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Misconception
'The invisible thread between them tightened, strengthened, bound them together. And now she was walking towards him, about to become his wife, and there was nothing in the world that could sever that thread.'
Ali and Tom are the perfect couple. They both have successful careers and are still madly in love after ten years. But when they are told their unborn baby has died, their picture-perfect life is shattered.
Faced with an empty room, the prospect of catching up with friends and returning to work, Ali feels her control over the reality she wanted slipping further and further away.
But when Ali's irresponsible mother re-enters her life, Ali discovers secrets from a past she'd forgotten ever existed.
Will Ali and tom ever be able to find their way back to each other? And will Ali find a way to move forward without letting go of her memories?
Ali and Tom are the perfect couple. They both have successful careers and are still madly in love after ten years. But when they are told their unborn baby has died, their picture-perfect life is shattered.
Faced with an empty room, the prospect of catching up with friends and returning to work, Ali feels her control over the reality she wanted slipping further and further away.
But when Ali's irresponsible mother re-enters her life, Ali discovers secrets from a past she'd forgotten ever existed.
Will Ali and tom ever be able to find their way back to each other? And will Ali find a way to move forward without letting go of her memories?
376 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2019
6 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Freeborn
5 books27 followersRebecca Freeborn lives in the Adelaide Hills with three kids, a horse, more books than she can fit in her bookcase and an ever-diminishing wine collection.
She works as a communications and content editor for the South Australian Government where she screams into the void against passive voice and unnecessary capitalisation.
She writes before the sun comes up and thrives on unrealistic deadlines.
She works as a communications and content editor for the South Australian Government where she screams into the void against passive voice and unnecessary capitalisation.
She writes before the sun comes up and thrives on unrealistic deadlines.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 30, 2019
The excitement Ali and Tom felt about the pregnancy was tempered by the two miscarriages Ali had already suffered. But with the third trimester on them, it was time to buy all they needed for this new and precious life.
Ali was high up in the world of journalism and politics while Tom was a successful lawyer, a partner and looking at further advancement. They were happily married, still deeply in love after ten years. But the day they went to the hospital when Ali was at thirty weeks, concerned as Ali hadn’t felt their little one move for awhile, was the day their lives shattered. Tom and Ali’s beautiful baby was stillborn – nothing would ever be the same again.
As Ali and Tom struggled with their new reality, they could feel each other slipping away. Ali was determined to shut Tom out; return to work and bury her grief. While Tom was bewildered, wondering whether the Ali he loved would ever return. But worse was to come…
Misconception by Aussie author Rebecca Freeborn is set in Adelaide in South Australia, a place I’m very familiar with as I lived there for some years. A perfect setting, laced with a tragedy that affects many, had me reading this quickly. An enjoyable although heartbreaking read, Misconception is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to Pantera Press for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Ali was high up in the world of journalism and politics while Tom was a successful lawyer, a partner and looking at further advancement. They were happily married, still deeply in love after ten years. But the day they went to the hospital when Ali was at thirty weeks, concerned as Ali hadn’t felt their little one move for awhile, was the day their lives shattered. Tom and Ali’s beautiful baby was stillborn – nothing would ever be the same again.
As Ali and Tom struggled with their new reality, they could feel each other slipping away. Ali was determined to shut Tom out; return to work and bury her grief. While Tom was bewildered, wondering whether the Ali he loved would ever return. But worse was to come…
Misconception by Aussie author Rebecca Freeborn is set in Adelaide in South Australia, a place I’m very familiar with as I lived there for some years. A perfect setting, laced with a tragedy that affects many, had me reading this quickly. An enjoyable although heartbreaking read, Misconception is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to Pantera Press for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2019
Ali and Tom, who have been married ten years, are a career couple. Ali never wanted children. But then her attitude changes. She falls pregnant. Two early miscarriages convince her she is never going to be a mother. But then the third time she and Tom feel they can finally get excited. They are past the danger period. Nothing prepares Ali for how much their lives will change. For the unborn baby girl dies in the womb. They name their stillborn baby Elizabeth. The death of Elizabeth affects Ali and Tom in different ways. Instead of binding them closer together, it seems to be tearing them further apart. She takes refuge in work and in alcohol. When Ali’s mother who is an alcoholic re-enters her life, Ali feels less in control than ever.
