What do you think?
Rate this book
This Child of Ours
A daughter's cry for help is tearing her parents apart
You know what's best for your child.
Don't you?
Riley Pieterson is an adventurous girl with lots of questions. There's plenty she doesn't know yet; what a human brain looks like. All the constellations in the night sky. Why others can't see her the way she sees herself.
When Riley confides in her parents - Sally and Theo - that she feels uncomfortable in her own skin, a chain of events begins that changes their lives forever. Sally wants to support her daughter by helping her be who she dreams of being. Theo resists; he thinks Riley is a seven-year-old child pushing boundaries. Both believe theirs is the only way to protect Riley and keep her safe.
With the wellbeing of their child at stake, Sally and Theo's relationship is pushed to breaking point. To save their family, each of them must look deeply at who they really are.
A story of a marriage in crisis and a child caught in the middle, this is a beautiful novel of parents and their children, and how far we're prepared to go in the name of love.
You know what's best for your child.
Don't you?
Riley Pieterson is an adventurous girl with lots of questions. There's plenty she doesn't know yet; what a human brain looks like. All the constellations in the night sky. Why others can't see her the way she sees herself.
When Riley confides in her parents - Sally and Theo - that she feels uncomfortable in her own skin, a chain of events begins that changes their lives forever. Sally wants to support her daughter by helping her be who she dreams of being. Theo resists; he thinks Riley is a seven-year-old child pushing boundaries. Both believe theirs is the only way to protect Riley and keep her safe.
With the wellbeing of their child at stake, Sally and Theo's relationship is pushed to breaking point. To save their family, each of them must look deeply at who they really are.
A story of a marriage in crisis and a child caught in the middle, this is a beautiful novel of parents and their children, and how far we're prepared to go in the name of love.
432 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2018
17 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 8, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
'This Child of Ours' is an incredibly eye-opening and poignant novel which delves deeply into the topic of being comfortable in your own skin. Whilst the media reports on males and females being uncomfortable in the skin that they were born in, especially in the New Year, it is incredibly rare and often seen as 'taboo' if the media reports on a child not feeling right in the body that they were given. I've seen people say 'how does a child know that they're in the wrong body?', and to be brutally honest, before I read 'This Child of Ours', I asked the same sort of question. Did Sadie Pearse's majestic and beautifully written story enlighten me? Of course it did! Did it help me understand that just because we are born one way, it doesn't mean it's the RIGHT way? Honestly? Yes AND no. Now that isn't me choosing to be ignorant about the subject, not at all. In fact, weirdly enough, it's the complete opposite.
Riley bravely admits to her parents that she isn't comfortable being a little girl. Her parents, her father especially, can't help but think that it's a 'phase', as though she's decided she no longer wants to play with My Little Pony toys and wishes to play with Shopkins toys instead. But is it that simple? How do you know that your seven-year old isn't just wanting to try a new thing? How do you KNOW that when your child comes to tell you that being a girl has her devastated, that she isn't merely 'throwing her teddies out of the pram'. She's seven. But then on the other side of the coin, how can you brush something like that aside? Likening it to a phase that she will 'grow out of'? Children put their trust in their parents to do right by them. They expect their parents to be on their side no matter what. 'This Child of Ours' highlights the importance of having someone on your side. Having someone to sit there and say 'I believe you'. In this case, that person is Riley's mum, Sally. Her dad on the other hand, Theo, is struggling to digest what his little girl has told him. Can you blame him? No, not really. But could I blame his actions further on in the story? Yes, I could. I know I shouldn't judge a situation that I'm not in myself, and I guess I'm not really doing that, however I found the way that Theo reacted highly emotional. I couldn't understand why he chose to do what he did, especially as he didn't stop to think about how his choices would affect his daughter. Being a parent is difficult. We are often stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea when it comes to conflicting emotions between ourselves and our loved ones - but when a child is concerned, surely the adult has to be the bigger person? The child is looking for direction, is it fair if the adult palms off their concerns like it's an odd job to fix on a Saturday morning after the football?
I could see where Theo was coming from - what Riley came out with IS a big deal, and her age was a big thing in the situation. I could understand his upset, confusion, and uncertainty about the future. However, I couldn't help but feel angry with the way he was pointing the finger. It was heartbreaking to watch his daughter battle with her own, confusing emotions, as well as watching her father react to them in such a cutthroat manner. As for Sally, I felt that her approach was more level as she tried to find solutions to ensure her daughter's happiness was their number one priority. Sally was confused by the situation, but she dealt with that by finding people to speak to and not by unintentionally blaming her daughter for something she couldn't control.
I will be honest and say that I don't understand how a young child can say that they wish to be a different gender to the one that they were born. I won't go as far to say that I mirrored Theo in his views, because I don't and didn't. I just don't understand. Maybe if I was in that situation myself my outlook would be different. I'm not saying that children CAN'T feel that way, because it's clear that they can.
I thought that Sadie Pearse's storytelling was incredibly honest and thought-provoking, both emotionally and mentally. Pearse has looked at the topic from every angle, incorporating multiple, real reactions to the subject in her story, highlighting the fact that yes, a lot of people are going to view things differently where something like this is concerned. I am glad that the author chose to tell the story from both a positive and negative viewpoint as its realistic. Not everyone is going to throw a party to celebrate the lifestyle change, and not everyone is going to feel as though their lives are being torn apart. 'This Child of Ours' explores the true reality of admitting to yourself that you aren't comfortable in your own skin, alongside the true reality of just how people, even loved ones, can react to an admission like that.
I didn't know what to expect before I started reading 'This Child of Ours', but I can honestly say that now, having read and digested the storyline, my life feels enriched by the beautiful story I was able to read. I had the chance to delve into a situation I couldn't understand, in turn finding my eyes opening widely to the black and white notions of each character in the story. I may still struggle to understand the bigger picture, but the fact that I can empathise emotionally with the situation just goes to show how much of an impact this story has had on me.
A beautifully told, enriching, emotional and thought-provoking story which will stay in my heart for a very long time to come.
'This Child of Ours' is an incredibly eye-opening and poignant novel which delves deeply into the topic of being comfortable in your own skin. Whilst the media reports on males and females being uncomfortable in the skin that they were born in, especially in the New Year, it is incredibly rare and often seen as 'taboo' if the media reports on a child not feeling right in the body that they were given. I've seen people say 'how does a child know that they're in the wrong body?', and to be brutally honest, before I read 'This Child of Ours', I asked the same sort of question. Did Sadie Pearse's majestic and beautifully written story enlighten me? Of course it did! Did it help me understand that just because we are born one way, it doesn't mean it's the RIGHT way? Honestly? Yes AND no. Now that isn't me choosing to be ignorant about the subject, not at all. In fact, weirdly enough, it's the complete opposite.
