What do you think?
Rate this book
Motherwhelmed
The funny, confident and courageous debut from a fresh and exciting voice in Women’s Fiction.
Rebecca is 42, has a beautiful child and a wonderful husband. But she just hasn’t been feeling herself recently…
Rebecca thinks a great night out should involve a packet of Marlboro’s, six double vodkas and snogging a colleague. Not gormlessly drinking a zero-alcohol No-hito while Instagramming a vegan chicken wing.
Rebecca wants to ride on a Harley Davidson, to crowd surf till dawn, then collapse in a heap after swigging from a bottle of Jack Daniels . . . not sit in a soul-destroying meeting surrounded by 'blue sky thinking' and men half her age who interrupt all the time.
She's had enough of commuting to an office that is so cold people have to wear blankets all day. And she can't help asking herself why her adorable daughter must spend all week in a containment zone for pre-schoolers.
Rebecca wants to feel that there's MORE coming her way, rather than less . . .
In short – Rebecca wants out.
But where to?
400 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2020
38 people are currently reading
148 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 18, 2021
Writing is average, not much plot, issues were resolved very quickly and in an unsatisfactory manner, not much character development as well. Points out the struggles of motherhood and mid life crisis and toxic feminism (albeit dated thinking abt feminism)
Has funny moments (usually when protagonist introspects) but can be quite repetitive and whiny after a while. Tbh, the book can be cut short to 2/3 of its length. Pacing is not done well.
Has funny moments (usually when protagonist introspects) but can be quite repetitive and whiny after a while. Tbh, the book can be cut short to 2/3 of its length. Pacing is not done well.
September 21, 2019
Funny in parts but falling flat in others. I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did but vast portions of it were rather self-absorbed and a bit dry. A few parts did resonate but overall I didn't feel drawn in by the book.
October 24, 2019
Did not live up to the hyper. I found it kind of boring.
November 8, 2019
I received a free electronic copy of 'Motherwhelmed' on October 5th, 2019, from Netgalley, Anniki Sommerville, and publishers One More Chapter, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest, personal opinion of this work.
Motherwhelmed is a sympathy card and personal letter, including hints for coping and permission to act out, to mothers everywhere. From the perspective of a generation Xer, Anniki Sommerville still nails it for us Boomers and those youngsters just starting out in motherlife. In a world where every adult has to bring home a paycheck to break even, the sacrifices are still most often made by Mom - doubling up as caregiver, housekeeper, cook, laundress, chauffeur, bookkeeper, yard boy, nurse, all while holding down a demanding job as you fight for equality, sanity, and an established naptime can take it all out of a girl. Sommerville gives us understanding and the consolation that we are not alone, details of plans that work and those that don't. All tendered with laughter, tea, and sympathy. Thanks! Let us all leave a copy of this novel in the ManCave.
pub date Sept 5, 2019
rec Oct 5, 2019
One More Chapter
Reviewed on Goodreads, Netgalley, and AmazonSmile on Nov 8, 2019. Not available on Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Kobo or GooglePlay.
Motherwhelmed is a sympathy card and personal letter, including hints for coping and permission to act out, to mothers everywhere. From the perspective of a generation Xer, Anniki Sommerville still nails it for us Boomers and those youngsters just starting out in motherlife. In a world where every adult has to bring home a paycheck to break even, the sacrifices are still most often made by Mom - doubling up as caregiver, housekeeper, cook, laundress, chauffeur, bookkeeper, yard boy, nurse, all while holding down a demanding job as you fight for equality, sanity, and an established naptime can take it all out of a girl. Sommerville gives us understanding and the consolation that we are not alone, details of plans that work and those that don't. All tendered with laughter, tea, and sympathy. Thanks! Let us all leave a copy of this novel in the ManCave.
pub date Sept 5, 2019
rec Oct 5, 2019
One More Chapter
Reviewed on Goodreads, Netgalley, and AmazonSmile on Nov 8, 2019. Not available on Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Kobo or GooglePlay.
October 8, 2019
In "Motherwhelmed" we follow Rebecca through her daily life: jumping between job that drains the life out of her, feeling guilty of missing so much from her daughter's life, frustrated and unhappy with her marriage... Just all the normal things that are called life.
