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A Life's Work

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A Life's Work

By: Rachel Cusk
Narrated by: Antonia Beamish
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About this listen

When first published in 2001, it divided female critics and readers. One famous columnist wrote a piece demanding that Cusk's children were taken into care, that was she was unfit to look after them. Oprah Winfrey invited her on the show to defend herself and the book as protests grew about the its honest, gritty account of the misery of those early months.

It is a seminal, stand-out book on the complications of being an ambivalent mum in an age of white-washed, Annabel Karmel'd new families.

©2020 Rachel Cusk (P)2020 Faber & Faber Motherhood Parenting & Families Relationships Sociology
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This is a brilliantly written, raw and honest account of pregnancy and motherhood. However, I think it’s important to warn that some of the content might be difficult to listen to if you are in early parenthood or experiencing depression/anxiety. Listen when feeling robust.
Something grated on me, which was the discussion of co-sleeping in ‘primitive’ societies. I think a lot of the Asian countries where it’s very common would be pretty offended by that description! Also, discussion of Ferber method without full context. But I appreciate the author’s aim isn’t to provide any kind of manual. The issue is that the author’s style is quite authoritative and so any missings seem problematic.

Brilliant writing but watch out for tough content

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This brings back a lot of chilling memories of a child's early days, beautifully written.

Magnificent

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I’m relieved to see the author is now happily living her best life in Paris with a new partner.

The drudgery and misery of childbirth & childrearing is not for everyone.

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I’m not sure why this book is seen as controversial. It’s incredibly vulnerable by the author to write about an experience that is very singular to her and I’m sure will resonate with many first time mothers.

Not sure why this is so controversial

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This is incredible writing. No guilt trips or apologies or sentimental ‘it’s hard but worth it’ drivel. Instead, a powerful exploration of the difficulties endured during that first year as she becomes, learns to be mother. I did not find this depressing. I found her account of early motherhood wry, truthful, confident and the perfect antidote to the ‘enjoy every minute, it goes so fast’ mob!

Honest and intelligent writing on the transformation from self to mother.

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