This story is told from both Ali’s and Tom’s points of view, with other chapters which are labelled before. In these the reader sees how Ali and Tom got together and the relationship they had before circumstances intervened. My heart went out to this couple with their loss but the longer the story goes on, the harder it is to find Ali likable. She is determined to cut everyone off including Tom, and in a way even this reader with her hard attitude and her coarse mouth. Yet, I could not stop reading. Despite the unwise decisions made by both of them in personal and business lives, I had to keep reading to see what happened.
This is a stark portrayal of grief and the slide into and devastating effects of alcoholism. It is a bleak and heartbreaking picture, although not without some hope. Set in South Australia, it also presents a picture of a working life in journalism and politics which is interesting.
Miscarriage and still birth is a heartbreaking tragedy that affects a number of people in society. Certainly an issue that needs to be dealt with, it’s one that needs to be talked about more rather than shrouded in silence as is often the case. For this reason this is a really good book and presents a clear picture of the devastation such events can incur. I just wish Ali had been a more likeable character and not so hard.
This story is told from both Ali’s and Tom’s points of view, with other chapters which are labelled before. In these the reader sees how Ali and Tom got together and the relationship they had before circumstances intervened. My heart went out to this couple with their loss but the longer the story goes on, the harder it is to find Ali likable. She is determined to cut everyone off including Tom, and in a way even this reader with her hard attitude and her coarse mouth. Yet, I could not stop reading. Despite the unwise decisions made by both of them in personal and business lives, I had to keep reading to see what happened.
This is a stark portrayal of grief and the slide into and devastating effects of alcoholism. It is a bleak and heartbreaking picture, although not without some hope. Set in South Australia, it also presents a picture of a working life in journalism and politics which is interesting.
Miscarriage and still birth is a heartbreaking tragedy that affects a number of people in society. Certainly an issue that needs to be dealt with, it’s one that needs to be talked about more rather than shrouded in silence as is often the case. For this reason this is a really good book and presents a clear picture of the devastation such events can incur. I just wish Ali had been a more likeable character and not so hard.
December 5, 2020
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POPSUGAR READING CHALLENGE 2020 #37: A book with a pink cover
A story that delves directly into a sensitive but essential subject matter, Misconception is a novel of miscarriage, stillbirth and grief. Written by Adelaide Hills resident Rebecca Freeborn, who also penned Hot Pursuit, Misconception is a much-needed novel that tackles an important topic experienced by so many often silently. A tale that grabbed my heart from the onset to the conclusion, Rebecca Freeborn’s second novel is a vital and compassionate piece of contemporary fiction.
Misconception follows married couple Ali and Tom. We are privy to the inner thoughts and feelings of both parties via Freeborn’s shifting third person form of narration. Misconception looks at the formation of Ali and Tom’s relationship from the start. We witness this couple fall in love, marry and make the decision to have children. Both have great careers and a solid friendship set, but Ali’s upbringing with her troubled mother comes into play as the story progresses. When Ali and Tom fall pregnant, they are naturally excited. However, when the baby stops moving at thirty weeks gestation, they learn that their baby has died. Misconception looks at life after this tragic event, as Ali and Tom struggle to readjust to the normal patterns of their life, without a baby. Each deals with their grief in different ways and it is Ali who struggles the most to gain control over her life. As Ali pushes Tom further and further away, she must confront some painful secrets about her past. Can this couple reconcile in their overwhelming fog of grief?
Misconception represents my first experience of the writing of Australian author Rebecca Freeborn. I have heard great things about Freeborn, via both the author’s debut Hot Pursuit and her most recent release, The Girl She Was. Following my positive reading experience of Misconception, I will definitely aim to catch up on both books.
Misconception is a necessary and almost indispensable read in my opinion. With miscarriage and stillbirth a very common experience for many couples, Misconception is a book that places this sensitive topic in the public eye. I am sure many readers out there will find that this book provides them with a voice, some semblance and hope in relation to infant loss. Freeborn tackles this emotionally fraught subject area with insight, compassion and realism.
The style of narration which flips between both the male and female couple of this tale was a good move on behalf of the author. This allows Freeborn to interrogate themes of grief, loss, emotions and gender expectations. We see how the male figure of this tale is very in touch with his feelings and emotions. While Ali, the female viewpoint of this novel, is quite detached but also out of control. It was interesting to follow these two very different responses to grief, which seemed to point out to me personally that no one experience of grief is normal, or expected.
Misconception is defined by short and sharp chapters, which often encourage the reader to continue on with the story, even if they are time poor. Misconception is poised piece, defined by even narrative pacing and solid character constructions. I also appreciated Freeborn’s focus on the before aspects of this couple, as we observe the formation of Tom and Ali’s relationship, along with their past histories. By opening up Ali’s past wounds, we begin to understand why Ali acts in certain less desirable, self destructive and often frustrating ways. Misconception aims to illuminate how the loss of a child can ultimately impact so many facets of both the mother and the father’s lives. For Ali and Tom, it impacts their careers, family relationships, friendships, interests, personal health, mental wellbeing and ultimately their marriage. Devastating, stark, raw and honest, I valued the journey presented in Misconception a great deal.
Open up your heart to this painful but fundamental story of overwhelming loss, marital estrangement, family pressures, self worth, personal crisis and acceptance. Misconception is a tender and deep contemporary tale that tackles a delicate subject.
POPSUGAR READING CHALLENGE 2020 #37: A book with a pink cover
A story that delves directly into a sensitive but essential subject matter, Misconception is a novel of miscarriage, stillbirth and grief. Written by Adelaide Hills resident Rebecca Freeborn, who also penned Hot Pursuit, Misconception is a much-needed novel that tackles an important topic experienced by so many often silently. A tale that grabbed my heart from the onset to the conclusion, Rebecca Freeborn’s second novel is a vital and compassionate piece of contemporary fiction.
Misconception follows married couple Ali and Tom. We are privy to the inner thoughts and feelings of both parties via Freeborn’s shifting third person form of narration. Misconception looks at the formation of Ali and Tom’s relationship from the start. We witness this couple fall in love, marry and make the decision to have children. Both have great careers and a solid friendship set, but Ali’s upbringing with her troubled mother comes into play as the story progresses. When Ali and Tom fall pregnant, they are naturally excited. However, when the baby stops moving at thirty weeks gestation, they learn that their baby has died. Misconception looks at life after this tragic event, as Ali and Tom struggle to readjust to the normal patterns of their life, without a baby. Each deals with their grief in different ways and it is Ali who struggles the most to gain control over her life. As Ali pushes Tom further and further away, she must confront some painful secrets about her past. Can this couple reconcile in their overwhelming fog of grief?
Misconception represents my first experience of the writing of Australian author Rebecca Freeborn. I have heard great things about Freeborn, via both the author’s debut Hot Pursuit and her most recent release, The Girl She Was. Following my positive reading experience of Misconception, I will definitely aim to catch up on both books.
Misconception is a necessary and almost indispensable read in my opinion. With miscarriage and stillbirth a very common experience for many couples, Misconception is a book that places this sensitive topic in the public eye. I am sure many readers out there will find that this book provides them with a voice, some semblance and hope in relation to infant loss. Freeborn tackles this emotionally fraught subject area with insight, compassion and realism.
The style of narration which flips between both the male and female couple of this tale was a good move on behalf of the author. This allows Freeborn to interrogate themes of grief, loss, emotions and gender expectations. We see how the male figure of this tale is very in touch with his feelings and emotions. While Ali, the female viewpoint of this novel, is quite detached but also out of control. It was interesting to follow these two very different responses to grief, which seemed to point out to me personally that no one experience of grief is normal, or expected.
Misconception is defined by short and sharp chapters, which often encourage the reader to continue on with the story, even if they are time poor. Misconception is poised piece, defined by even narrative pacing and solid character constructions. I also appreciated Freeborn’s focus on the before aspects of this couple, as we observe the formation of Tom and Ali’s relationship, along with their past histories. By opening up Ali’s past wounds, we begin to understand why Ali acts in certain less desirable, self destructive and often frustrating ways. Misconception aims to illuminate how the loss of a child can ultimately impact so many facets of both the mother and the father’s lives. For Ali and Tom, it impacts their careers, family relationships, friendships, interests, personal health, mental wellbeing and ultimately their marriage. Devastating, stark, raw and honest, I valued the journey presented in Misconception a great deal.
Open up your heart to this painful but fundamental story of overwhelming loss, marital estrangement, family pressures, self worth, personal crisis and acceptance. Misconception is a tender and deep contemporary tale that tackles a delicate subject.
August 7, 2019
Such a powerful and moving story about family,love and loss. I couldn't put it down.
November 5, 2019
OMG what a novel this is! Such a heartbreaking emotional story about a couple who lose a baby at 30 weeks and the effect it has on their lives. I was absolutely gutted at poor Ali who hit rock bottom after this tragic event. She was never keen on having a baby but Tom always wanted a family. After IVF they finally became pregnant, but after that tragedy it was so heartbreaking to see the downward spiral their lives went. The flashbacks Ali was having, and the blame she placed on herself was awful. Secrets from her childhood reappear and her life spins out of control.
Even though the subject content is sad, this was a riveting read and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone (except maybe if you are either pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant).
Even though the subject content is sad, this was a riveting read and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone (except maybe if you are either pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant).
July 16, 2019
TW: this book and this review talks about miscarriage and stillbirth.
Misconception follows the story of Ali, a woman who, after 2 early miscarriages, has a stillbirth at 30 weeks, and the novel shows how it affects her, her family, her job, her mental state, and overall her whole life.
I love that this topic is being talked about in a book. Personally, I hate the idea that it’s taboo to talk about miscarriage and if someone miscarries in the first 12 weeks it’s better off no one even knew to begin with. I’ve never miscarried myself, but I’ve had family and friends that have, and I know it’s an incredibly tough and trying time where you need support from family and friends. I was so surprised to learn that nearly 1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage before 12 weeks (and 1 in 123 pregnancies end in stillbirth). I was shocked, because it’s talked about so little I just had no idea the numbers were so high.
However, the book is not an easy read. It begins with Ali’s stillbirth, and for the next 90% of the book it’s a very depressing look at how it destroys her life, with some parts seeming farfetched to me. Ali was a hard character for me to relate to, as she pushes away her family and friends in such awful ways. I think this is an incredibly extreme case of someone dealing with miscarriage in the worst way possible. Although at the same time, I felt that if I ever have a close friend go through this, I might be better equipped to support them after reading this book and realising the depth of pain that miscarriage and stillbirth can create.
Miscarriages and stillbirths affect so many people, and as it’s a topic talked about so little, couples feel so alone when they have to deal with it. I hope that if there are men or women out there struggling with this, this book might help them feel less alone.
Misconception follows the story of Ali, a woman who, after 2 early miscarriages, has a stillbirth at 30 weeks, and the novel shows how it affects her, her family, her job, her mental state, and overall her whole life.
I love that this topic is being talked about in a book. Personally, I hate the idea that it’s taboo to talk about miscarriage and if someone miscarries in the first 12 weeks it’s better off no one even knew to begin with. I’ve never miscarried myself, but I’ve had family and friends that have, and I know it’s an incredibly tough and trying time where you need support from family and friends. I was so surprised to learn that nearly 1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage before 12 weeks (and 1 in 123 pregnancies end in stillbirth). I was shocked, because it’s talked about so little I just had no idea the numbers were so high.
However, the book is not an easy read. It begins with Ali’s stillbirth, and for the next 90% of the book it’s a very depressing look at how it destroys her life, with some parts seeming farfetched to me. Ali was a hard character for me to relate to, as she pushes away her family and friends in such awful ways. I think this is an incredibly extreme case of someone dealing with miscarriage in the worst way possible. Although at the same time, I felt that if I ever have a close friend go through this, I might be better equipped to support them after reading this book and realising the depth of pain that miscarriage and stillbirth can create.
Miscarriages and stillbirths affect so many people, and as it’s a topic talked about so little, couples feel so alone when they have to deal with it. I hope that if there are men or women out there struggling with this, this book might help them feel less alone.
June 12, 2020
Whilst the book was engaging and kept me reading on until the end I found it hard to connect with Ali. Tom was a lot easier to relate to.
I found the flashbacks good which popped up throughout the book and the short chapters made it easy to read a chapter or two when I had a few minutes to fill in. I would have liked the arrival of Emma to creep up. The story had a happy ending but the ending seemed too rushed and there was a big gap in the book between Tom and Ali getting back together and Emma’s birth.
The book covered many themes very well and the reader did get an insight into how stillbirth and miscarriage can have a devastating affect on people’s lives.
I found the flashbacks good which popped up throughout the book and the short chapters made it easy to read a chapter or two when I had a few minutes to fill in. I would have liked the arrival of Emma to creep up. The story had a happy ending but the ending seemed too rushed and there was a big gap in the book between Tom and Ali getting back together and Emma’s birth.
The book covered many themes very well and the reader did get an insight into how stillbirth and miscarriage can have a devastating affect on people’s lives.
August 4, 2020
This is a fantastic domestic fiction that focuses on the affects of a miscarriage on an aspiring mother and father.
It's a heartfelt, gutwrenching story that will stay with me for quite some time.
I really recommend this one to those who enjoy this genre and are open to reading about touchy subjects.
It's a heartfelt, gutwrenching story that will stay with me for quite some time.
I really recommend this one to those who enjoy this genre and are open to reading about touchy subjects.
did-not-finish
May 7, 2024DNF at page 140. I often really enjoy reading books where I can see where things are going but still want to see how it gets there - like romance novels. For this book, though, I was not enjoying that process.
August 28, 2019
I loved this book. It will not be the choice of a lot of readers but I would recommend reading it. The subject of the book has not been in my experience but this story has helped me face an issue in my life that has been with me for many years. This story is about grief...we all experience it...we all experience it differently...and we will either allow it to take over our life or we will confront it for what it is. Thank you Rebecca Freeborn for this book.
May 30, 2020
I’m in a small book club with a group of gals,
some have children, some are married with children a few years away yet and others are single. Misconception was our second book for this year. What a conversation starter for the sensitive taboo topics of stillbirth and miscarriage.
Misconception follows the lives of Ali and Tom, an accomplished couple who are madly in love and have a baby on the way. Their world is shattered when their first child is stillborn and neither are prepared to deal with their grief, both individually and as a couple.
This is such an emotionally charged and tragic novel, but definitely thought-provoking. We reflected on each character’s journey and how it resonated with us and impossibly tried to predict how we would react in these circumstances. We found the flashback chapters integral to this novel; as they strengthened our desire for Tom and Ali to emerge intact from this traumatic event in their lives. We talked a lot about Ali’s recovery, and decided that if it weren’t for reuniting with her mother, she probably wouldn’t of dealt with the trauma of losing her baby.
The main intention of choosing Misconception for book club was to spark some conversation. The thought process was that if we could discuss these topics from a fictional novel, then hopefully if the unimaginable were to occur we’d be able to tell our friends and get the support we needed, and ultimately not contribute to the stigma.
Overall, a really interesting read.
some have children, some are married with children a few years away yet and others are single. Misconception was our second book for this year. What a conversation starter for the sensitive taboo topics of stillbirth and miscarriage.
Misconception follows the lives of Ali and Tom, an accomplished couple who are madly in love and have a baby on the way. Their world is shattered when their first child is stillborn and neither are prepared to deal with their grief, both individually and as a couple.
This is such an emotionally charged and tragic novel, but definitely thought-provoking. We reflected on each character’s journey and how it resonated with us and impossibly tried to predict how we would react in these circumstances. We found the flashback chapters integral to this novel; as they strengthened our desire for Tom and Ali to emerge intact from this traumatic event in their lives. We talked a lot about Ali’s recovery, and decided that if it weren’t for reuniting with her mother, she probably wouldn’t of dealt with the trauma of losing her baby.
The main intention of choosing Misconception for book club was to spark some conversation. The thought process was that if we could discuss these topics from a fictional novel, then hopefully if the unimaginable were to occur we’d be able to tell our friends and get the support we needed, and ultimately not contribute to the stigma.
Overall, a really interesting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2022
The one star is for fleshing out the characters of Ali and Tom well. The rest are lost because of the appalling tone the author used to demonise Ali.
I lost a baby in similar circumstances to Ali. Tom has to be one of the most selfish characters I’ve read about for a while but the author just repeatedly smashes the reader over the head with rose coloured glasses when it comes to him.
First up, what he said to her at the hospital about not saying something was diabolical. He was stressed which makes it excusable, but only with a very significant, insightful and meaningful apology. The second he said that he ceased being a safe person for Ali in this tragedy. And yet he never brought it up again. Even after the midwife appointment when her self blame was clear, he STILL didn’t say anything. There is no way in hell Ali could have found comfort in him after that plus no proper apology or demonstrated insight. So her not sharing her grief with him is on Tom, not Ali.
Then, the dinner he cooked for her where he took away the wine bottles, was incredibly manipulative. Taking the bottles to his mum’s house, meaning he told his mum about this, was a betrayal and humiliated her. THEN he reveals his true intentions for making her stop drinking, which is that he wants another baby. Just to be clear, this would have been about 3 months after Ali gave birth to their dead child. Talking about another pregnancy would immediately trigger a massive flashback. The one time someone tried forcing me to have a conversation about that in the first few months, it made me as close to suicide as I have ever been in my life, the trauma was so much. But Tom didn’t think about that. He didn’t care about the fact that she had said she couldn’t try again (not ‘won’t’, but ‘couldn’t’). He just cared about what he wanted and the author of this book painted him as the good guy.
Third, he never ever once tried to help Ali in the way that she needed. The author has written this book in a way that made Tom’s style of grief ‘good’ and Ali’s ‘bad’. Ali’s grief style is all about escape. Yet he continually demanded attention and wanted her to support him in the way that he wanted. To the point that when Ali had a few hours respite from the torment she was in by talking about a political scandal, he was repulsed and immediately turned the conversation back to the one that HE wanted.
In fact, everyone around her was trying to dictate to her how to grieve instead of talking their cues from her. What I would have done is, from day one, watch her, see she’s looking for an escape and then find a healthy one with her. Like taking the car, turning the music up loud and driving somewhere, anywhere. Anything at all really, just not dictating to her how to grieve. Fact is that she initially turned to alcohol because no one she knew was offering any escape other than drinking.
And why didn’t Tom get forced to see a psychologist? Maybe it would have helped him not treat his grieving wife like a breeding sow.
This book is deeply misogynistic and perpetuates gender stereotypes by demonising the main female character for not ‘doing grief right’.
I lost a baby in similar circumstances to Ali. Tom has to be one of the most selfish characters I’ve read about for a while but the author just repeatedly smashes the reader over the head with rose coloured glasses when it comes to him.
First up, what he said to her at the hospital about not saying something was diabolical. He was stressed which makes it excusable, but only with a very significant, insightful and meaningful apology. The second he said that he ceased being a safe person for Ali in this tragedy. And yet he never brought it up again. Even after the midwife appointment when her self blame was clear, he STILL didn’t say anything. There is no way in hell Ali could have found comfort in him after that plus no proper apology or demonstrated insight. So her not sharing her grief with him is on Tom, not Ali.
Then, the dinner he cooked for her where he took away the wine bottles, was incredibly manipulative. Taking the bottles to his mum’s house, meaning he told his mum about this, was a betrayal and humiliated her. THEN he reveals his true intentions for making her stop drinking, which is that he wants another baby. Just to be clear, this would have been about 3 months after Ali gave birth to their dead child. Talking about another pregnancy would immediately trigger a massive flashback. The one time someone tried forcing me to have a conversation about that in the first few months, it made me as close to suicide as I have ever been in my life, the trauma was so much. But Tom didn’t think about that. He didn’t care about the fact that she had said she couldn’t try again (not ‘won’t’, but ‘couldn’t’). He just cared about what he wanted and the author of this book painted him as the good guy.
Third, he never ever once tried to help Ali in the way that she needed. The author has written this book in a way that made Tom’s style of grief ‘good’ and Ali’s ‘bad’. Ali’s grief style is all about escape. Yet he continually demanded attention and wanted her to support him in the way that he wanted. To the point that when Ali had a few hours respite from the torment she was in by talking about a political scandal, he was repulsed and immediately turned the conversation back to the one that HE wanted.
In fact, everyone around her was trying to dictate to her how to grieve instead of talking their cues from her. What I would have done is, from day one, watch her, see she’s looking for an escape and then find a healthy one with her. Like taking the car, turning the music up loud and driving somewhere, anywhere. Anything at all really, just not dictating to her how to grieve. Fact is that she initially turned to alcohol because no one she knew was offering any escape other than drinking.
And why didn’t Tom get forced to see a psychologist? Maybe it would have helped him not treat his grieving wife like a breeding sow.
This book is deeply misogynistic and perpetuates gender stereotypes by demonising the main female character for not ‘doing grief right’.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2020
A somewhat challenging read about Ali and Tom, a couple madly in love and highly committed to each other. They have decided later in life to have children, and after two miscarriages and fertility treatment, Ali is now pregnant. However, the worst occurs and Elizabeth is stillborn. Ali returns quickly to work, and turns to alcohol to numb the pain. Tom tries to support her in the midst of his own grief, but she keeps pushing him away. It becomes clear Ali is also still working through issues in her childhood when her father died, leaving her mother unable to cope, who also turned to drink. It’s set in Adelaide, and feels like it’s written only for locals as Freeborn refers to suburbs, pubs and hospitals by name, which might make it less accessible for those not familiar with the city. There is a moderate amount of harsh swearing, and a lot of alcohol use. Overall, it’s a heartrending account of grief and how people process loss.
September 10, 2019
Misconception is a moving and thought-provoking novel that deals with a sensitive topic, which people often find difficult to discuss. It is a beautifully written story about loss and grief and is quite an emotional read as it tackles the overarching theme of miscarriages and how it affects relationships and marriage. I’m grateful that there are novels like Misconception that raises awareness and encourages dialogue for what many unfortunately go through.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Pantera Press for providing a copy for review.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Pantera Press for providing a copy for review.
March 15, 2020
Wow what a book! This book would be my favourite read so far. I honestly couldn’t put it down, I felt every emotion Tom and Ali had, I love books like that that make you feel like you are living it!
Tom is a successful lawyer who is a partner for his firm and Ali is a successful journalist turned media Advisor for the labour eduction minister, they have a beautiful home and wonderful loving marriage
What Ali and Tom go through is the hardest thing imaginable! Ali discovers secrets about her mum and dads marriage that she didn’t remember happening and this rebuilds her relationship with her mum and her mum ends up saving Ali’s life!
I am so glad authors are starting to write about these subjects because for a long time infertility, stillbirth and miscarriages weren’t really spoken about!
This story was very raw, emotional and also a very happy book in the end and I am so glad I read it
Tom is a successful lawyer who is a partner for his firm and Ali is a successful journalist turned media Advisor for the labour eduction minister, they have a beautiful home and wonderful loving marriage
What Ali and Tom go through is the hardest thing imaginable! Ali discovers secrets about her mum and dads marriage that she didn’t remember happening and this rebuilds her relationship with her mum and her mum ends up saving Ali’s life!
I am so glad authors are starting to write about these subjects because for a long time infertility, stillbirth and miscarriages weren’t really spoken about!
This story was very raw, emotional and also a very happy book in the end and I am so glad I read it
August 18, 2023
I put this book on the shelf for 12 months as my daughter was pregnant and I didn’t feel I could read it until our baby was safely delivered. Good choice.
A heart-breakingly familiar story (although not often spoken about) was tenderly told - even the harrowing parts. The depth of depression and miscommunication between the husband and wife was so realistic, I felt that I was in the room.
Well done.
A heart-breakingly familiar story (although not often spoken about) was tenderly told - even the harrowing parts. The depth of depression and miscommunication between the husband and wife was so realistic, I felt that I was in the room.
Well done.
July 22, 2019
I was lucky enough to have read some early drafts of this book but still devoured this in one day. I shed a few tears - there were some emotional scenes to read but it was nicely balanced and the main characters were very realistic with lots of warmth and hope. A realistic and emotional page turner, loved it!
August 12, 2019
Misconception was definitely an emotional read! It deals with a difficult subject matter that is often skirted around and I’m glad that this novel opens up the dialogue about miscarriages and still birth. It is a moving and thought provoking story about relationships, family, love and loss.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Pantera Press for providing a copy for review.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Pantera Press for providing a copy for review.
September 28, 2019
Okay wow. I will organise my thoughts better later...but I just finished this book and then ran to my boyfriend and hugged him and cried. This hit so close to home with my own experiences this year, I am so incredibly glad I read this book. I honestly think it has helped me to deal with my feelings about my own miscarriages better.
December 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a sad story because it's about a couple, Ali and Tom who have trouble having children. When they do finally have a viable pregnancy, tragedy strikes. The characters are believable and I felt their pain as I read. I couldn't put it down, stayed up late to finish it. A great story told with a sympathetic voice.
March 4, 2024
Another one that I LOVED! I read this one in record time. Helped by the fact that it was based in my home town of Adelaide, so everything was super familiar. A story about a women who had a stillbirth at the Women's and Children's Hospital where I also delivered some babies as a Midwife.
The story was beautifully and sensitively written.
The story was beautifully and sensitively written.
March 29, 2020
wow, what a book. An easy read but definitely NOT a light read, Stillbirth, trauma, infertility, PTSD, domestic violence, substance use, relationship break down all discussed in this novel in a way that was realistic and kept you engrossed.
August 17, 2019
Really enjoyed this story.
Read
August 27, 2019I picked this up randomly, not entirely convinced by the blurb, but I ended up DNFing it as I wasn't at all engaged by the MC or the writing style.
March 5, 2020
A little slow, and dragged on a bit with a climax that was rapid and quick! However, still was engaging and I read in less than a week as I couldn't put it down.
May 8, 2021
** 3.5 stars rounded up
T.W for miscarriage, still birth, alcoholism and domestic violence.
This was a tricky book to read. It discussed some difficult themes that so many families face. I found it difficult to relate to Ali for much of the book because of the self- destructive way she dealt with her grief. However, I think that was the point of the book. We all deal with grief in different ways, but it is important to ask for help when needed.
This book did drag a little in the middle.
T.W for miscarriage, still birth, alcoholism and domestic violence.
This was a tricky book to read. It discussed some difficult themes that so many families face. I found it difficult to relate to Ali for much of the book because of the self- destructive way she dealt with her grief. However, I think that was the point of the book. We all deal with grief in different ways, but it is important to ask for help when needed.
This book did drag a little in the middle.
September 2, 2019
This novel told a beautiful story about grief with such a delicate and honest hand. There were moments where I felt like I was spying in on this life I had no right witnessing but I came out the other end thankful that I found this book and engaged in the story.
February 19, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)
Rating: recommend
Read again: no, but only cause I cried my way through most of it.
Topic: Stillbirth, suppression of trauma, and the importance of speaking to others and seeking help when going through a hard time.
Rating: recommend
Read again: no, but only cause I cried my way through most of it.
Topic: Stillbirth, suppression of trauma, and the importance of speaking to others and seeking help when going through a hard time.
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