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Born
FROM THE BACK Mark and Sarah have everything they've ever wanted. With a baby boy on the way, all of their dreams are finally coming true. But the world has other plans for them. Soon the idyll is ripped from under their feet, and both are left to pick up the pieces of their broken lives. As Sarah falls into the abyss of a deep depression, Mark struggles to keep things together. Then life throws yet another curveball, leaving Mark not only heartbroken and distraught, but without a source of income. And just when he thinks there's nothing else to lose, Sarah proves that so much more is at stake. Battling his losses while trying to make sense of dreams that seem far too real, Mark is faced with a choice that rocks the foundations of reality as he knows it. Will tragedy separate him from those he loves, or will his heart show him another path? Mark and Sarah, a young couple expecting their first child, their son-to-be, James. Until, one day their dreams of a family are cruelly snatched away from them when they are given the news that James' heart has stopped and he will be stillborn. As Sarah falls into a deep depression, Mark tries to get his life back on track in-between some horribly real-feeling dreams. A sad, hard story, which leads Mark and Sarah through a series of events, ultimately leading to a beautifully unexpected finale.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2021
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Sam Turner
4 books42 followers(Decaf) Coffee-addicted bibliophile.
Debut novel 'Born' released in 2021
Poetry collections:
'My Absolute Heart' - 2022
'Skeleton' - 2023
Work in progress, a novel: 'Anxiety Island' (2024)
Purchase my books directly from: www.ryansamturner.com
Also available in ebook and audiobook formats.
Social Media: @ryansamturner
Debut novel 'Born' released in 2021
Poetry collections:
'My Absolute Heart' - 2022
'Skeleton' - 2023
Work in progress, a novel: 'Anxiety Island' (2024)
Purchase my books directly from: www.ryansamturner.com
Also available in ebook and audiobook formats.
Social Media: @ryansamturner
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 18, 2021
Stumbled across this title on audible, due to the fact that I've enjoyed the narrator's (Steve Worsley) work with the author Stuart MacBride and his Logan McRae series.
Intrigued by the synopsis, I listened to the sample first, before deciding to dive right in, and I'm so very glad that I did.
Mark and Sarah are like any young pregnant couple, full of hope and expectation, and then suddenly, their perfect family life is snatched from them. The first part of the book deals with the immediate aftermath, and all the procedures (some cruelly unnecessary ones I should add) that they are forced to go through, and then the story changes from a tragedy to love story.
Sarah's depression deepens, and Mark tries to keep their world afloat, but it's harder than he could ever have imagined.
The book has some surprising twists, and some spectacularly beautiful moments, especially the finale which sent a tingle down my spine, and numerous lumps in my throat!
It is also set in Edinburgh, Scotland (a place I know fairly well) and plays out against a harsh Scottish winter, and the scenery, the sights, and the forceful weather, are all captured with poetic grace and stunning realism.
It is perfectly paced, and the audiobook clocks in at just over 5hours. It really paints the images in your head, and I think that it would work really well as a film too.
The narration was spot on from Steve as always.
I'll probably pick up the paperback too, and give it a read the old-fashioned way. I'm so glad I came across it.
Intrigued by the synopsis, I listened to the sample first, before deciding to dive right in, and I'm so very glad that I did.
Mark and Sarah are like any young pregnant couple, full of hope and expectation, and then suddenly, their perfect family life is snatched from them. The first part of the book deals with the immediate aftermath, and all the procedures (some cruelly unnecessary ones I should add) that they are forced to go through, and then the story changes from a tragedy to love story.
Sarah's depression deepens, and Mark tries to keep their world afloat, but it's harder than he could ever have imagined.
The book has some surprising twists, and some spectacularly beautiful moments, especially the finale which sent a tingle down my spine, and numerous lumps in my throat!
It is also set in Edinburgh, Scotland (a place I know fairly well) and plays out against a harsh Scottish winter, and the scenery, the sights, and the forceful weather, are all captured with poetic grace and stunning realism.
It is perfectly paced, and the audiobook clocks in at just over 5hours. It really paints the images in your head, and I think that it would work really well as a film too.
The narration was spot on from Steve as always.
I'll probably pick up the paperback too, and give it a read the old-fashioned way. I'm so glad I came across it.
July 17, 2021
Got the paperback-version of this book and absolutely loved it. Managed to get through it over a weekend, and it was perfectly paced, with no wasted words.
The story itself is about a young couple who are given the news that their child will be stillborn. Having experienced a similar fate with my wife, I was hesitant going into it, but as hard and real as some of the story was, I found a lot of empathy in the pages.