I had a feeling that the author wants to throw off all of her problems on the fact that she's a mother. I'm sulky and bad tempered - because I'm a mother. I have a bad hair day - because I'm a mother. I had a row with my husband - because I'm a mother. As if those things would have happened if she wasn't a mother. What I missed in this book were most certainly the simple things that make motherhood special. Yes, it's exhausting, being a mum, juggling work and home and shopping and thousand other things, but it is also satisfying and having your daughter put your arms around you must be the best feeling ever. Rebecca would be much more believable and likeable if she showed an emotion or two towards her daughter, in her presence. Other than that, she was an okay character, trying to keep calm while wanting to explode and worrying about everything, doing her best to juggle being a working mum.
I also didn't find it funny. I'm sorry, but I found it flat and lifeless After seeing the huge hype about this book I was hoping I'm going to love it, that it's going to be another hilarious novel about motherhood, but it turned out to be self - absorbed and dry. Not humorous. I wasn't expecting twists or turns, as in real life there are not many of them, but I was expecting a coherent and solid story. I had high hoped for this book, being sure that it's going to be so relatable to me, but sadly not this time. However, do not feel put out by my review - you may enjoy this novel much, much more.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 3, 2021
I could relate to this 40 something mother who thinks she has to keep a crappy job that she hates.
January 21, 2024
WHAT A BOOK
I adored this from the second I started, Imogen Church narrated the book Out of the Park! It was beyond epic!!! A mother completely overwhelmed with juggling everything at 40, and I could definitely relate to this! Rebecca was made to feel like crap for the way she was in her job, for no reason at all, she didn’t LOVE her job and that was obviously wrong in the toxic culture of Mango Lab.
I thought the narrative was epic. The way in which Rebecca spoke to us the reader was great. I felt like I was part of the group. I loved Briony who egged her on too. Nothing is or was perfect, it was a woman who was trying to navigate through a normal life. Something we do daily and juggle the demands on her. It was so relevant and I have already told 4 of my friends to read THIS BOOK! The audiobook was just the icing on the cake! Imogen gave Rebecca and the book a whole new dimension and I was addicted as soon as I started the book. I listened to it as much as I could, when I could. I tried not to laugh out loud at work. I was agreeing with Rebecca and loved it when she kicked ass and was cheering her along the way.
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I can’t express with clarity what it was but this book was exactly what I needed, to know everything will be ok. Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy what you have in front of you. Stuff we all know, but in this format, with Rebecca, in this writing style, just made everything more enjoyable. I really don’t know what I can say to get you to read this book but if you feel like you aren’t coping or need reassurance – this is the book for you. It is a cuddle, it’s what the doctor ordered. The writing style is so engaging, honest, and perfect. Rebecca is the perfect narrator as she is us, me, you.
It's simply divine, and I wish I could read it all over again.
I adored this from the second I started, Imogen Church narrated the book Out of the Park! It was beyond epic!!! A mother completely overwhelmed with juggling everything at 40, and I could definitely relate to this! Rebecca was made to feel like crap for the way she was in her job, for no reason at all, she didn’t LOVE her job and that was obviously wrong in the toxic culture of Mango Lab.
I thought the narrative was epic. The way in which Rebecca spoke to us the reader was great. I felt like I was part of the group. I loved Briony who egged her on too. Nothing is or was perfect, it was a woman who was trying to navigate through a normal life. Something we do daily and juggle the demands on her. It was so relevant and I have already told 4 of my friends to read THIS BOOK! The audiobook was just the icing on the cake! Imogen gave Rebecca and the book a whole new dimension and I was addicted as soon as I started the book. I listened to it as much as I could, when I could. I tried not to laugh out loud at work. I was agreeing with Rebecca and loved it when she kicked ass and was cheering her along the way.
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I can’t express with clarity what it was but this book was exactly what I needed, to know everything will be ok. Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy what you have in front of you. Stuff we all know, but in this format, with Rebecca, in this writing style, just made everything more enjoyable. I really don’t know what I can say to get you to read this book but if you feel like you aren’t coping or need reassurance – this is the book for you. It is a cuddle, it’s what the doctor ordered. The writing style is so engaging, honest, and perfect. Rebecca is the perfect narrator as she is us, me, you.
It's simply divine, and I wish I could read it all over again.
September 22, 2019
This is the first novel by Anniki Sommerville and the title caught my eye, when I read the blurb I just knew I was going to love it. I actually finished the book in only 2 sittings because once I started I just didn't want to put the book down. It's not so much that there was a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter and I just HAD to know what happened next (it's more like real life, and real life doesn't have huge twists and turns in very short space of time), it's that I felt comfortable and cosy all wrapped up in Motherwhelmed and didn't want to leave and join the real world quiet yet, I would rather face Rebecca's problems than my own at the time LOL.