Riley bravely admits to her parents that she isn't comfortable being a little girl. Her parents, her father especially, can't help but think that it's a 'phase', as though she's decided she no longer wants to play with My Little Pony toys and wishes to play with Shopkins toys instead. But is it that simple? How do you know that your seven-year old isn't just wanting to try a new thing? How do you KNOW that when your child comes to tell you that being a girl has her devastated, that she isn't merely 'throwing her teddies out of the pram'. She's seven. But then on the other side of the coin, how can you brush something like that aside? Likening it to a phase that she will 'grow out of'? Children put their trust in their parents to do right by them. They expect their parents to be on their side no matter what. 'This Child of Ours' highlights the importance of having someone on your side. Having someone to sit there and say 'I believe you'. In this case, that person is Riley's mum, Sally. Her dad on the other hand, Theo, is struggling to digest what his little girl has told him. Can you blame him? No, not really. But could I blame his actions further on in the story? Yes, I could. I know I shouldn't judge a situation that I'm not in myself, and I guess I'm not really doing that, however I found the way that Theo reacted highly emotional. I couldn't understand why he chose to do what he did, especially as he didn't stop to think about how his choices would affect his daughter. Being a parent is difficult. We are often stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea when it comes to conflicting emotions between ourselves and our loved ones - but when a child is concerned, surely the adult has to be the bigger person? The child is looking for direction, is it fair if the adult palms off their concerns like it's an odd job to fix on a Saturday morning after the football?
I could see where Theo was coming from - what Riley came out with IS a big deal, and her age was a big thing in the situation. I could understand his upset, confusion, and uncertainty about the future. However, I couldn't help but feel angry with the way he was pointing the finger. It was heartbreaking to watch his daughter battle with her own, confusing emotions, as well as watching her father react to them in such a cutthroat manner. As for Sally, I felt that her approach was more level as she tried to find solutions to ensure her daughter's happiness was their number one priority. Sally was confused by the situation, but she dealt with that by finding people to speak to and not by unintentionally blaming her daughter for something she couldn't control.
I will be honest and say that I don't understand how a young child can say that they wish to be a different gender to the one that they were born. I won't go as far to say that I mirrored Theo in his views, because I don't and didn't. I just don't understand. Maybe if I was in that situation myself my outlook would be different. I'm not saying that children CAN'T feel that way, because it's clear that they can.
I thought that Sadie Pearse's storytelling was incredibly honest and thought-provoking, both emotionally and mentally. Pearse has looked at the topic from every angle, incorporating multiple, real reactions to the subject in her story, highlighting the fact that yes, a lot of people are going to view things differently where something like this is concerned. I am glad that the author chose to tell the story from both a positive and negative viewpoint as its realistic. Not everyone is going to throw a party to celebrate the lifestyle change, and not everyone is going to feel as though their lives are being torn apart. 'This Child of Ours' explores the true reality of admitting to yourself that you aren't comfortable in your own skin, alongside the true reality of just how people, even loved ones, can react to an admission like that.
I didn't know what to expect before I started reading 'This Child of Ours', but I can honestly say that now, having read and digested the storyline, my life feels enriched by the beautiful story I was able to read. I had the chance to delve into a situation I couldn't understand, in turn finding my eyes opening widely to the black and white notions of each character in the story. I may still struggle to understand the bigger picture, but the fact that I can empathise emotionally with the situation just goes to show how much of an impact this story has had on me.
A beautifully told, enriching, emotional and thought-provoking story which will stay in my heart for a very long time to come.
July 19, 2018
Compelling and insightful read into two parents struggling with their child’s feelings. What would you do in this situation?
Well written in an easy style, this book draws you in and illustrates the dilemmas faced by Sally and Theo when trying their best to support Riley.
I was really torn throughout this book - applauding one parent and wanting to shake the other whilst understanding where they were both coming from.
5* realistic and thought-provoking
Well written in an easy style, this book draws you in and illustrates the dilemmas faced by Sally and Theo when trying their best to support Riley.
I was really torn throughout this book - applauding one parent and wanting to shake the other whilst understanding where they were both coming from.
5* realistic and thought-provoking
August 21, 2018
In terms of thought provoking fiction, it doesn’t get more thought provoking than the content covered in This Child of Ours. If I’m completely honest, gender dysphoria (the condition of feeling one’s emotional and psychological identity as male or female to be opposite to one’s biological sex) within children is not something I’ve dwelled on to any degree. With each of my children, my girl has right from the start been a girly girl while my boys have both been boyish boys. Being a household with both boys and girls ensured that each had a choice over what toys they wanted to play with, and there were plenty of times my daughter pushed trucks around while my sons carried dolls wedged under their armpits. But when it came to clothes, and picking things out for themselves, each of them gravitated to gender specific items. I’ve never once thought to myself, ‘what would I do if my child wanted to be the opposite of what they are?’ I’ve never even encountered it with friends, although my daughter did go to primary school in her early years with a girl who kept her hair short and wore the boy’s uniform. But this girl still identified as a girl and still had a girl’s name; maybe she was wanting to be a boy or maybe she was a tomboy, I don’t know. To us, she just was who she was and we liked her that way. Her friends were all girls and she never missed a birthday party or playdate.
I felt an instant affinity to both Sally and Theo, the parents at the centre of this novel. While they viewed their daughter as a tomboy, she was still their daughter, and they didn’t sit around musing on the idea that she might actually want to be a boy. Who does? But Riley, at the age of seven, tells her mother she is a boy. Not that she wants to be one, but that she is one. That her body is wrong. It’s a heartbreaking scenario and I felt quite able, under the guiding hand of Sadie’s sensitive handling of this terrain, to see both sides of the story. In a nutshell, while both parents are shocked and distressed by this situation they now find themselves in, their reactions and subsequent actions differ. Sally feels a strong need to support Riley. She’s with her more than Theo and witnesses Riley’s daily distress over not being able to be the person she really feels she should be. Theo wants to ignore it, Riley is only seven after all, and what if it’s just a faze, which given her age, is a plausible likelihood. My own view fell somewhere in the middle, but it was only through Sadie’s meticulous presentation of both Sally’s and Theo’s viewpoints that I was able to arrive at this point.