Only the beginning of the story is about the stillbirth, and then it move on and is more about the relationship between the couple, and how they deal with (or struggle to deal with), their loss.
The story has elements of humour in it too, offering some light relief and well, the ending brings it all back around perfectly.
Written with a lot of love and talent.
One to watch!
And, 10% of sales go to the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity 'SANDS', who helped me greatly, so what's not to like.
The story itself is about a young couple who are given the news that their child will be stillborn. Having experienced a similar fate with my wife, I was hesitant going into it, but as hard and real as some of the story was, I found a lot of empathy in the pages.
Only the beginning of the story is about the stillbirth, and then it move on and is more about the relationship between the couple, and how they deal with (or struggle to deal with), their loss.
The story has elements of humour in it too, offering some light relief and well, the ending brings it all back around perfectly.
Written with a lot of love and talent.
One to watch!
And, 10% of sales go to the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity 'SANDS', who helped me greatly, so what's not to like.
July 17, 2021
Mark and Sarah are deeply in love and expecting their first child, whom they have already named James. But things go dreadfully wrong for this new family, and tragedy leads to tragedy as grimly and inevitably as in any Shakespearian play.
Ryan Sam Turner has crafted a unique novel on a classical theme cast in the idiom of the contemporary middle class. Although the novel begins as realism bordering on naturalism, one of Turner's most impressive feats is the subtle transformation to the surreal within the quotidian detail of his characters' very real lives. En route to its surprising climax, we meet a gamut of the frustrations that modern society can offer, as Mark tries to find meaning and direction for himself and his family in the midst of their personal trials and in the face of a sometimes well-meaning but often oblivious world around them.
Readers will find much to empathize with in this poignant first novel from a very promising young author.
Ryan Sam Turner has crafted a unique novel on a classical theme cast in the idiom of the contemporary middle class. Although the novel begins as realism bordering on naturalism, one of Turner's most impressive feats is the subtle transformation to the surreal within the quotidian detail of his characters' very real lives. En route to its surprising climax, we meet a gamut of the frustrations that modern society can offer, as Mark tries to find meaning and direction for himself and his family in the midst of their personal trials and in the face of a sometimes well-meaning but often oblivious world around them.
Readers will find much to empathize with in this poignant first novel from a very promising young author.
July 17, 2021
Heartrending... Born is a challenging wonderful novel. The story telling is strong and beautifully well written. The character Mark takes you on an emotional, distressing, roller-coaster of a journey, leaving you feeling completely empathetic towards the main characters. Turner's well thought detailed descriptions make every event and feeling believable. His words really jump out from the page. The clever use of humour throughout the book is surprising though very enjoyable. You should read this book with an open heart and you too will adore it as much as I do. It really opens your eyes to the real troubled issues and obstacles that people can go through in life. 5 out of 5.
July 17, 2021
Wow!
Just finished this and it's hard to put into words just how emotional I feel. I cried, smiled, cried again. This is such a beautiful story, poetically written, with some stunning sentences and paragraphs that will stay with you long after you've put it down. A true rollercoaster of a book and up there with some of the best debuts I've ever read. The subject matter is tough, yes, but that just makes the reward even greater! Please do yourself a favour and give it a go!
I'll certainly be following the author from now on.
And again, WOW!
Just finished this and it's hard to put into words just how emotional I feel. I cried, smiled, cried again. This is such a beautiful story, poetically written, with some stunning sentences and paragraphs that will stay with you long after you've put it down. A true rollercoaster of a book and up there with some of the best debuts I've ever read. The subject matter is tough, yes, but that just makes the reward even greater! Please do yourself a favour and give it a go!
I'll certainly be following the author from now on.
And again, WOW!
October 24, 2021
I was very interested in listening to Born as it's definitely unusual for a book to deal with the male perspective of miscarriage and still birth. The author dealt with the subject sensitively and respectfully, particularly when one considers that everyone's experience of loss and grieving is intensely personal. I thought the ending gave a level of closure that I hadn't been expecting and provided the reader/listener with a lift. Steve Worsley does his usual stellar work as narrator. This is Ryan Sam Turner's debut novel and I am so excited to be in at the beginning because this author is going to be huge.
July 17, 2021
'Beautiful, heartbreaking, and loving'
I've read this book numerous times now, and despite knowing how it ends, I can't help but shed a tear every single time. Astonishingly heartfelt. A wonderful debut.
I've read this book numerous times now, and despite knowing how it ends, I can't help but shed a tear every single time. Astonishingly heartfelt. A wonderful debut.
July 17, 2021
Beautifully Written.