I find that it can sometimes be difficult getting used to the writing style of a new author, but I found Anniki's writing style very easy to fall in to, both when starting the book and when picking up where you left off.
The story is told by one main character, which makes a change as a lot are now narrated by more than one character. There is enough description to allow you to visualise surroundings, characters and scenarios, but without being boring or limiting the opportunity for imagination.
I really liked the main character Rebecca, she is very relatable and I think that we all try to keep a calm appearance while worrying below the surface now, and Rebecca is very much a duck, gliding along on the surface of the water while her legs paddle frantically below the surface
I've already passed this book on to a friend and will be looking for future books by this author, hopefully I won't have too long to wait
I find that it can sometimes be difficult getting used to the writing style of a new author, but I found Anniki's writing style very easy to fall in to, both when starting the book and when picking up where you left off.
The story is told by one main character, which makes a change as a lot are now narrated by more than one character. There is enough description to allow you to visualise surroundings, characters and scenarios, but without being boring or limiting the opportunity for imagination.
I really liked the main character Rebecca, she is very relatable and I think that we all try to keep a calm appearance while worrying below the surface now, and Rebecca is very much a duck, gliding along on the surface of the water while her legs paddle frantically below the surface
I've already passed this book on to a friend and will be looking for future books by this author, hopefully I won't have too long to wait
September 4, 2019
This book made me laugh but it also made me reflect.
It's heartwarming but the description of office life are so realistic that you cannot help comparing what you live to what you read.
There's no filter, it's the type of life you know and Ms Sommerville can perfectly describe it.
I liked the characters, fleshed out and well written, and I liked the plot that I found engrossing and entertaining.
i think this is a very good specimen of women's fiction but it's also a book with multiple layers.
I liked the style of writing and I liked the plot.
I think it's one of those book that you didn't know you needed in your life and you're happy you read it.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's heartwarming but the description of office life are so realistic that you cannot help comparing what you live to what you read.
There's no filter, it's the type of life you know and Ms Sommerville can perfectly describe it.
I liked the characters, fleshed out and well written, and I liked the plot that I found engrossing and entertaining.
i think this is a very good specimen of women's fiction but it's also a book with multiple layers.
I liked the style of writing and I liked the plot.
I think it's one of those book that you didn't know you needed in your life and you're happy you read it.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
December 3, 2019
Rebecca is certainly a relatable main character. Stuck in a dead-end job with a husband who won't talk to her and a child she barely sees, she feels overwhelmed and depressed. Rebecca is constantly looking for her calling in life, but has no idea how she should be spending her time while supporting her family. While I enjoyed reading about Rebecca's life, I did find parts of this book to be a bit monotonous. I really just wanted to scream at Rebecca to get on with her life! However, I enjoyed reading this book overall and would recommend it to anyone who feels stuck in their life.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 5, 2020
Motherwhelmed was a hilarious, relatable, and refreshing read! I love reading fiction-based novels about parenting, especially when it is written in a humorous, "tell it like it is" way. I laughed and commiserated throughout the whole book and wish I had read it when I was in the same parenting stage as Rebecca. The characters were so familiar and spot on perfect with their individual flairs, quirks, and personalities, which made the novel even better. It was an easy read and one that I hated putting down to deal with real life. I definitely would read more books by this author - please write more novels Anniki!
October 11, 2019
This was a pretty okay read, but not great and no real new insights or anything.
It is definitely a relatable novel, about a mother who is "motherwhelmed". As a working mom I could relate, but at the same time I think I have managed to get a good work/life balance and don't let work stuff get to me to the extent that Rebecca, the main character does, but then again I also don't have her kind of colleagues. I am definitely also not as unhappy as she seems... for her the grass is always greener elsewhere, or so it seems.
It is definitely a relatable novel, about a mother who is "motherwhelmed". As a working mom I could relate, but at the same time I think I have managed to get a good work/life balance and don't let work stuff get to me to the extent that Rebecca, the main character does, but then again I also don't have her kind of colleagues. I am definitely also not as unhappy as she seems... for her the grass is always greener elsewhere, or so it seems.
October 23, 2019
Rebecca has it all, a fab husband, a precious toddler, Bella, and still maintaining her career in marketing. Slowly it’s all coming to a head, she hates her boss, juggling motherhood, being a wife and working and soon she blows!
As a working mother I related to so many of the feelings that Rebecca has and identified with her in so many ways! Every mother should read this book!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
As a working mother I related to so many of the feelings that Rebecca has and identified with her in so many ways! Every mother should read this book!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2019
As a mother of two, a job, a house and a husband I could completely resonate with Rebecca. Arguing over who's getting what out the freezer, comforting your child when they don't want to go to nursery, or explaining they need to wear weather appropriate clothing. I thought it was really well written and I loved her, especially her various office meltdowns.
March 5, 2020
This book was an enjoyable and easy read. It was repetitive in places but also very relatable (despite not even being a parent). I would say that the story line was quite one dimensional but overall I did enjoy following Rebecca on her journey and I would recommend if your looking for something easy to read.
March 15, 2020
Story line okay, to much work talk I wanted to follow the life of a mum to comfort me in my journey as a parent but this was 75% work orientated.
I did enjoy the main character (name escapes me now though after reading a few books since).
I did enjoy the main character (name escapes me now though after reading a few books since).
March 21, 2020
Brilliant!
Brutally honest, relatable and absolutely hilarious. Is it bad that I was relieved to read about other mothers winging it? A fantastic read. Sommerville writes with the pen of truth (and the power of the Lord of eye bags).
Brutally honest, relatable and absolutely hilarious. Is it bad that I was relieved to read about other mothers winging it? A fantastic read. Sommerville writes with the pen of truth (and the power of the Lord of eye bags).
September 21, 2020
I guess this book would be relatable to many of the working mothers . Having said that I expected a lot more from this book in terms of humour , but strangely it felt flat .
I think this book has a promising premise but could have definitely been more humorous.
I think this book has a promising premise but could have definitely been more humorous.
February 10, 2022
A lovely quick read. I felt like it was a light read and yet somehow still slightly sad. I related a lot to the main character and many times felt sympathy towards her. However, I felt like it ended quite abruptly. I wished that it would have had a stronger ending...
September 7, 2019
Loved it!
A fantastic book that taps into the psyche of the working mum. I loved it and couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next book!
A fantastic book that taps into the psyche of the working mum. I loved it and couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next book!
October 26, 2019
Fun read for mother’s, actually just about anyone. We can all relate! Lots of laughs and an easy enjoyable read.
April 12, 2020
Absolutely fantastic. Very well written and can relate to it... 😉👌
July 18, 2020
Not my usual read but I really did enjoy this book. Really witty and funny in places.
April 5, 2021
This book is an excellent description of being a working mother. It is a worded so beautifully. Loved it !
May 18, 2021
Some very funny relatable parts. Though some of it dragged on. Still enjoyed as a bit of light reading
June 30, 2024
Insufferable characters, including our main one Rebecca, such a whiny narrator. Not a single thing happened in this book. 400 pages of whinging
November 25, 2024
meh. stressful.
I just felt stressed reading this book. Didn’t enjoy. Good writing but also frustrating main character. Ending felt …. Unsatisfying and rushed.
I just felt stressed reading this book. Didn’t enjoy. Good writing but also frustrating main character. Ending felt …. Unsatisfying and rushed.
December 30, 2019
Motherwhelmed was pretty darn relatable. It’s chock full of insights that any 30 or 40-something year old wife and mom might need to hear. The main character, Rebecca, reminds me of Meredith from The Office- if Meredith had it together a littttttle bit more. We follow her through her daily life; the job that’s draining the life out of her, her frustration and boredom of a long-term marriage, her fertility struggles, the guilt surrounding being a mother of a young child and missing out on so many parts of their life due to the life-draining- but necessary- job, the worries attached to aging parents... all the normal things that many of us are dealing with and don’t give ourselves credit for. This isn’t the most exciting book, but it’s not meant to be. It’s there to wake us up a little, make us challenge ourselves a little, and I can tell it’ll stick with me.
March 21, 2020
I didn't expect this one to leave me crying into my coffee. It was all kinds of brilliant. Being a mum is overwhelming, especially dealing with the daily dose of mum-guilt. There are few mums (working or otherwise) that don't spend their days feeling like they are a bit shit at everything - work and home life included. This book captures the struggles of navigating your way through motherhood in the most honest of ways. I needed to read this and I think a lot of other parents do too. Some days I still feel like a beginner and I'm nine years in... #mumlife
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews