Books on Motherhood

CULTURE

This mother’s day I find myself reflecting on how I can do better at mothering less. Perhaps these are thoughts induced by the last couple of months in which I’ve done very little but mothering, but in reality I think it’s much deeper. And this isn’t really about indulging in more “self-care” or “me-time”, but it’s about confronting all this guilt I carry around with me constantly that I’m not doing it right. The work bit, the wife bit and especially the mother bit. We know the drill, the expectations put on modern mothers to perform at pinterest-worthy standards in every aspect of life and the lack of familial, community and government support to do so. All true. But what I’m talking about here is the pressure that comes from within. The need to just let it go and accept the notion that all will kind of take care of itself as long as I tend to the basics, like feeding, clothing and letting my children know they are loved.

So along those lines, we’ve chosen a selection of books that tackle motherhood from less-than-perfect perspectives. Honest and provoking books that show both the beautiful and the ugly side of having children, and having mothers for that matter. Books that will hopefully make for a more relaxed, and therefore, more enjoyable experience of motherhood. Which is what I, for one, am really after anyway.

A magnificent memoir about the author’s complicated, fascinating and narcissitic mother. The book explores complex family bonds and the idea that we need not become our mothers.

A darkly funny memoir written by journalist Sophie Heawood and her adventures in unplanned motherhood.

An economist’s guide to the early years of parenting that uses data to sift through conventional wisdom, old wives tails and modern parenting dictums.

A moving and poignant memoir about the two months that followed the birth of the author’s premature twin daughters.

The eagerly awaited book about navigating motherhood as a black woman from Candice Brathwaite, the popular influencer and founder of Make Motherhood Diverse

An informed and humorous deep dive into all the pressing questions facing first-time mothers that challenges popular assumptions and offers a healthy way to approach decision-making.

The 12 stories within offer a witty and honest portrayal of pregnancy and new motherhood that stares unflinchingly at the cultural pressure inflicted on modern mothers.

Clover Stroud, the mother of five children, has written an honest account of motherhood, and how it both strengthens and weakens our sense of identity.

A gripping memoir written by the journalist Deborah Orr just before her death from breast cancer at 57. The book delves into her working class upbringing in Scotland and life with a controlling mother.