Sally seemed to me to really jump the gun. After only consulting a GP and getting a very loose impression on what might be occurring with Riley, she seemed to just go from A to Z without pause and reflection for every step of the way. It was interesting to note how Sadie dealt with perception throughout this novel and the visit to the GP is an excellent example of this. Sally heard one thing while Theo heard another. And this really typified their handling of Riley’s situation from the outset. I could really appreciate where Theo was coming from though. He seemed to have a better grasp on the bigger picture than Sally. For Sally, it was more about the immediate, making Riley happy, yet for Theo, it was about the future and how vastly this would change for Riley if she became a boy. It was about more than wearing boy’s clothes and using the boy’s toilets. And herein lies my problem with how Sally chose to handle it. I really feel that given Riley’s young age, and her being pre-pubescent, that she should have been digging deeper, working with a child psychologist to ensure that Riley fully understood that what was being set in motion was far greater than wearing transformers underwear and using the boy’s toilets at school. It rattled me to consider that a parent wouldn’t do more to be sure, given the enormity of changing gender. I was somewhat disappointed that the GP didn’t refer them on, given her initial impressions of Riley. It’s a worry that medical professionals may inadvertently downplay a situation like this. My view is that this process would require intense support and consultation at every step of such an unknown journey.
It was so sad to see Sally’s and Theo’s marriage fracture under the pressure of this situation. We meet them at the start as a loving and close unit. Everything that unfolded between them seemed entirely plausible to me. This would be such a difficult situation to navigate through, dealing with your own shattered preconceived notions, trying to work out what’s the best thing for your child, and trying to be on the same page as your partner as well as offering them support. Both of these characters had many opportunities for introspection and Riley’s journey was as much about Sally and Theo reordering their own perceptions and beliefs along the way, an aspect of the story I appreciated enormously. I also felt rather sad for Theo’s parents. They are of a different era, and I could totally understand their distress over Riley’s decision. I didn’t agree with Theo’s father’s actions, but I certainly understood where they were coming from. Theo’s parent’s reaction was offered as a contrast to that of Sally’s father and step-mother, and this really mirrored the couple themselves. I appreciated how Sadie brought these perspectives in, stretching out beyond the immediate household and into the reactions of extended family, friends, and even the community. She highlighted just how far reaching these life changing decisions can be.
All in all, This Child of Ours was extremely well balanced, affording the reader all sides with the breathing space to make up your own mind, if you were so inclined. It is an ideal novel for book club discussion, you’d be hard pressed to find a more polarising choice to go back and forth over. Given the nature of the subject matter that forms the backbone of this story, there was a real risk of this novel having an agenda, but Sadie has skilfully avoided this trap and instead delivered a thought provoking and emotionally charged read that offers an opportunity for further contemplation.
Thanks is extended to Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a copy of This Child of Ours via Netgalley for review.
A special thanks to the author for personally requesting me as a reviewer for her debut as Sadie Pearse.
I felt an instant affinity to both Sally and Theo, the parents at the centre of this novel. While they viewed their daughter as a tomboy, she was still their daughter, and they didn’t sit around musing on the idea that she might actually want to be a boy. Who does? But Riley, at the age of seven, tells her mother she is a boy. Not that she wants to be one, but that she is one. That her body is wrong. It’s a heartbreaking scenario and I felt quite able, under the guiding hand of Sadie’s sensitive handling of this terrain, to see both sides of the story. In a nutshell, while both parents are shocked and distressed by this situation they now find themselves in, their reactions and subsequent actions differ. Sally feels a strong need to support Riley. She’s with her more than Theo and witnesses Riley’s daily distress over not being able to be the person she really feels she should be. Theo wants to ignore it, Riley is only seven after all, and what if it’s just a faze, which given her age, is a plausible likelihood. My own view fell somewhere in the middle, but it was only through Sadie’s meticulous presentation of both Sally’s and Theo’s viewpoints that I was able to arrive at this point.
Sally seemed to me to really jump the gun. After only consulting a GP and getting a very loose impression on what might be occurring with Riley, she seemed to just go from A to Z without pause and reflection for every step of the way. It was interesting to note how Sadie dealt with perception throughout this novel and the visit to the GP is an excellent example of this. Sally heard one thing while Theo heard another. And this really typified their handling of Riley’s situation from the outset. I could really appreciate where Theo was coming from though. He seemed to have a better grasp on the bigger picture than Sally. For Sally, it was more about the immediate, making Riley happy, yet for Theo, it was about the future and how vastly this would change for Riley if she became a boy. It was about more than wearing boy’s clothes and using the boy’s toilets. And herein lies my problem with how Sally chose to handle it. I really feel that given Riley’s young age, and her being pre-pubescent, that she should have been digging deeper, working with a child psychologist to ensure that Riley fully understood that what was being set in motion was far greater than wearing transformers underwear and using the boy’s toilets at school. It rattled me to consider that a parent wouldn’t do more to be sure, given the enormity of changing gender. I was somewhat disappointed that the GP didn’t refer them on, given her initial impressions of Riley. It’s a worry that medical professionals may inadvertently downplay a situation like this. My view is that this process would require intense support and consultation at every step of such an unknown journey.
It was so sad to see Sally’s and Theo’s marriage fracture under the pressure of this situation. We meet them at the start as a loving and close unit. Everything that unfolded between them seemed entirely plausible to me. This would be such a difficult situation to navigate through, dealing with your own shattered preconceived notions, trying to work out what’s the best thing for your child, and trying to be on the same page as your partner as well as offering them support. Both of these characters had many opportunities for introspection and Riley’s journey was as much about Sally and Theo reordering their own perceptions and beliefs along the way, an aspect of the story I appreciated enormously. I also felt rather sad for Theo’s parents. They are of a different era, and I could totally understand their distress over Riley’s decision. I didn’t agree with Theo’s father’s actions, but I certainly understood where they were coming from. Theo’s parent’s reaction was offered as a contrast to that of Sally’s father and step-mother, and this really mirrored the couple themselves. I appreciated how Sadie brought these perspectives in, stretching out beyond the immediate household and into the reactions of extended family, friends, and even the community. She highlighted just how far reaching these life changing decisions can be.
All in all, This Child of Ours was extremely well balanced, affording the reader all sides with the breathing space to make up your own mind, if you were so inclined. It is an ideal novel for book club discussion, you’d be hard pressed to find a more polarising choice to go back and forth over. Given the nature of the subject matter that forms the backbone of this story, there was a real risk of this novel having an agenda, but Sadie has skilfully avoided this trap and instead delivered a thought provoking and emotionally charged read that offers an opportunity for further contemplation.
Thanks is extended to Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a copy of This Child of Ours via Netgalley for review.
A special thanks to the author for personally requesting me as a reviewer for her debut as Sadie Pearse.
August 31, 2025
2025 52 Book Challenge - Summer Connections Mini Challenge - 19) Set In The Same Time Period As Previous Book (my previous book was How Westminster Works, and Why It Doesn't by Ian Dunt.
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
This is very much a novel revolving around a family and them all individually coming to terms with their own feelings, which left the book itself severely devoid of an actual plot because all that really happened through this book is the characters having conversations with each other - or as the case may be, not having conversations with each other - but specifically, Sally is portrayed as being the character "in the right" so really, none of the characters against her opinion were really given time to express themselves - or even have a true conversation where their issues could be discussed and alleviated rather than causing more stress to the child in the middle of the situation. Which is weird, because all that really happened was conversations. It's like the entire book relies on the age old trope of miscommunication to bring the page count up, and I hate that trope so much.
I do wish that the author had addressed something more with the Matt issue because that reveal was... not great, and then it was just swept straight under the rug.
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
This is very much a novel revolving around a family and them all individually coming to terms with their own feelings, which left the book itself severely devoid of an actual plot because all that really happened through this book is the characters having conversations with each other - or as the case may be, not having conversations with each other - but specifically, Sally is portrayed as being the character "in the right" so really, none of the characters against her opinion were really given time to express themselves - or even have a true conversation where their issues could be discussed and alleviated rather than causing more stress to the child in the middle of the situation. Which is weird, because all that really happened was conversations. It's like the entire book relies on the age old trope of miscommunication to bring the page count up, and I hate that trope so much.
I do wish that the author had addressed something more with the Matt issue because that reveal was... not great, and then it was just swept straight under the rug.
January 3, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a topical and thought-provoking read.
Riley is seven and a strong character. At the start of the book a long time is spent showing us how cosy and (dare I say it) comfortably middle-class her parents are. They were even a little irritating. However, when she announces that she wants to be a boy, so many things are questioned and the parents veer into unknown territory.
Do they support Riley in what is expressed, or, at seven, should they keep things ‘normal’ until their child is older and better able to understand the consequences of their actions?
There’s no escaping that this has no answers. Who’s to say what you do for the best in such a situation? I’m sure some readers will be outraged that the parents take the actions they do and others will be horrified by the bigoted response of certain characters.
I don’t think this is something anyone expects to deal with, but it was certainly something that encouraged me to look at a range of views and consider why each felt as they did. I felt that Riley’s behaviour at the end made it all rather easy and I don’t think some of these experiences would go as they do in the novel. Still, a timely look at a subject that many will have strong views on.
Riley is seven and a strong character. At the start of the book a long time is spent showing us how cosy and (dare I say it) comfortably middle-class her parents are. They were even a little irritating. However, when she announces that she wants to be a boy, so many things are questioned and the parents veer into unknown territory.
Do they support Riley in what is expressed, or, at seven, should they keep things ‘normal’ until their child is older and better able to understand the consequences of their actions?
There’s no escaping that this has no answers. Who’s to say what you do for the best in such a situation? I’m sure some readers will be outraged that the parents take the actions they do and others will be horrified by the bigoted response of certain characters.
I don’t think this is something anyone expects to deal with, but it was certainly something that encouraged me to look at a range of views and consider why each felt as they did. I felt that Riley’s behaviour at the end made it all rather easy and I don’t think some of these experiences would go as they do in the novel. Still, a timely look at a subject that many will have strong views on.
November 16, 2018
Riley Pieterson is an adventurous girl with lots of questions. When Riley confides in her parents – Sally and Theo – that she feels uncomfortable in her own skin, a chain of events begins that changes their lives forever. Sally wanted to support her child by helping her be who she dreams of being. Theo resists; he thinks Riley is a seven-year-old pushing boundaries. Both believe theirs is the only way to protect Riley. With the wellbeing of their child at stake, Sally and Theo’s relationship is pushed to breaking point.
I absolutely loved this book from Pearse, everything from start to finish is perfection and it was easy to get invested in the plot. The plot is packed with emotion, heartache and family dramas, every page was exquisitely crafted. It is clear from the blurb what this is about, and Pearse writes the subject so well, portraying both sides of the debate sensitively as well as giving Riley a voice. Due to the plot, there are a lot of hard-hitting scenes in this book, and yes I did cry on the bus due to this book, a sign of a great read to me! I really cannot rave enough about this plot, I adored the uniqueness, the way Pearse unveils her story, the twists and tribulations that they experience and the different opinions she puts across, all of them add buckets to the plot and make this a book worth reading.
With a book like this you have to like the family and luckily for me, I adored them! Pearse introduces us to them and the love Sally and Theo have for each other is quickly plain to see, and it was a joy to get to know them and their family. I was so invested in their family situation, I cared about everything that they were going through, I felt all their pain and all their joy and they are just such a wonderful creation from Pearse.
As well as the fictional, dramatic element to the plot, Pearse includes some information on gender dysphoria, there is not much but the information included is informative and of use to the plot. If I had to be picky with the plot, then I think Pearse could have included more opinions from other, outside characters, especially from the school, I do not think that area was fully explored. However this does not detract from the book and only makes the plot more concerned with Riley and family.
‘This Child of Ours’ is a powerful, moving read from Pearse. I was engrossed reading this and fully invested in the storyline. I felt every pain and every moment of happiness, this was a pleasure to read and I highly recommend this gripping read.
I absolutely loved this book from Pearse, everything from start to finish is perfection and it was easy to get invested in the plot. The plot is packed with emotion, heartache and family dramas, every page was exquisitely crafted. It is clear from the blurb what this is about, and Pearse writes the subject so well, portraying both sides of the debate sensitively as well as giving Riley a voice. Due to the plot, there are a lot of hard-hitting scenes in this book, and yes I did cry on the bus due to this book, a sign of a great read to me! I really cannot rave enough about this plot, I adored the uniqueness, the way Pearse unveils her story, the twists and tribulations that they experience and the different opinions she puts across, all of them add buckets to the plot and make this a book worth reading.
With a book like this you have to like the family and luckily for me, I adored them! Pearse introduces us to them and the love Sally and Theo have for each other is quickly plain to see, and it was a joy to get to know them and their family. I was so invested in their family situation, I cared about everything that they were going through, I felt all their pain and all their joy and they are just such a wonderful creation from Pearse.
As well as the fictional, dramatic element to the plot, Pearse includes some information on gender dysphoria, there is not much but the information included is informative and of use to the plot. If I had to be picky with the plot, then I think Pearse could have included more opinions from other, outside characters, especially from the school, I do not think that area was fully explored. However this does not detract from the book and only makes the plot more concerned with Riley and family.
‘This Child of Ours’ is a powerful, moving read from Pearse. I was engrossed reading this and fully invested in the storyline. I felt every pain and every moment of happiness, this was a pleasure to read and I highly recommend this gripping read.
August 23, 2018
That’s where you start; looking through a window at a family that feels just about right, that seems just about perfect. There’s a small voice though, a small voice that grows louder and bolder, making it impossible to ignore.
Riley is a seven-year-old child who is becoming. Riley is a self-aware seven-year-old child who feels out of place. Something is obviously not right, but could it be just a phase? “This Child of Ours” by Sadie Pearse takes a brave leap of faith into the world of Riley, Sally and Theo, a family trying to make sense of their world.
One of my favourite things about this novel is that it doesn’t take sides; it listens without judgment, navigating the endless universe of opinions with a sort of elegance that becomes a safe haven instead of a ground zero leading to overwhelming exposure. It’s not an easy novel to read though; it asks you to acknowledge the cracks on the foundation upon which we have comfortably laid our whole existence without much thought.
The writing is simple. Not in a geometrical way, but in the sense that it feels like clay at its degree of most potential: holding everything. It flows naturally, even as we go on exploring the characters through each other’s lenses. And it’s so beautifully open, a testament to Sadie Pearse’s skill.
It’s heartbreaking to witness Sally’s and Theo’s search for balance between loss and gain, to follow Riley as the seven-year-old navigates the turmoil and deals with the guilt that soon follows. These are heavy shoes and at each step we are left breathless, wondering how anyone could ever take walking for granted. If anything, I would have given it more time.
Thought-provoking, nerve-wracking and poignantly relevant, “This Child of Ours” is real. It’s a novel not of endings, but of constant beginnings; a novel not of acceptance as a solid block of cement, but of the art of accepting as something to build; a novel not of rights and/or wrongs, but of understanding. A moving portrait of family, love and forgiveness.
ARC provided by Little, Brown Book Group UK via NetGalley.
Riley is a seven-year-old child who is becoming. Riley is a self-aware seven-year-old child who feels out of place. Something is obviously not right, but could it be just a phase? “This Child of Ours” by Sadie Pearse takes a brave leap of faith into the world of Riley, Sally and Theo, a family trying to make sense of their world.
One of my favourite things about this novel is that it doesn’t take sides; it listens without judgment, navigating the endless universe of opinions with a sort of elegance that becomes a safe haven instead of a ground zero leading to overwhelming exposure. It’s not an easy novel to read though; it asks you to acknowledge the cracks on the foundation upon which we have comfortably laid our whole existence without much thought.
The writing is simple. Not in a geometrical way, but in the sense that it feels like clay at its degree of most potential: holding everything. It flows naturally, even as we go on exploring the characters through each other’s lenses. And it’s so beautifully open, a testament to Sadie Pearse’s skill.
It’s heartbreaking to witness Sally’s and Theo’s search for balance between loss and gain, to follow Riley as the seven-year-old navigates the turmoil and deals with the guilt that soon follows. These are heavy shoes and at each step we are left breathless, wondering how anyone could ever take walking for granted. If anything, I would have given it more time.
Thought-provoking, nerve-wracking and poignantly relevant, “This Child of Ours” is real. It’s a novel not of endings, but of constant beginnings; a novel not of acceptance as a solid block of cement, but of the art of accepting as something to build; a novel not of rights and/or wrongs, but of understanding. A moving portrait of family, love and forgiveness.
ARC provided by Little, Brown Book Group UK via NetGalley.
January 4, 2020
You know what's best for your child.
Don't you?
Riley Pieterson is an adventurous girl with lots of questions. There's plenty she doesn't know yet; what a human brain looks like. All the constellations in the night sky. Why others can't see her the way she sees herself.
When Riley confides in her parents - Sally and Theo - that she feels uncomfortable in her own skin, a chain of events begins that changes their lives forever. Sally wants to support her daughter by helping her be who she dreams of being. Theo resists; he thinks Riley is a seven-year-old child pushing boundaries. Both believe theirs is the only way to protect Riley and keep her safe.
With the wellbeing of their child at stake, Sally and Theo's relationship is pushed to breaking point. To save their family, each of them must look deeply at who they really are.
****
I picked up this book randomly, as I couldn't make up my mind what to read, and I'm so glad I did!
Especially in the current climate where transgender issues are really at the forefront of discussions, I thought this story was absolutely brilliant and especially eye opening. I felt for both the parents in how to navigate this new world, although I tended to side with Sally more, but I could see where Theo was coming from. And Riley.... what an absolute superstar. How frightening to know that something is very very wrong with your body, but just because you are 7 years old, no-one seems to be listening to you.
I would highly recommend this book, apart from the story itself, then just to gain a slight insight into this world that a lot of people face. Brilliant
Don't you?
Riley Pieterson is an adventurous girl with lots of questions. There's plenty she doesn't know yet; what a human brain looks like. All the constellations in the night sky. Why others can't see her the way she sees herself.
When Riley confides in her parents - Sally and Theo - that she feels uncomfortable in her own skin, a chain of events begins that changes their lives forever. Sally wants to support her daughter by helping her be who she dreams of being. Theo resists; he thinks Riley is a seven-year-old child pushing boundaries. Both believe theirs is the only way to protect Riley and keep her safe.
With the wellbeing of their child at stake, Sally and Theo's relationship is pushed to breaking point. To save their family, each of them must look deeply at who they really are.
****
I picked up this book randomly, as I couldn't make up my mind what to read, and I'm so glad I did!
Especially in the current climate where transgender issues are really at the forefront of discussions, I thought this story was absolutely brilliant and especially eye opening. I felt for both the parents in how to navigate this new world, although I tended to side with Sally more, but I could see where Theo was coming from. And Riley.... what an absolute superstar. How frightening to know that something is very very wrong with your body, but just because you are 7 years old, no-one seems to be listening to you.
I would highly recommend this book, apart from the story itself, then just to gain a slight insight into this world that a lot of people face. Brilliant
March 3, 2020
I was drawn to this book as a former teacher and I’m aware that issues of gender identity are much more widely known of in schools now. I found it incredibly moving reading about the struggles of one young child and of how her parents coped with the realisation that Riley was not comfortable in her own body. The author explored her transition through the reactions of others- her parents, grandparents, friends, school and playground parents. As you can imagine attitudes were very different but at the centre was this one child who could not help the way that she was feeling. At times the book moved me to tears.
I highly recommend reading this book whatever your perspective and congratulate Sadie Pearse for raising awareness in such a sensitive way.
I highly recommend reading this book whatever your perspective and congratulate Sadie Pearse for raising awareness in such a sensitive way.
January 13, 2019
I totally loved this book & read it in just a few sittings; pausing to reflect on the modern themes it opened up. I’ve not read about this theme before and it opened my eyes to all the decisions and rollercoaster, conflicting emotions that the parents must feel. As a teacher I felt it’s actually helped to prepare me for if this conversation comes up! Highly recommend it. Thank you to the author.
July 22, 2018
A fab read, a difficult subject matter, dealt with really well
July 30, 2018
Really enjoyed this, wasn't something I'd normally read but it was worth it. Will look for more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 30, 2020
I have to say I did not particularly enjoy the first 25% of this novel portraying such a perfect family unit that was too sweet and unrealistic. Then suddenly when the whole point of the novel was addressed it became much more interesting and fascinating. That Riley's mother was so supportive of her child while her father struggled with his feelings was so believable making the novel therefore, for me, a compulsive read. The feelings and reactions of the extended family, the position the school took and the reaction of other parents were varied and interesting. People so often feel threatened by situations they don't consider normal! A difficult subject delicately dealt with. I would like to think I would approach such a situation with compassion and understanding.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Sadie Pearse/Little Brown for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Sadie Pearse/Little Brown for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 22, 2020
I was very surprised to read the interview with Sadie Pearce at the end of the book - as the underlying message she shared there was of flexibility and appreciating there are many ways to deal with the challenges faced in the book. Whereas the book was very much issue led with the outcome being in little doubt from the outset - this was Sally's perspective - and any view or action which was not aligned to Sally's perspective was dismissed as being misdirected or wrong. Just to be sure, the author kept telling us what to think.
Also, Sadie was asked out speaking from a man's perspective - I was surprised the question was even asked as I felt Sadie missed this by a mile - Sally's husbands views usually being described through what Sally was thinking. However there was no room for any other perspective other than Sally's and the steady march towards everyone toeing the line, so little romm for her husband to become a developed character.
The issue is a worthy one, and understanding of gender differences needs to be understood, however I believe this book would have been better served had it not been a march to Sally being right but actually focused on the characters in the the story - who I felt were pawns in the telling of message Sadie wanted to share. I would much have preferred to have been given the space to have made up my own mind.
Also, Sadie was asked out speaking from a man's perspective - I was surprised the question was even asked as I felt Sadie missed this by a mile - Sally's husbands views usually being described through what Sally was thinking. However there was no room for any other perspective other than Sally's and the steady march towards everyone toeing the line, so little romm for her husband to become a developed character.
The issue is a worthy one, and understanding of gender differences needs to be understood, however I believe this book would have been better served had it not been a march to Sally being right but actually focused on the characters in the the story - who I felt were pawns in the telling of message Sadie wanted to share. I would much have preferred to have been given the space to have made up my own mind.
July 15, 2019
Oh my goodness... amazing , I cried reading the end of this book , so moving.. x
February 10, 2019
Sally and Theo are a happily married couple who have one daughter, Riley, a delightful seven-year old. When Riley announces to her parents that she is actually a boy there are clearly some issues that need to be addressed.
This is an amazing book on all sorts of levels. It is easy to read, has very likeable characters and tackles a really big issue head-on. Gender Dysphoria is something that I know very little about. In fact, I wouldn’t even have known what the term meant until now. Whilst I have no direct experience of it, this book has clearly been very well researched so I have no doubt that the way Riley behaved is typical of children struggling to come to terms with their gender. What is however very obvious to me is that the reactions of Riley’s “nearest and dearest” as well as those in less intimate supporting roles (school friends, teachers etc.) are probably very typical. I could potentially be one of those people and many, if not all of the responses rang true to me. A whole spectrum of potential emotions and reactions are presented and I thought they were portrayed in an extremely plausible and convincing way. What I do not know is how I would behave if I encountered a child with Gender Dysphoria, but I hope I would now have more compassion, understanding and knowledge as a result of having read this very thought-provoking book. Thank you Sadie for that.
I cannot really think of a bad word to say about this book. It made me feel uncomfortable at times but that isn’t a bad thing, it just challenged me to think things through in a way which I hadn’t done before.
This book would undoubtedly be a useful educational tool for everyone. It is accessible, non-judgemental and very enlightening and I would thoroughly recommend it to all readers, not just those directly involved with Gender Dysphoria.
This is an amazing book on all sorts of levels. It is easy to read, has very likeable characters and tackles a really big issue head-on. Gender Dysphoria is something that I know very little about. In fact, I wouldn’t even have known what the term meant until now. Whilst I have no direct experience of it, this book has clearly been very well researched so I have no doubt that the way Riley behaved is typical of children struggling to come to terms with their gender. What is however very obvious to me is that the reactions of Riley’s “nearest and dearest” as well as those in less intimate supporting roles (school friends, teachers etc.) are probably very typical. I could potentially be one of those people and many, if not all of the responses rang true to me. A whole spectrum of potential emotions and reactions are presented and I thought they were portrayed in an extremely plausible and convincing way. What I do not know is how I would behave if I encountered a child with Gender Dysphoria, but I hope I would now have more compassion, understanding and knowledge as a result of having read this very thought-provoking book. Thank you Sadie for that.
I cannot really think of a bad word to say about this book. It made me feel uncomfortable at times but that isn’t a bad thing, it just challenged me to think things through in a way which I hadn’t done before.
This book would undoubtedly be a useful educational tool for everyone. It is accessible, non-judgemental and very enlightening and I would thoroughly recommend it to all readers, not just those directly involved with Gender Dysphoria.
July 16, 2019
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This Child of Ours by @sadiebooks. Synopsis - “””When Riley confides in her parents - Sally and Theo - that she feels uncomfortable in her own skin, a chain of events begins that changes their lives forever. Sally wants to support her daughter by helping her be who she dreams of being. Theo resists; he thinks Riley is a seven-year-old child pushing boundaries. Both believe theirs is the only way to protect Riley and keep her safe.””” Ooooooooh my heart.... this book.... Ever read a book that grabs your soul so deep you can’t form the exact words you need to do a review justice? That’s where I’m sitting. Book in hand. Bookhangover causing brain melt. Sadie Pearse writes a phenomenal family gut wrenching story. Do you have a Riley? Know a Riley? Read this book!! Being a UK release I had to search out a copy on eBay after Clare Mackintosh raved about it. I would love to know if we’ll get a sequel, I’m dying to venture further along Riley’s journey. 💜💙💚💛🧡❤️💜❤️🧡
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
#thischildofours #sadiepearse @littlebrownuk #pagesforpride #pridereads #pride #nanasbooknook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #instabooks #bookcommunity #booksofinstagram #booksharks #bookbuzz #books #bookcommunity
#bookworm #bookishnana #bookhangover #ilikebigbooksandicannotlie
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
#thischildofours #sadiepearse @littlebrownuk #pagesforpride #pridereads #pride #nanasbooknook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #instabooks #bookcommunity #booksofinstagram #booksharks #bookbuzz #books #bookcommunity
#bookworm #bookishnana #bookhangover #ilikebigbooksandicannotlie
January 20, 2019
My Thoughts......
Imagine if your little seven year old girl came to you and said "Mummy I don't want to be a girl, I want to be a boy now"..
What would you do? How would you react?
How would you even begin to try handle it?
I don't have children but I literally had goosebumps trying to process this storyline and imagine what it would be like.
My heart ached for little Riley as she struggled to let those she loved know how she was feeling.
I wondered how someone so young in life could experience such grown up feelings.
A part of me was also screaming "she's just seven".
We see her parents Sally & Theo both struggle with her revelation & become divided in their opinions.
Sally tries to support her child while Theo feels it's just a phase she's going through.
I sided with both of them a number of times throughout the book until in the end I just couldn't decide what was for the best.
Author Sadie Pearse captures the reader completely with such a heartbreaking storyline.
It's one I've never come across in a book which made it so different for me...
This is one book that will stay with me for a long time.
Loved it ❤
Imagine if your little seven year old girl came to you and said "Mummy I don't want to be a girl, I want to be a boy now"..
What would you do? How would you react?
How would you even begin to try handle it?
I don't have children but I literally had goosebumps trying to process this storyline and imagine what it would be like.
My heart ached for little Riley as she struggled to let those she loved know how she was feeling.
I wondered how someone so young in life could experience such grown up feelings.
A part of me was also screaming "she's just seven".
We see her parents Sally & Theo both struggle with her revelation & become divided in their opinions.
Sally tries to support her child while Theo feels it's just a phase she's going through.
I sided with both of them a number of times throughout the book until in the end I just couldn't decide what was for the best.
Author Sadie Pearse captures the reader completely with such a heartbreaking storyline.
It's one I've never come across in a book which made it so different for me...
This is one book that will stay with me for a long time.
Loved it ❤
September 14, 2018
Wow! What an engrossing read! Sally and Theo are the parents of seven year old Riley who seemingly out of the blue decides she is a boy. Sally and Theo struggle with how to handle her news and slowly begin to accept and adjust to her desires to change her hair, wear boys underwear and clothing and be referred to as a boy. Riley immediately displays a greater self-confidence and joy in her everyday life. But Theo is stuck trying to keep her from progressing to "he". Sally on the other hand is also greatly disturbed by the "loss" of her daughter but she feels strongly that Riley's happiness is more important that what seems right and normal to the rest of the world. The marriage suffers greatly as does the relationship with Theo's parents. A very well-written and fascinating read into what most of us never really get to see. I very strongly recommend this to anyone, even those who have difficulty with the idea of gender dysphoria.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a review copy. This is my honest opinion.
August 26, 2018
I was sent a copy of This Child of Ours by Sadie Pearse to read and review by NetGalley.
This novel tackles the very topical issue of gender dysphoria and I think it does so very sensitively. The beginning of the book, I thought, was a romantic and rather mawkish view of the family concerned – in fact I was almost at the point of giving up when 7 year old Riley was given a voice. The relationships between the adults in the story remained rather romanticised but the main issue of Riley’s gender dysphoria and how it affected all aspects of daily life was quite compelling and enlightening. Whether there are more instances of gender dysphoria in the world today or whether it is the fact that we are all much more aware, this novel gives some insight into both how a child may feel about being in the wrong body and how adults, whether they be parents, grandparents and even the general public react to this.
This novel tackles the very topical issue of gender dysphoria and I think it does so very sensitively. The beginning of the book, I thought, was a romantic and rather mawkish view of the family concerned – in fact I was almost at the point of giving up when 7 year old Riley was given a voice. The relationships between the adults in the story remained rather romanticised but the main issue of Riley’s gender dysphoria and how it affected all aspects of daily life was quite compelling and enlightening. Whether there are more instances of gender dysphoria in the world today or whether it is the fact that we are all much more aware, this novel gives some insight into both how a child may feel about being in the wrong body and how adults, whether they be parents, grandparents and even the general public react to this.
March 13, 2019
Having read a feel good book just previously, I knew this would not be in the same category.
The book is emotionally absorbing. Not only did I find the responses plausible, I found myself involved and hoping the parents, Theo and Sally, would just say what they really think. It captured well I thought the angst and struggles and communication issues of a relationship faced with something totally unexpected when each side thinks differently and is set in their ways. The focus of the book is not Riley but the parents and others that are impacted but such a life shattering announcement.
From a literary point of view, the writing was serviceable but not sparkling. Some parts of the novel weren't necessary, including the "Matt" sub plot.
Personally, it made me think how hard it would be to deal with this if I was a parent. The desire to not see your child suffer is overwhelming, and the book did this well. I thought the engagement with the issue was ultimately shallow though.
The book is emotionally absorbing. Not only did I find the responses plausible, I found myself involved and hoping the parents, Theo and Sally, would just say what they really think. It captured well I thought the angst and struggles and communication issues of a relationship faced with something totally unexpected when each side thinks differently and is set in their ways. The focus of the book is not Riley but the parents and others that are impacted but such a life shattering announcement.
From a literary point of view, the writing was serviceable but not sparkling. Some parts of the novel weren't necessary, including the "Matt" sub plot.
Personally, it made me think how hard it would be to deal with this if I was a parent. The desire to not see your child suffer is overwhelming, and the book did this well. I thought the engagement with the issue was ultimately shallow though.