Heartbreakingly real and stunning story about the journey beyond tragedy and loss.
Don’t read without tissues but an absolute must read!
Heartbreakingly real and stunning story about the journey beyond tragedy and loss.
Don’t read without tissues but an absolute must read!
October 26, 2021
AUDIOBOOK
This book is heartbreaking story about the loss of a child and the effect it has on the whole family told from the prospective of the father. It is brutally honest and painful but a totally absorbing audio
This book is heartbreaking story about the loss of a child and the effect it has on the whole family told from the prospective of the father. It is brutally honest and painful but a totally absorbing audio
July 18, 2021
A great read, and a donation to charity!
I seen this book being advertised on the SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) Facebook page, and thought I'd give it a try as the subject is close to my heart.
Well, I'm pretty shattered after finishing it. What a journey! It takes you through the extremely low times, the daily struggles, the moments of light and love - it really does cover all the bases of a couple going through that journey (and I should know, I've been there and only just managed to come out the other side, now happily married with two healthy kids).
The moments of loss were so accurate that I felt like I was reliving my own trauma, but that wasn't a bad thing, I had a great pregnancy up until the very end, and even then, he was still my son, who I still love.
The story is mainly about Mark and Sarah and their relationship after their loss, and it is real and true.
I read some of the previous reviews here and seen that a reader didn't feel much emotion in the story, or thought that it was poetically written ... well, I think that may say something more about the reader than the book itself.
I read some of the novel while waiting for my son's at football training and I had tears streaming down my cheeks, which I had to quickly wipe away as they came back to the car!
The reviewer also mentions that a possible warning should be put on the book ... I don't think so. Yes, it tackles a hard subject, but many books do. You don't put a warning on a horror novel advising to expect gore, or on a historical book, advising about war and death, torture etc. If that were the case, I imagine most books out there would need trigger warnings on them! It's a silly suggestion really.
Various people at SANDS have read the book, and signed off on it, hence why it is being released in conjunction with them. So, their approval gave me the green light to go ahead and read it, despite having a similar story, and I absolutely loved it.
I'm now following the author on the usual social media sites, and I happily found out that he also writes beautiful poetry, dealing with love, loss, and mental health.
The paperback is beautiful (the cover is absolutely gorgeous too). And money goes to a wonderful charity. What's not to like about that?!
5/5
I seen this book being advertised on the SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) Facebook page, and thought I'd give it a try as the subject is close to my heart.
Well, I'm pretty shattered after finishing it. What a journey! It takes you through the extremely low times, the daily struggles, the moments of light and love - it really does cover all the bases of a couple going through that journey (and I should know, I've been there and only just managed to come out the other side, now happily married with two healthy kids).
The moments of loss were so accurate that I felt like I was reliving my own trauma, but that wasn't a bad thing, I had a great pregnancy up until the very end, and even then, he was still my son, who I still love.
The story is mainly about Mark and Sarah and their relationship after their loss, and it is real and true.
I read some of the previous reviews here and seen that a reader didn't feel much emotion in the story, or thought that it was poetically written ... well, I think that may say something more about the reader than the book itself.
I read some of the novel while waiting for my son's at football training and I had tears streaming down my cheeks, which I had to quickly wipe away as they came back to the car!
The reviewer also mentions that a possible warning should be put on the book ... I don't think so. Yes, it tackles a hard subject, but many books do. You don't put a warning on a horror novel advising to expect gore, or on a historical book, advising about war and death, torture etc. If that were the case, I imagine most books out there would need trigger warnings on them! It's a silly suggestion really.
Various people at SANDS have read the book, and signed off on it, hence why it is being released in conjunction with them. So, their approval gave me the green light to go ahead and read it, despite having a similar story, and I absolutely loved it.
I'm now following the author on the usual social media sites, and I happily found out that he also writes beautiful poetry, dealing with love, loss, and mental health.
The paperback is beautiful (the cover is absolutely gorgeous too). And money goes to a wonderful charity. What's not to like about that?!
5/5
October 27, 2021
This is a subject that no one wants to understandably experience and is rarely, if not ever, told from the man’s perspective. It’s a tragic story, with a brutal unravelling of mind, body and spirit for both of them. There is an honesty to how real people would actually deal with something like this in the book and not a fairy tale “we’ll get through this” approach. It’s sad and brilliantly enlightening with an ending that lets you draw your own conclusions. I was apprehensive about reading a book on this subject, but I’m very glad I did.
July 18, 2021
This is an emotional and gripping book. It is very well written and the language used by the author really makes you feel the emotions of the characters. It leaves you unsure what is going to happen next and wanting to read more!
Would highly recommend this book!
Would highly recommend this book!
July 20, 2021
Excellent book from beginning to end, was completely engrossed,
Gives an insight into a couples struggle with loss & how they dealt with it, especially loved the twist at the end,
Lots of tears so have the tissues at the ready,
Would definitely recommend
Gives an insight into a couples struggle with loss & how they dealt with it, especially loved the twist at the end,
Lots of tears so have the tissues at the ready,
Would definitely recommend
July 17, 2021
Spoilers included in review.
The author of the book reached out and suggested I read his recently released book. From what I knew the topic would be heavy.
About (as taken from the book’s jacket): (newlyweds) Mark and Sarah have everything they’ve ever wanted. With a baby boy on the way, all of their dreams are finally coming true. But the world has other plans for them. Soon the idyll is ripped from under their feet, and both are left to pick up the pieces of their broken lives.
After a few conversations with the author I learned that this book was his attempt at capturing the pain some acquaintances felt after losing a child (via still birth). He said he tried to handle the topic delicately and with much respect.
As a mother of two children and a friend of someone who did lose a baby in this manner I feel like the idea of child-loss is touchy and can trigger a reader. I would have like that piece of storyline to come out in the book’s description as a warning to potential readers that this book might not be for everyone.
In this same vein, I feel that he may have played it too safe and sterile. The book was written from the male’s perspective and it didn’t feel emotional or poetic which strikes me as odd because the author is also a published poet. If I were his editor I would have asked him to paint in some more emotional reality.
It felt like an historical account of the daily events of the main character and his grieving wife. The book also doesn’t waste time getting to the tragedy shortly into the book. I think there could have been more character development, for I never quite connected to the husband.
Instead of just facing the pain with his wife he blows up at a student (the main character is a teacher), quits his job because his pride got in the way, gets lost in dreams as a way to process the death of his son, and secretly drugs his wife because he’s too afraid to honestly communicate with her (gives her prescription meds based on a doctor’s recommendation for depression, but his wife hates taking pills so he slips them in her tea).
Did the author take you on a journey, yes. Was it all easy and hopeful - thankfully no cause sometimes life is hard and he shows that. However another spoiler, the book ends in a double suicide and THAT came out of no where. Again, another point of disclaimer about the book to prepare someone in the event this subject matter could be a trigger.
I have never lost a child, but I watched a friend lose theirs, attended the funeral and witnessed the weeks and months after as they began to slowly cultivate a new normal after their sweet child was no longer on this earth. Ryan’s approach left some things unexplored and I think there was a missed opportunity there.
The author of the book reached out and suggested I read his recently released book. From what I knew the topic would be heavy.
About (as taken from the book’s jacket): (newlyweds) Mark and Sarah have everything they’ve ever wanted. With a baby boy on the way, all of their dreams are finally coming true. But the world has other plans for them. Soon the idyll is ripped from under their feet, and both are left to pick up the pieces of their broken lives.
After a few conversations with the author I learned that this book was his attempt at capturing the pain some acquaintances felt after losing a child (via still birth). He said he tried to handle the topic delicately and with much respect.
As a mother of two children and a friend of someone who did lose a baby in this manner I feel like the idea of child-loss is touchy and can trigger a reader. I would have like that piece of storyline to come out in the book’s description as a warning to potential readers that this book might not be for everyone.
In this same vein, I feel that he may have played it too safe and sterile. The book was written from the male’s perspective and it didn’t feel emotional or poetic which strikes me as odd because the author is also a published poet. If I were his editor I would have asked him to paint in some more emotional reality.
It felt like an historical account of the daily events of the main character and his grieving wife. The book also doesn’t waste time getting to the tragedy shortly into the book. I think there could have been more character development, for I never quite connected to the husband.
Instead of just facing the pain with his wife he blows up at a student (the main character is a teacher), quits his job because his pride got in the way, gets lost in dreams as a way to process the death of his son, and secretly drugs his wife because he’s too afraid to honestly communicate with her (gives her prescription meds based on a doctor’s recommendation for depression, but his wife hates taking pills so he slips them in her tea).
Did the author take you on a journey, yes. Was it all easy and hopeful - thankfully no cause sometimes life is hard and he shows that. However another spoiler, the book ends in a double suicide and THAT came out of no where. Again, another point of disclaimer about the book to prepare someone in the event this subject matter could be a trigger.
I have never lost a child, but I watched a friend lose theirs, attended the funeral and witnessed the weeks and months after as they began to slowly cultivate a new normal after their sweet child was no longer on this earth. Ryan’s approach left some things unexplored and I think there was a missed opportunity there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2022
A really touching & emotional read. I found Ryan Sam Turner on Instagram, and decided to purchase this book in opportunity of reading something completely different than what I usually read.
Mark & Sarah go through an Earth-shattering heartbreak when they are told their son’s heart has stopped beating and therefore will be stillborn.
Their story flows through everything that follows: the cold depression that washes over them, the unbearable ache of a loss so deep, and the overwhelming balance between everything that has happened & the world outside that continues to turn with or without them.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry like a baby at the first few pages of this book 🙈
A heartbreaking and emotional read with an unexpected ending 💖
Mark & Sarah go through an Earth-shattering heartbreak when they are told their son’s heart has stopped beating and therefore will be stillborn.
Their story flows through everything that follows: the cold depression that washes over them, the unbearable ache of a loss so deep, and the overwhelming balance between everything that has happened & the world outside that continues to turn with or without them.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry like a baby at the first few pages of this book 🙈
A heartbreaking and emotional read with an unexpected ending 💖
August 3, 2021
Started this book not knowing where it was going to go but one word to describe it is WOW I started this today and finished it today, the subject of this book could be quite difficult read for some people because of the subject matter but the story flowed and descriptions were on point the book is a rollercoaster of emotions but worth it has actually got me out my reading slump will be looking for the authors next book, read this book you won’t regret it
November 28, 2025
This book is an absolute triumph an emotionally charged, beautifully written journey that handles some of life’s heaviest burdens with astonishing grace and tenderness.
At its core, the story follows a young couple and the unimaginable loss of their baby, and the quiet, relentless depression in the wake of tragedy. What sets this book apart is how gently and truthfully it explores grief without ever drowning in it.
Highly recommend
At its core, the story follows a young couple and the unimaginable loss of their baby, and the quiet, relentless depression in the wake of tragedy. What sets this book apart is how gently and truthfully it explores grief without ever drowning in it.
Highly recommend
July 18, 2021
Hi Ryan, I received your book last week and I've literally just finished it. I'm so impressed with your writing!
It's obviously a very emotional read, but there's a beautiful lyrical feel to it that resonates with me, and I feel very engaged with Mark's character.
Congratulations - it really is superb!
It's obviously a very emotional read, but there's a beautiful lyrical feel to it that resonates with me, and I feel very engaged with Mark's character.
Congratulations - it really is superb!
August 8, 2022
Beautiful.
I was gifted a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a gripping story about the loss of a child, and how the parents deal with the aftermath of such a tragedy.
It was gorgeously written and has moments of humour, as well as a lot of instances of love.
It'll break your heart, and then put it back together again.
I was gifted a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a gripping story about the loss of a child, and how the parents deal with the aftermath of such a tragedy.
It was gorgeously written and has moments of humour, as well as a lot of instances of love.
It'll break your heart, and then put it back together again.
June 19, 2022
I was gifted a copy of this book, and I couldn't be happier about stumbling across it.
Full of heart and realism.
Some heavy subjects are tackled in the book, but that's real life, right? And it is written with empathy and dignity.
A real tearjerker, which will leave you full of emotion.
Full of heart and realism.
Some heavy subjects are tackled in the book, but that's real life, right? And it is written with empathy and dignity.
A real tearjerker, which will leave you full of emotion.
June 19, 2022
Tragic but Beautiful.
The brutal story of the loss of a child.
It made my heart beat a little faster, and my eyes tremble as I tried to hold my tears back.
A book which is very beautiful, sometimes funny, and truly heartbreaking.
Would make a great film.
The brutal story of the loss of a child.
It made my heart beat a little faster, and my eyes tremble as I tried to hold my tears back.
A book which is very beautiful, sometimes funny, and truly heartbreaking.
Would make a great film.
November 7, 2021
Raw, Painful, Profoundly Moving. Will bring you to tears, in the best of ways. 👍
June 19, 2022
Heartbreaking, loving, sad, beautiful.
August 8, 2022
Gripping, sad, beautiful.
Fans of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig will find a lot to love in this book.
Fans of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig will find a lot to love in this book.
October 2, 2022
Fabulous read! Couldn’t put this book down.
An honest account of loss
Heartbreaking, emotional with a touch of humour
Highly recommend
An honest account of loss
Heartbreaking, emotional with a touch of humour
Highly recommend
August 5, 2022
I really found the book boring. The book is about a loss of child. It might be quite triggerful for people who's gone through it or know someone who has. It was nice that the author shows from male prespective of loosing a child. I didn't expect it to end how it did spoiler kinda it contains suidical.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews