
This story is told from Cath's point of view. We are taken through Cath and Dave's life and get a sense of what it is like having a daughter who has Cystic fibrosis (CF). Although we hear from one side of two parents this is still a moving read.
For a debut novel I really liked it but there is something missing which is why I have only given this 4 stars. That said I would still recommend this book amd I look forward to see what Hannah Begbie's next book will bring.
4 Stars
This story is told from Cath's point of view. We are taken through Cath and Dave's life and get a sense of what it is like having a daughter who has Cystic fibrosis (CF). Although we hear from one side of two parents this is still a moving read.
For a debut novel I really liked it but there is something missing which is why I have only given this 4 stars. That said I would still recommend this book amd I look forward to see what Hannah Begbie's next book will bring.
September 10, 2018
What would you do if you found out your baby not even one month old has cystic fibrosis. A devastating disease with no cure.
This story is about Cath, who finds out her newborn baby has CF, after years of trying to have a baby, going through IVF, and just a few weeks of enjoying the fruits of her labor she is thrown into this world of terror and she does not know how to handle it. She doesn’t communicate her fears with her husband. She lives in a real world of having a baby with CF but she lives in it in shock and her actions have consequences.
This story is sad and telling on how sometimes an incurable diagnosis can ruin a family that was already cracked. Fighting a disease like CF is hard and laborious and soul crushing and Begbie does a wonderful job at making you understand the daily stress that CF causes Moms and Dads who just want to love their babies like they dreamed about.
This story is about Cath, who finds out her newborn baby has CF, after years of trying to have a baby, going through IVF, and just a few weeks of enjoying the fruits of her labor she is thrown into this world of terror and she does not know how to handle it. She doesn’t communicate her fears with her husband. She lives in a real world of having a baby with CF but she lives in it in shock and her actions have consequences.
This story is sad and telling on how sometimes an incurable diagnosis can ruin a family that was already cracked. Fighting a disease like CF is hard and laborious and soul crushing and Begbie does a wonderful job at making you understand the daily stress that CF causes Moms and Dads who just want to love their babies like they dreamed about.
May 22, 2020
I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Agreeing with another fellow reviewer, where was Dave's POV?? While Kath's POV certainly was intensely powerful to read, It would of been more interesting and sincere if we got both parent's perspectives.
I couldn't even begin to put myself in Kath or Dave's shoes. Just thinking about what this family (and any family!) has to go through every minute of every day and the implications of a teeny tiny mistake....... just heartbreaking!
The whole read was easy-to-follow, well-written and eye-opening; but it's not the thriller I had expected. A drama, perhaps, but not a thriller. There was no shocking twists, or dramatic events. And the ending was, for me, a little unsatisfying.
Overall, a book with it's faults but it still managed to bring tears to my eyes.
Agreeing with another fellow reviewer, where was Dave's POV?? While Kath's POV certainly was intensely powerful to read, It would of been more interesting and sincere if we got both parent's perspectives.
I couldn't even begin to put myself in Kath or Dave's shoes. Just thinking about what this family (and any family!) has to go through every minute of every day and the implications of a teeny tiny mistake....... just heartbreaking!
The whole read was easy-to-follow, well-written and eye-opening; but it's not the thriller I had expected. A drama, perhaps, but not a thriller. There was no shocking twists, or dramatic events. And the ending was, for me, a little unsatisfying.
Overall, a book with it's faults but it still managed to bring tears to my eyes.
September 3, 2018
This is such an emotional read; full of ups and downs, joined by drama and lust.
This is first for this kind of storyline for me and it definitely pulled at my heart strings, more so than any other book I’ve ever read. It’s epically torturing to read behind the eyes of a struggling mother, coping with a diagnosis that’s life altering.
Brilliantly written, charged with emotions and gripping. The characters were phenomenally portrayed, except Cath’s own mother. She was the character I disliked the most, closely followed by Richard.
I can’t imagine what parents go through when their child is diagnosed with CF, but after reading this I have more insightful thoughts on everything CF.
FABULOUS read though heart breaking.
This is first for this kind of storyline for me and it definitely pulled at my heart strings, more so than any other book I’ve ever read. It’s epically torturing to read behind the eyes of a struggling mother, coping with a diagnosis that’s life altering.
Brilliantly written, charged with emotions and gripping. The characters were phenomenally portrayed, except Cath’s own mother. She was the character I disliked the most, closely followed by Richard.
I can’t imagine what parents go through when their child is diagnosed with CF, but after reading this I have more insightful thoughts on everything CF.
FABULOUS read though heart breaking.
July 21, 2018
What happens if your much longed for first baby is born with an incurable, life limiting disease? This is the situation facing Cath and Dave when their daughter is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Soon their already shaky relationship is put under tremendous strain.
It is a well written story, but it does not make for comfortable reading and none of the main characters are particularly sympathetic or in any way likeable. For much of the book, the story proceeds at a torturous pace, as it is bogged down by the medical minutiae of caring for such a sick child and the mother’s inability to cope.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for providing an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
It is a well written story, but it does not make for comfortable reading and none of the main characters are particularly sympathetic or in any way likeable. For much of the book, the story proceeds at a torturous pace, as it is bogged down by the medical minutiae of caring for such a sick child and the mother’s inability to cope.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for providing an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2020
I enjoyed the narrator and even though she was all “poor me” you couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Her situation with the child, her husband seeming to be distracted/distant...you couldn’t help but see where this was going. However, although predictable at times I found the narrator’s struggle between reality and fantasy something that many in her situation might succumb to-it was believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2020
I appreciate the idea behind this book but it is not well executed. What started out about the actual disease which was the point of the book quickly went to too much in detail about the mothers affair. Will not read again.
December 5, 2018
DNF not for me.
February 17, 2020
Fab book, not one I would usually read, but interesting
August 23, 2018
What would you do if you found out your new born had a life limiting illness? Would it tear you apart or make you stronger?
That is what we find out as we read this story about Cath and her new baby Mia.
A well written book about the struggle one mum faces as her life is turned upside down by a devastating diagnosis.
I will definitely be looking in to reading more from this author in the future
That is what we find out as we read this story about Cath and her new baby Mia.
A well written book about the struggle one mum faces as her life is turned upside down by a devastating diagnosis.
I will definitely be looking in to reading more from this author in the future
November 16, 2018
I absolutely hated everything about this book. The characters were weak whining an unbelievable not a single one in the whole book that is likeable. I thought about stopping reading halfway through because I realize that I was wasting time that I would never get back but I just had to see if maybe it's somehow turned around by the end of the book I'm sad to say it does not. normally I passed my books on to different people and book clubs Etc this one I won't bother to inflict on anybody. I can't believe somebody published this hot mess.
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