October 22, 2018
This Child of Ours by Sadie Pearse begins slowly, following Sally and Theo and their seven year-old daughter, Riley as they navigate work and school. Life seems perfect and yet, having read the blurb, the reader knows Sally and Theo are about to be forced to make decisions no parent ever wishes to make. My advice is to stick with this novel because once Riley articulates how she really feels the story takes off, as Sally and Theo try to answer impossible questions. Does Riley really want to change gender? Or is her need to be a boy just a phase that will pass? A sensitive, realistic exploration of how a child’s need impacts a family and those around them. This is the author’s first novel written as Sadie Pearse (she also writes as Vanessa Greene and Abby Clements) and I’m looking forward to reading more.
June 20, 2021
What a fantastic book and so in need in this day and age of disruption and young people trying to find out about themselves. Teenage years are hard at the best of times but when you start to mature much younger it’s a whole different ball game. It starts out like any other book. I can certainly tell you I did not see the story that Sadie Pearse wrote coming. I’m so glad I picked this up as a last minute book to fill my quota of books for the month. As the pages turned I found a very lovable young girl who loved to rough and tumble, climb trees etc., anything boys wanted to do she wanted. Now I can empathize with this because as I was growing up I didn’t have girlfriends, not until high school, I had boys who were my best friends. We all played together including my brother, who was older than me, so most of the boys I mixed with were a year or two older, except my very best friend James, we were only born 5 days apart. What I’m getting at is I was your typical Tom Boy and I loved it. Climbing trees, playing football, soccer. We even use to climb the very high cliff near us. Lots and lots of other things I had to do or I wouldn’t have had anyone to play with. I’m not saying I didn’t like it because I loved it - I absolutely loved it. But in amongst all of this I always new who I was and generally where I was going. This was a step in that direction, I’m so thankful I had a mother who didn’t care that I wanted to wear jeans, trousers and shorts all the time. She didn’t care that I loved football, running and just being covered in dirt.
This poor little girl has no clue at first what’s about to come, she thinks it’s normal as any child would. She then drops a bomb shell on mum and dad that makes their world fall apart. They broke up because one wanted this and one wanted that but most of all because they were listening to what other stupid people were saying instead of listening to their beloved daughter and what she wanted. This caused a lot of heartache and upset for the little girl, who was 11. She felt she’d caused them to break up and that she was the cause of all the whispers going on around the neighborhood. The only people who seemed to accept her for who she was were her whole school and classmates. I’m happy to say the parents finally saw reason and started the slow pace back to a new family but the little girl will never be the same but underneath it all the parents finally realised what’s more important and that’s being there for your child, who you bought into the world and love no matter what.
This poor little girl has no clue at first what’s about to come, she thinks it’s normal as any child would. She then drops a bomb shell on mum and dad that makes their world fall apart. They broke up because one wanted this and one wanted that but most of all because they were listening to what other stupid people were saying instead of listening to their beloved daughter and what she wanted. This caused a lot of heartache and upset for the little girl, who was 11. She felt she’d caused them to break up and that she was the cause of all the whispers going on around the neighborhood. The only people who seemed to accept her for who she was were her whole school and classmates. I’m happy to say the parents finally saw reason and started the slow pace back to a new family but the little girl will never be the same but underneath it all the parents finally realised what’s more important and that’s being there for your child, who you bought into the world and love no matter what.
September 17, 2018
I was given an advance copy of this book but my opinion and review is an honest one.
Firstly, this is not a book subject that I would necessarily have chosen but I have read the authors other books under another name and thought I would give it a go.
Although it is not a true story it must be so many people’s reality. What do you do when your child says they are not happy in their body and want to go from a girl to a boy or vice versa? Do you ignore them, think it is a stage they are going through? Do you support them?
Thought it was handled very well and very thought provoking and so many different opinions on what is right or wrong or “normal”.
Would highly recommend reading this book, it certainly gets you thinking.
Firstly, this is not a book subject that I would necessarily have chosen but I have read the authors other books under another name and thought I would give it a go.
Although it is not a true story it must be so many people’s reality. What do you do when your child says they are not happy in their body and want to go from a girl to a boy or vice versa? Do you ignore them, think it is a stage they are going through? Do you support them?
Thought it was handled very well and very thought provoking and so many different opinions on what is right or wrong or “normal”.
Would highly recommend reading this book, it certainly gets you thinking.
September 3, 2019
I finished this book in a day . I found the story sad at the same time very interesting. Sadie Pearce has portrayed beautifully the struggle that parents face and has portrayed Riley’s emotions in an amazing manner . The book brings to light so many issues and concerns faced by transgender people including the challenges they face on a daily basis . The book has prompted me to look into this further and has made me understand this in a better manner ,I recommend this book to all . Though I’m not a parent I could still imagine the struggle that all face in the family in coming to terms with their descision.
September 7, 2018
The first thing that struck me was what would I have done in this situation. I came to the conclusion that I didn't really know. Riley was fortunate in getting the support from her parents especially as it's such a sensitive issue - changing gender. The novel is written with considerable warmth, understanding, tolerance and perception. It's an unsettling read when you consider how rigid our society can be and there's so little help and understanding from others. It was very insightful. Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book.
April 9, 2019
I sympathised with both Sally and Theo's very different ways of trying to help their daughter Riley as she struggled with feeling uncomfortable in her own skin. When your child is so young, is it 'just a phase' or something that you need to take very seriously as this will affect the course of their adult life? It was interesting to examine how I would react as a parent in that situation. The authentic voice of Riley herself explaining how she felt was a great touch. This book was thought provoking and heart warming, and I had to keep reading ahead towards the end as it became more gripping!
February 1, 2019
This is an awesome book. I couldn’t put it down. I have a real interest in children who believe they are the wrong gender. This is beautifully told. The parents are a loving couple with an only child, a daughter who one day at 7 yrs old says to them “ I am a boy”. How everyone copes is moving and explores the angst and stress of doing the right thing by the child at the heart of the story...it’s an important story to be written and read. Fabulous!
March 7, 2019
The issues faced by the central characters had me thinking pretty deeply about how you would personally cope in their situation. They strived to do what they each thought was for the best but this inevitably caused conflict, turmoil and strains on relationships. I thought the author brought the story to a meaningful conclusion, not necessarily a happy ever after one but one where you could see them all moving forward together in a positive way.
July 25, 2019
I spent all of last night reading this book from cover to cover, couldn't put it down, & went from laughter to tears & back again, possibly because my youngest grandchild is Riley's age so it brought it closer to home. The characters, all of them, are well written & it shows the strength of the parents in their support of their child, despite their own fears & insecurities. Well done Sadie Pearse, let's have more of this kind of writing please
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews