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Breaking Point
An innocent mistake. A lifetime of guilt.
Susannah has two beautiful daughters, a high-flying medical career, a successful husband, and an enviable life. Her hair is glossy, her clothes are expensive; she truly has it all.
But when - on the hottest day of the year - her strict morning routine is disrupted, Susannah finds herself running on autopilot. It is hours before she realizes she has made a devastating mistake. Her baby, Louise, is still in the backseat of the car and it is too late to save her.
As the press closes in around her, Susannah is put on trial for negligence. It is plain to see that this is not a trial, it's a witch hunt. But what will the court say?
Susannah has two beautiful daughters, a high-flying medical career, a successful husband, and an enviable life. Her hair is glossy, her clothes are expensive; she truly has it all.
But when - on the hottest day of the year - her strict morning routine is disrupted, Susannah finds herself running on autopilot. It is hours before she realizes she has made a devastating mistake. Her baby, Louise, is still in the backseat of the car and it is too late to save her.
As the press closes in around her, Susannah is put on trial for negligence. It is plain to see that this is not a trial, it's a witch hunt. But what will the court say?
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First published January 20, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
November 3, 2021
Dr Susanna Rice is an exceptionally busy mother of two girls, she’s also a sought after paediatrician, author and a go to baby/parenting expert on television. One fateful hot day her morning routine is broken, she’s pushed for time and as she rushes into work she forgets something very precious that’s in the car � Adelaide Gold ex New York Times journalist, now a CNN reporter, is asked to cover the story that sends her equilibrium into free fall. The emotional novel is told from the perspective of both women, backtracking ten years for Adelaide’s story.
When I first started this I thought ‘Next of Kin� by Kia Abdullah and there are similarities in the central core of the story. However this one takes a different tack and a deep dive into the pressures and expectations of a highly skilled job versus motherhood and the differing demands of childcare. It gives an insightful spotlight on the pressure on women to return to work quickly after childbirth so as not to ‘inconvenience� colleagues. If you add in society’s judgement which is demonstrated very effectively in a witch-hunt of a court case brought against Susanna. The prosecution lawyer, the jury, the press and the male perspective poses many interesting questions including feminism versus misogyny. The prosecution lawyer is a piece of work and makes your fists curl in anger. This is a very emotional novel which is not an easy read but it’s written with intelligent sensitivity and realism. At times it’s heartbreaking, there’s loss and the torment of it and the impact on relationships. I especially like the juxtaposition of Adelaide as a representative of the press and how this affects Susanna and her husband John. Both the female stories are extremely good, they do connect and one of the most touching, intense and poignant scenes in the book features them
both. The ending is a dramatic surprise but it feels right and I like the final sentiment that you have to make a decision to be happy!
Overall, this is a thought provoking read and one I’ll keep reflecting on.
With thanks to Netgalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group/Sphere for the much appreciated widget in return for an honest review.
When I first started this I thought ‘Next of Kin� by Kia Abdullah and there are similarities in the central core of the story. However this one takes a different tack and a deep dive into the pressures and expectations of a highly skilled job versus motherhood and the differing demands of childcare. It gives an insightful spotlight on the pressure on women to return to work quickly after childbirth so as not to ‘inconvenience� colleagues. If you add in society’s judgement which is demonstrated very effectively in a witch-hunt of a court case brought against Susanna. The prosecution lawyer, the jury, the press and the male perspective poses many interesting questions including feminism versus misogyny. The prosecution lawyer is a piece of work and makes your fists curl in anger. This is a very emotional novel which is not an easy read but it’s written with intelligent sensitivity and realism. At times it’s heartbreaking, there’s loss and the torment of it and the impact on relationships. I especially like the juxtaposition of Adelaide as a representative of the press and how this affects Susanna and her husband John. Both the female stories are extremely good, they do connect and one of the most touching, intense and poignant scenes in the book features them
both. The ending is a dramatic surprise but it feels right and I like the final sentiment that you have to make a decision to be happy!
Overall, this is a thought provoking read and one I’ll keep reflecting on.
With thanks to Netgalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group/Sphere for the much appreciated widget in return for an honest review.
February 23, 2022
A gripping, page turning thriller, and in the case of this one �. The Less Said The Better�..
I picked up this book in my local bookstore and to be honest I didn’t even read the premise, I was aware that the book was a debut novel by a new Irish author and I just wanted to to read it before I became influenced by friends or media reviews. I am so glad I went into this one blind. A really terrific debut novel. Suspenseful, heartbreaking, thought provoking, and very well written.
This happens to also have been nominated for my real life book-group and I think it will make for an interesting discussion, covering a range of themes and topics from women in the workplace, juggling childcare the pressure of keeping up appearances and the role of media in modern society. I don't want to summarize the story because this is one of those books that a simple spoiler can ruin a very good read.
I really enjoyed the novel and am looking forward to a lively discussion on this one. Another book for my favorites list. So happy I purchased a hard copy of this novel for my real life book shelf.
A solid 4 stars and a book I can highly recommend for those who enjoy thought provoking novels or just a good thriller.
I picked up this book in my local bookstore and to be honest I didn’t even read the premise, I was aware that the book was a debut novel by a new Irish author and I just wanted to to read it before I became influenced by friends or media reviews. I am so glad I went into this one blind. A really terrific debut novel. Suspenseful, heartbreaking, thought provoking, and very well written.
This happens to also have been nominated for my real life book-group and I think it will make for an interesting discussion, covering a range of themes and topics from women in the workplace, juggling childcare the pressure of keeping up appearances and the role of media in modern society. I don't want to summarize the story because this is one of those books that a simple spoiler can ruin a very good read.
I really enjoyed the novel and am looking forward to a lively discussion on this one. Another book for my favorites list. So happy I purchased a hard copy of this novel for my real life book shelf.
A solid 4 stars and a book I can highly recommend for those who enjoy thought provoking novels or just a good thriller.
April 19, 2022
*
*
**3.5 stars**
Breaking Point by Edel Coffey. (2022).
Susannah works hard, has two beautiful daughters, a high-flying medical career, a successful husband; she has it all. Adelaide works hard and used to have it all. On the hottest day of the year, Susannah makes a devastating and fatal mistake - she left her baby in the back seat of the car. As Adelaide joins the throngs of reporters, she is surprised to feel a kinship with Susannah who is experiencing a witch hunt. Can Adelaide change the way the story will be run? What will the court say?
Just from reading the synopsis, I knew this story would have emotional and confronting scenes. It is truly horrifying to imagine leaving your child in the car accidentally, especially if it caused their death. When this happens to Susannah in the novel, she not only has extra media attention due to her high standing in the community as a doctor and child expert, she is facing criminal charges. Journalist Adelaide is assigned the case, which she struggles with due to past trauma of her own which is gradually revealed.
Overall: I think this was a solid first novel for the author and she has done a good job dealing with a heartbreaking topic.
*
**3.5 stars**
Breaking Point by Edel Coffey. (2022).
Susannah works hard, has two beautiful daughters, a high-flying medical career, a successful husband; she has it all. Adelaide works hard and used to have it all. On the hottest day of the year, Susannah makes a devastating and fatal mistake - she left her baby in the back seat of the car. As Adelaide joins the throngs of reporters, she is surprised to feel a kinship with Susannah who is experiencing a witch hunt. Can Adelaide change the way the story will be run? What will the court say?
Just from reading the synopsis, I knew this story would have emotional and confronting scenes. It is truly horrifying to imagine leaving your child in the car accidentally, especially if it caused their death. When this happens to Susannah in the novel, she not only has extra media attention due to her high standing in the community as a doctor and child expert, she is facing criminal charges. Journalist Adelaide is assigned the case, which she struggles with due to past trauma of her own which is gradually revealed.
Overall: I think this was a solid first novel for the author and she has done a good job dealing with a heartbreaking topic.
January 19, 2022
What a stunning debut!
Susannah has it all - wealth, style, looks, the perfect family and a truly glittering career: She's the top Paediatrician at a busy hospital, is a celebrity writer of 'how to raise your child' type books and, a recognised 'guru' in her field, has been on TV many times to share her expert knowledge. Her world turns upside down on the fateful morning when she leaves her baby to die in the back seat of her car on a baking hot day.
Was it deliberate? Did she knowingly kill her Child?
Adelaid is living a 'new life', an ex NYT journalist she has cut off her past life and anyone who knew her, now a CNN reporter who is immensly triggered by the task of providing months of daily coverage on this high profile case. Will she ever find peace from the traumatic past?
This was for me is a highly emotive and difficult read. I was incensed by the intrusive and merciless 'trial by media' coverage of this case, I actually HATED the snidy, misogynistic barrister for the prosecution, I was horrified by the lack of support given to working mothers in the USA and beyond frustrated by the impossible standards which professional women in our modern world have to live up to. BUT this is a truly bloody brilliant book, I honestly could not put it down, I only started late last night thinking I would just read a couple of chapters - I was 52% into the book when I very reluctantly gave into sleep and began reading again as soon as I had my first coffee this morning, my poor dogs were crossing their legs until I finished ... OMG the outcome of the trial!
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ
Bravo Edel Coffey - I am eagerly awaiting your next offering
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and give my honest review
Susannah has it all - wealth, style, looks, the perfect family and a truly glittering career: She's the top Paediatrician at a busy hospital, is a celebrity writer of 'how to raise your child' type books and, a recognised 'guru' in her field, has been on TV many times to share her expert knowledge. Her world turns upside down on the fateful morning when she leaves her baby to die in the back seat of her car on a baking hot day.
Was it deliberate? Did she knowingly kill her Child?
Adelaid is living a 'new life', an ex NYT journalist she has cut off her past life and anyone who knew her, now a CNN reporter who is immensly triggered by the task of providing months of daily coverage on this high profile case. Will she ever find peace from the traumatic past?
This was for me is a highly emotive and difficult read. I was incensed by the intrusive and merciless 'trial by media' coverage of this case, I actually HATED the snidy, misogynistic barrister for the prosecution, I was horrified by the lack of support given to working mothers in the USA and beyond frustrated by the impossible standards which professional women in our modern world have to live up to. BUT this is a truly bloody brilliant book, I honestly could not put it down, I only started late last night thinking I would just read a couple of chapters - I was 52% into the book when I very reluctantly gave into sleep and began reading again as soon as I had my first coffee this morning, my poor dogs were crossing their legs until I finished ... OMG the outcome of the trial!
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ
Bravo Edel Coffey - I am eagerly awaiting your next offering
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and give my honest review
November 24, 2021
Rating: 2.3/5
The synopsis for this novel is strikingly similar to Kia Abdullah's "Next of Kin", which I read a few months ago: A successful professional woman leaves a young child in the back of a car on a swelteringly hot day, resulting in tragic death from hyperthermia. Is the woman culpable? That will be decided in a trial by jury!
Even though the core subject matter is so very similar, the approaches taken are markedly different - as is the extent to which they are successfully executed. "Next of Kin" is one of my favourite reads of the past year - and one which I would have no hesitation in recommending to all fans of well-written fiction of any genre. In contrast, "Breaking Point" has all the potential to be a compelling, heart-rending drama, but there are too many occasions where it falls short for one reason or another and it ends up being a bit flat.
There are themes touched upon in this novel that really should be deeply emotional and engaging, such as infant death, systemic racism and sexism, and societal attitudes towards working mothers. These make for the kind of subject matter that should not only be captivating, but also make for difficult, disturbing, or even harrowing reading. Sadly, in "Breaking Point" these topics are rarely as hard-hitting as they could and should be. Instead they become blandly diluted and the content often reads more like a screenplay for a lightweight US tv drama series. There are some unnecassary detours into the realms of romance that just serve to undermine not only the brevity of the core storyline, but also the characters of the two leading female protagonists, Dr Susannah Rice and Adelaide Gold. In these instances, instead of strong, independent career women Susannah and Adelaide come across as fawning females conforming to the self-same gender stereotypes that one of the central threads of this novel is challenging.
On the whole, this is certainly far from being a bad book and I have no doubt that some readers will love it. For me, it just didn't make the most of the subject matter and, when compared with the very similarly themed "Next of Kin", this doesn't stack up favourably.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
The synopsis for this novel is strikingly similar to Kia Abdullah's "Next of Kin", which I read a few months ago: A successful professional woman leaves a young child in the back of a car on a swelteringly hot day, resulting in tragic death from hyperthermia. Is the woman culpable? That will be decided in a trial by jury!
Even though the core subject matter is so very similar, the approaches taken are markedly different - as is the extent to which they are successfully executed. "Next of Kin" is one of my favourite reads of the past year - and one which I would have no hesitation in recommending to all fans of well-written fiction of any genre. In contrast, "Breaking Point" has all the potential to be a compelling, heart-rending drama, but there are too many occasions where it falls short for one reason or another and it ends up being a bit flat.
There are themes touched upon in this novel that really should be deeply emotional and engaging, such as infant death, systemic racism and sexism, and societal attitudes towards working mothers. These make for the kind of subject matter that should not only be captivating, but also make for difficult, disturbing, or even harrowing reading. Sadly, in "Breaking Point" these topics are rarely as hard-hitting as they could and should be. Instead they become blandly diluted and the content often reads more like a screenplay for a lightweight US tv drama series. There are some unnecassary detours into the realms of romance that just serve to undermine not only the brevity of the core storyline, but also the characters of the two leading female protagonists, Dr Susannah Rice and Adelaide Gold. In these instances, instead of strong, independent career women Susannah and Adelaide come across as fawning females conforming to the self-same gender stereotypes that one of the central threads of this novel is challenging.
On the whole, this is certainly far from being a bad book and I have no doubt that some readers will love it. For me, it just didn't make the most of the subject matter and, when compared with the very similarly themed "Next of Kin", this doesn't stack up favourably.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
February 22, 2022
Thank you very much Hatchette Australia and Edel Coffey for sending me this book for review.
This is a debut book by Edel Coffey and I was very impressed. I hope you write many more books.
This book was an emotional read which had me feeling so sorry for Susannah. A heartbreaking innocent act that could happen to anyone in this fast paced world we live in.
There were so many emotions felt in this book. Her pain of losing her child, the guilt of what she had done, the anger at her failing relationships at home and work.
This story is told in alternating chapters by Adelaide and Susannah. I enjoyed how their lives were interwoven and what they had in common.
This is a topic that is relatable and could happen to anyone.
It portrayed how the media is quick to judge you and unfortunately you can be trialled by media..
A very thought provoking book that I highly recommend.
This is a debut book by Edel Coffey and I was very impressed. I hope you write many more books.
This book was an emotional read which had me feeling so sorry for Susannah. A heartbreaking innocent act that could happen to anyone in this fast paced world we live in.
There were so many emotions felt in this book. Her pain of losing her child, the guilt of what she had done, the anger at her failing relationships at home and work.
This story is told in alternating chapters by Adelaide and Susannah. I enjoyed how their lives were interwoven and what they had in common.
This is a topic that is relatable and could happen to anyone.
It portrayed how the media is quick to judge you and unfortunately you can be trialled by media..
A very thought provoking book that I highly recommend.
January 24, 2022
Warning � this book has trigger points and is not an easy read due to the subject matter.
This is the second book I’ve read in the past six months about a tragic event surrounding a child being left unattended in the back of a car during a heatwave and despite the horrific themes, Edel Coffrey has written a sensitive and emotional debut novel told from the point of view of the mother and a female journalist who is covering this story.
Breaking Point is the devastating story of Dr Sue, a high profile paediatric doctor at the top of her career with a huge media following, several best-selling books and on the face of it, a perfect life, marriage and career � a women who actually “has it all�, but one morning all that changes when she forgets that her 6 month old baby girl is asleep in the back of her car and leaves her in the car park to go to work.
This story is based in the USA, where there is no official maternity leave, healthcare is expensive and new parents are forced to go back to work as soon as possible. Professional women are expected back within days of giving birth and taking any additional time to bond with their babies is frowned upon and could potentially affect their careers. Dr Sue, having had both her children in her early 40’s and being the head of Paediatrics in a busy hospital, is trying to juggle her responsibilities to the sick children she treats and be a mother to her much loved daughters.
That one moment which has the worst possible outcome changes everything for her and puts her firmly in the public eye as enemy #1. This seemingly perfectly presented public figure who advises parents on how to keep their children safe and healthy may have deliberately killed her own baby daughter.
Whilst the reader watches Dr Sue’s fall from grace, sees her grief and guilt in full raw detail there is another powerful narrator watching this from the other side.
Adelaide is the female TV News Journalist sent to cover this “major� news event from the discovery of baby Louise in the hot car to the courtcase and the final jury verdict. Adelaide, however, has a traumatic past of her own, one she has spent years running from and this story has brought every single emotion back, forcing her to confront every mothers worst nightmare.
It feels strange to say that I “enjoyed� this book because of the subject matter, but I felt that the author brought each character to life and enabled them to tell their own stories in a brutal and raw way full of emotion.
There were moments in the courtcase when as a mother myself I felt myself nodding along with the jury, especially when the experts talked about “Forgotten Baby Syndrome�. I have in the past left my mobile phone or coffee on the roof of my car and driven off or forgotten to secure the baby seat in the car, so when you google FBS and see that during 2018 and 2019 a record number of 53 children died after being left in a hot vehicle this story is frightening realistic.
I would definitely recommend this powerful and totally plausible story.
This is the second book I’ve read in the past six months about a tragic event surrounding a child being left unattended in the back of a car during a heatwave and despite the horrific themes, Edel Coffrey has written a sensitive and emotional debut novel told from the point of view of the mother and a female journalist who is covering this story.
Breaking Point is the devastating story of Dr Sue, a high profile paediatric doctor at the top of her career with a huge media following, several best-selling books and on the face of it, a perfect life, marriage and career � a women who actually “has it all�, but one morning all that changes when she forgets that her 6 month old baby girl is asleep in the back of her car and leaves her in the car park to go to work.
This story is based in the USA, where there is no official maternity leave, healthcare is expensive and new parents are forced to go back to work as soon as possible. Professional women are expected back within days of giving birth and taking any additional time to bond with their babies is frowned upon and could potentially affect their careers. Dr Sue, having had both her children in her early 40’s and being the head of Paediatrics in a busy hospital, is trying to juggle her responsibilities to the sick children she treats and be a mother to her much loved daughters.
That one moment which has the worst possible outcome changes everything for her and puts her firmly in the public eye as enemy #1. This seemingly perfectly presented public figure who advises parents on how to keep their children safe and healthy may have deliberately killed her own baby daughter.
Whilst the reader watches Dr Sue’s fall from grace, sees her grief and guilt in full raw detail there is another powerful narrator watching this from the other side.
Adelaide is the female TV News Journalist sent to cover this “major� news event from the discovery of baby Louise in the hot car to the courtcase and the final jury verdict. Adelaide, however, has a traumatic past of her own, one she has spent years running from and this story has brought every single emotion back, forcing her to confront every mothers worst nightmare.
It feels strange to say that I “enjoyed� this book because of the subject matter, but I felt that the author brought each character to life and enabled them to tell their own stories in a brutal and raw way full of emotion.
There were moments in the courtcase when as a mother myself I felt myself nodding along with the jury, especially when the experts talked about “Forgotten Baby Syndrome�. I have in the past left my mobile phone or coffee on the roof of my car and driven off or forgotten to secure the baby seat in the car, so when you google FBS and see that during 2018 and 2019 a record number of 53 children died after being left in a hot vehicle this story is frightening realistic.
I would definitely recommend this powerful and totally plausible story.
February 26, 2022
2.5 stars
Breaking Point, for me, is a very difficult book to review. To start with, it's a difficult read in itself, exploring the circumstances and aftermath of the death of a six-month-old baby, who is left in a car by her busy, successful mother on the hottest day of year.
"Dr. Sue" is a high-flying Professor of Paediatrics at a New York hospital, a childhood health guru called on by Oprah, and a bestselling author. She has a successful husband and two young daughters, and to the outside world, she is calm, elegant and unflappable. When she makes a tragic mistake while running on autopilot one morning, a witch hunt ensues and Susannah is charged with criminal negligence. Watching the drama unfold from the sidelines is Adelaide, a reporter who has a connection to Susannah from her past.
This is definitely a gripping and bingeable read, one that will have you compulsively storming through the short chapters. And the discussion of women "having it all" and the expectations forced on them - particularly mothers - by society is probing and held my interest. I imagine Coffey chose to set this book in New York because of the very different policies around maternity leave and healthcare, and in this sense the characters did have my sympathy. However, the remainder of the book, for me, had very little nuance. The characters, particularly Susannah and the prosecuting attorney, were extreme versions of themselves. Susannah's privilege, wealth, success and perfect appearance were overly-embellished, and the attorney's misogyny made for a farcical performance in the courtroom.
I also would have liked to have seen more of an exploration of systematic racism in the book, which was hinted at with the character of Adelaide but never wholly unravelled. It felt almost plonked in as a box-ticking exercise. I also had an issue with the writing which didn't just feel "stripped-back", but tentative.
I realise this is an unpopular opinion and have no doubt Breaking Point will be a hit with many. For me it felt a little like clickbait.
Breaking Point, for me, is a very difficult book to review. To start with, it's a difficult read in itself, exploring the circumstances and aftermath of the death of a six-month-old baby, who is left in a car by her busy, successful mother on the hottest day of year.
"Dr. Sue" is a high-flying Professor of Paediatrics at a New York hospital, a childhood health guru called on by Oprah, and a bestselling author. She has a successful husband and two young daughters, and to the outside world, she is calm, elegant and unflappable. When she makes a tragic mistake while running on autopilot one morning, a witch hunt ensues and Susannah is charged with criminal negligence. Watching the drama unfold from the sidelines is Adelaide, a reporter who has a connection to Susannah from her past.
This is definitely a gripping and bingeable read, one that will have you compulsively storming through the short chapters. And the discussion of women "having it all" and the expectations forced on them - particularly mothers - by society is probing and held my interest. I imagine Coffey chose to set this book in New York because of the very different policies around maternity leave and healthcare, and in this sense the characters did have my sympathy. However, the remainder of the book, for me, had very little nuance. The characters, particularly Susannah and the prosecuting attorney, were extreme versions of themselves. Susannah's privilege, wealth, success and perfect appearance were overly-embellished, and the attorney's misogyny made for a farcical performance in the courtroom.
I also would have liked to have seen more of an exploration of systematic racism in the book, which was hinted at with the character of Adelaide but never wholly unravelled. It felt almost plonked in as a box-ticking exercise. I also had an issue with the writing which didn't just feel "stripped-back", but tentative.
I realise this is an unpopular opinion and have no doubt Breaking Point will be a hit with many. For me it felt a little like clickbait.
April 5, 2023
TW(s): child death, grief, miscarriage, suicide
A terrific book about one mistake that changes so many lives. It is intense, emotional, compelling and totally gripping. I read it in one sitting as I just could not put it down. I love a good trial and this one certainly did not disappoint.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, only it never did and the lack of a meaty twist in the last fifty pages got me to take away a star.
A terrific book about one mistake that changes so many lives. It is intense, emotional, compelling and totally gripping. I read it in one sitting as I just could not put it down. I love a good trial and this one certainly did not disappoint.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, only it never did and the lack of a meaty twist in the last fifty pages got me to take away a star.
January 12, 2022
This is an assured and gripping debut by Irish writer Edel Coffey. I had the same experience as Marian Keyes whose endorsement appears on the front cover - I inhaled it in two sittings.
An emotional thriller and courtroom drama with lots of food for thought, I found it very absorbing. The subject matter is difficult though - it put the fear in me and I cried more than once reading it. It centres on the tragic death of a baby so be aware going into it if this might be triggering for you.
Susannah is a highly successful professor of paediatrics in NYC, with a sideline gig as tv parenting expert and author Dr Sue. Married to John, they have two young daughters, Emma and Louise, and their busy lives leave little time for family life and downtime. One morning, on the hottest day of the year and distracted after a couple of hiccups to the usual morning routine, Susannah drives to work and unknowingly leaves her baby daughter Louise sleeping in the car. The rest you can imagine 😢: every parent’s worst nightmare.
The difficult scenes happen early in the story and so the bulk of the novel is taken up with the aftermath and the court case, which is covered on CNN by journalist Adelaide Gold, who has a connection to Dr Sue from her past.
The book is very much a pageturner, with short cliffhanger chapters that play on your emotions. Some of the themes covered are very relatable - around women’s careers and “having it all�, the expectations placed on mothers by themselves and by society, and the judgment cast on mothers when they fail to meet those expectations.
I found some of the anxieties around combining intense working hours with family life flooding back as I recalled my own juggle/struggle - one that all too many women will be familiar with.
Set in NYC (I was expecting an Irish setting so this was novel), this is a super debut by Edel Coffey and I can see it being a big seller this year. 4/5 ⭐️
*Many thanks to @hachetteireland for sending me a copy of the book (#gifted). It will be published on 20 January. As always, this is an honest review.*
An emotional thriller and courtroom drama with lots of food for thought, I found it very absorbing. The subject matter is difficult though - it put the fear in me and I cried more than once reading it. It centres on the tragic death of a baby so be aware going into it if this might be triggering for you.
Susannah is a highly successful professor of paediatrics in NYC, with a sideline gig as tv parenting expert and author Dr Sue. Married to John, they have two young daughters, Emma and Louise, and their busy lives leave little time for family life and downtime. One morning, on the hottest day of the year and distracted after a couple of hiccups to the usual morning routine, Susannah drives to work and unknowingly leaves her baby daughter Louise sleeping in the car. The rest you can imagine 😢: every parent’s worst nightmare.
The difficult scenes happen early in the story and so the bulk of the novel is taken up with the aftermath and the court case, which is covered on CNN by journalist Adelaide Gold, who has a connection to Dr Sue from her past.
The book is very much a pageturner, with short cliffhanger chapters that play on your emotions. Some of the themes covered are very relatable - around women’s careers and “having it all�, the expectations placed on mothers by themselves and by society, and the judgment cast on mothers when they fail to meet those expectations.
I found some of the anxieties around combining intense working hours with family life flooding back as I recalled my own juggle/struggle - one that all too many women will be familiar with.
Set in NYC (I was expecting an Irish setting so this was novel), this is a super debut by Edel Coffey and I can see it being a big seller this year. 4/5 ⭐️
*Many thanks to @hachetteireland for sending me a copy of the book (#gifted). It will be published on 20 January. As always, this is an honest review.*
November 10, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for the advance read of this debut book publishing 20th January 2022.
This was a harrowing read in parts and I really felt for Susannah.
I can't say it was enjoyable due to some of the subjects raised throughout the book but it was an interesting read none the less and im glad I read it.
Look forward to reading more from this author.
This was a harrowing read in parts and I really felt for Susannah.
I can't say it was enjoyable due to some of the subjects raised throughout the book but it was an interesting read none the less and im glad I read it.
Look forward to reading more from this author.
December 12, 2023
Truly one of the worst books I've ever read.
February 16, 2022
My god this book hit me right in the feels!
Its such a heavy and tragic story but it has you from the start so that you just cant stop reading!
I cried multiple times during this and funnily enough one of them was a happy cry. Also got quite angry because there is some amount if misogyny thrown in there that makes you want to throw the book at the wall. The writing is fantastic, i know edel coffey is a journalist but this being her first novel is some achievement!
The parrallels between susanahs and adelaides lives is great and i was just so invested in their characters from the start.
While i would normally reccomend a book i love to everyone, it is a very triggering book so make sure you know about them before buying.
Trigger warnings for child death, suicide, and miscarriage
Its such a heavy and tragic story but it has you from the start so that you just cant stop reading!
I cried multiple times during this and funnily enough one of them was a happy cry. Also got quite angry because there is some amount if misogyny thrown in there that makes you want to throw the book at the wall. The writing is fantastic, i know edel coffey is a journalist but this being her first novel is some achievement!
The parrallels between susanahs and adelaides lives is great and i was just so invested in their characters from the start.
While i would normally reccomend a book i love to everyone, it is a very triggering book so make sure you know about them before buying.
Trigger warnings for child death, suicide, and miscarriage
January 31, 2022
Breaking Point by Edel Coffey.
An Amazing debut novel.
**Trigger warning: This book centres on the tragic death of a baby so beware going into it guys if that may be triggering for you 💔**
Edel Coffey has written a sensitive and emotional deput novel told from the point of
view of the main character, Dr. Sue (The mother) and a female journalist who is covering Dr. Sue's story.
Dr. Sue is a well respected children's doctor in a busy New York Hospital at the top of her career, with a huge media following, several published books, a husband and 2 little daughters -
a perfect life, marriage and career -
until one busy morning her life falls apart when she forgets about her sleeping 6 month old baby girl in the back of the car and goes to work on a stifling hot New York summers day.
The difficult scenes happen early in the story and the remainder of the book is based on the aftermath of the tragedy and the court case.
The book dives into the pressures and expectations of a highly skilled job versus motherhood and the different demands on childcare, and on working mothers in general. The expectations placed on mothers by society (and by themselves) and the judgement cast on mothers when they fail to meet those expectations are so real. The whole story is so frightenly realistic, it makes for an emotional and harrowing read in parts but I think the way it explores grief and some of the issues surrounding working mothers and attitudes to childcare are very necessary.
Defo one to read guys.
You will be totally immersed into the emotional fallout of this one tragic mistake and won't be able to put the book down.
An easy 5 Stars from me!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
An Amazing debut novel.
**Trigger warning: This book centres on the tragic death of a baby so beware going into it guys if that may be triggering for you 💔**
Edel Coffey has written a sensitive and emotional deput novel told from the point of
view of the main character, Dr. Sue (The mother) and a female journalist who is covering Dr. Sue's story.
Dr. Sue is a well respected children's doctor in a busy New York Hospital at the top of her career, with a huge media following, several published books, a husband and 2 little daughters -
a perfect life, marriage and career -
until one busy morning her life falls apart when she forgets about her sleeping 6 month old baby girl in the back of the car and goes to work on a stifling hot New York summers day.
The difficult scenes happen early in the story and the remainder of the book is based on the aftermath of the tragedy and the court case.
The book dives into the pressures and expectations of a highly skilled job versus motherhood and the different demands on childcare, and on working mothers in general. The expectations placed on mothers by society (and by themselves) and the judgement cast on mothers when they fail to meet those expectations are so real. The whole story is so frightenly realistic, it makes for an emotional and harrowing read in parts but I think the way it explores grief and some of the issues surrounding working mothers and attitudes to childcare are very necessary.
Defo one to read guys.
You will be totally immersed into the emotional fallout of this one tragic mistake and won't be able to put the book down.
An easy 5 Stars from me!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 30, 2022
I had been really looking forward to reading this book however it left me somewhat disappointed. The author writes very well however I found most of the characters rather flat and one dimensional. I thought that some of the topics were touched on so briefly that it almost came across as a box ticking exercise - e.g the reference to systemic racism in the court house. However, I did really appreciate the theme of working mothers and pressure placed on them by society.
December 23, 2021
Dr Sue is well-known. A busy paediatrician, a busy mum, a busy wife…and someone who is accustomed to paying in order to maintain the illusion of having it all. The story opens by allowing us an insight into the lives of Dr Sue and her family, which marks them as relatively normal (if we ignore the level of wealth they have).
On the day we meet Dr Sue things are more hectic than normal. Work is pressured and events are not quite running as smoothly as they need them to. This is the day that will change her life forever, as she forgets her six-month old daughter is in the car when she goes into work. The temperature is high…and her daughter dies.
We follow her as she is put on trial for negligence resulting in the death of her child. We see the devastating impact such an experience has on her and her family, and we also see how this event impacts on reporter Adelaide Gold who has her own interest in this case.
I found the descriptions of the initial event impactful. Nothing could prepare you for that sight, and the trial/story around it allows us to reflect on so many elements that will touch readers. At times it was incredibly hard to read, but I think the way it explores grief and some of our issues surrounding working parents and attitudes to childcare was very necessary.
While this had some elements that could seem melodramatic, the portrayal of the characters and the closing stages of the book kept me hooked. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the chance to read this before publication, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be the only parent who reads it and hugs their kids a little harder afterwards.
On the day we meet Dr Sue things are more hectic than normal. Work is pressured and events are not quite running as smoothly as they need them to. This is the day that will change her life forever, as she forgets her six-month old daughter is in the car when she goes into work. The temperature is high…and her daughter dies.
We follow her as she is put on trial for negligence resulting in the death of her child. We see the devastating impact such an experience has on her and her family, and we also see how this event impacts on reporter Adelaide Gold who has her own interest in this case.
I found the descriptions of the initial event impactful. Nothing could prepare you for that sight, and the trial/story around it allows us to reflect on so many elements that will touch readers. At times it was incredibly hard to read, but I think the way it explores grief and some of our issues surrounding working parents and attitudes to childcare was very necessary.
While this had some elements that could seem melodramatic, the portrayal of the characters and the closing stages of the book kept me hooked. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the chance to read this before publication, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be the only parent who reads it and hugs their kids a little harder afterwards.
February 4, 2022
Review published in:
A few months ago I was offered a widget of Breaking Point and grabbed it after just taking a glance at the synopsis. When I started reading it I came into it with no expectations at all and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. This story definitely raises some really interesting questions that made me reflect upon today’s society.
Dr. Susanna Rice is a really successful paediatrician, with books and tv shows about parenting and raising kids. She’s mother of two girls. One morning, after her daily routine is disrupted, she must run into work, forgetting her baby in the car. When she realizes it’s too late to save her and in addition to her guilt and grief she must face what can only be described as a witch hunt.
I must confess that at first I could not feel any kind of sympathy for her, but then I thought “who are you to judge her?�. Juggling a high pressure job with motherhood and childcare must be difficult enough without the added stress of people judging your choices or telling you how to do it.
The story delves into the tremendous pressure on women to return to work after childbirth (I was truly horrified when they talked about women going back to work the day after having a baby, as if that should be the norm), and the lack of support given to them once they do.
During Susanna’s trial there were several moments that made my blood boil at the same time I wondered how it was even possible for the judge and the press to go along with them. The prosecutor was absolutely disgusting!
The ending had a bigger surprise than many thrillers and it left me truly astounded.
The characters were well fleshed out and their grief was really palpable.
Breaking Point is not an easy read because of its subject, but it’s done in a raw and emotional way, bringing to the fore some really thought provoking issues.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Group/Sphere for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A few months ago I was offered a widget of Breaking Point and grabbed it after just taking a glance at the synopsis. When I started reading it I came into it with no expectations at all and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. This story definitely raises some really interesting questions that made me reflect upon today’s society.
Dr. Susanna Rice is a really successful paediatrician, with books and tv shows about parenting and raising kids. She’s mother of two girls. One morning, after her daily routine is disrupted, she must run into work, forgetting her baby in the car. When she realizes it’s too late to save her and in addition to her guilt and grief she must face what can only be described as a witch hunt.
I must confess that at first I could not feel any kind of sympathy for her, but then I thought “who are you to judge her?�. Juggling a high pressure job with motherhood and childcare must be difficult enough without the added stress of people judging your choices or telling you how to do it.
The story delves into the tremendous pressure on women to return to work after childbirth (I was truly horrified when they talked about women going back to work the day after having a baby, as if that should be the norm), and the lack of support given to them once they do.
During Susanna’s trial there were several moments that made my blood boil at the same time I wondered how it was even possible for the judge and the press to go along with them. The prosecutor was absolutely disgusting!
The ending had a bigger surprise than many thrillers and it left me truly astounded.
The characters were well fleshed out and their grief was really palpable.
Breaking Point is not an easy read because of its subject, but it’s done in a raw and emotional way, bringing to the fore some really thought provoking issues.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Group/Sphere for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2022
*Compelling*
*4.5 Stars*
This story starts slowly and often felt to me like it was being played out real life. We see a successful woman Susannah who is a lead Paediatrician who appears to have it all, she also squeezes in time to make tv appearances, I suppose a bit like Dr.Phil and has written books. She has a successful husband and two beautiful daughters.
On one fateful day her world begins to implode. Her usual routine is disrupted due to a work emergency in the hospital where she works. Later on in the day she receives a call that is like a knife to her chest, the call cements the fact she has made a horrific mistake. The pace ramps up as she finds herself in a race against time. She was not alone in her car, her baby girl is still in the car on one of the hottest days of the year.
She is then thrust into court and it is more like a battlefield, it soon becomes clear that this is a witch-hunt and one reporter is on the story with her own personal story and shares a connection to Susannah.
How will it play out? What impact will it have on her family? what will happen when the verdict is announced?�..
I think the author was able to capture a lot of the emotion involved and it was very compelling
*4.5 Stars*
This story starts slowly and often felt to me like it was being played out real life. We see a successful woman Susannah who is a lead Paediatrician who appears to have it all, she also squeezes in time to make tv appearances, I suppose a bit like Dr.Phil and has written books. She has a successful husband and two beautiful daughters.
On one fateful day her world begins to implode. Her usual routine is disrupted due to a work emergency in the hospital where she works. Later on in the day she receives a call that is like a knife to her chest, the call cements the fact she has made a horrific mistake. The pace ramps up as she finds herself in a race against time. She was not alone in her car, her baby girl is still in the car on one of the hottest days of the year.
She is then thrust into court and it is more like a battlefield, it soon becomes clear that this is a witch-hunt and one reporter is on the story with her own personal story and shares a connection to Susannah.
How will it play out? What impact will it have on her family? what will happen when the verdict is announced?�..
I think the author was able to capture a lot of the emotion involved and it was very compelling
March 21, 2023
Excellent debut novel.
August 31, 2023
4.5 - such a good read, I was worried the ending wouldn’t live up to the rest of the book but it really did
June 5, 2021
How can one minute change a life ? The answer is easily.
Susannah is a very senior doctor specialising in Paediatrics. She loves her career and is extremely committed. Her family and her job are her whole life and she manages to perfect a balance where she can devote time to both. The fact that her husband is very successful and financially they are very, very secure, helps her maintain her image with expensive clothes and jewellery.
One morning Susannah's strict morning routine is disrupted. Her husband requires to be dropped off at work as his car will not start, she has to drop her two children off at childcare and the hospital has contacted her saying there is an ill child in the emergency room which she needs to see as soon as possible. Susannah makes it to the hospital and starts her day but she has left her baby Louise in the back seat of the car with unimaginable consequences, on the hottest day of the year.
Susannah's life is put under the microscope as she is charged with negligence and stands trial.
This novel certainly promotes food for thought as it explores the thoughts, views and opinions of her husband, her colleagues, the lawyers, men in general, other mothers, the press and the jury.
Susannah made a mistake that will haunt her for the rest of her life but does the jury think she should be free ?
Susannah is a very senior doctor specialising in Paediatrics. She loves her career and is extremely committed. Her family and her job are her whole life and she manages to perfect a balance where she can devote time to both. The fact that her husband is very successful and financially they are very, very secure, helps her maintain her image with expensive clothes and jewellery.
One morning Susannah's strict morning routine is disrupted. Her husband requires to be dropped off at work as his car will not start, she has to drop her two children off at childcare and the hospital has contacted her saying there is an ill child in the emergency room which she needs to see as soon as possible. Susannah makes it to the hospital and starts her day but she has left her baby Louise in the back seat of the car with unimaginable consequences, on the hottest day of the year.
Susannah's life is put under the microscope as she is charged with negligence and stands trial.
This novel certainly promotes food for thought as it explores the thoughts, views and opinions of her husband, her colleagues, the lawyers, men in general, other mothers, the press and the jury.
Susannah made a mistake that will haunt her for the rest of her life but does the jury think she should be free ?
February 5, 2022
Highly recommend- I sped through this because it was so well written. Definitely a triggering and upsetting story but also such a good commentary on how working mothers are viewed. I sincerely hope Edel Coffey has further books coming out because this was an amazing debut.
May 6, 2024
My thoughts: This was my first @edelcoffey novel and I was absolutely blown by her incredible writing style. The chapters were descriptive and engaging and I was hooked from the very beginning.
Susannah was written as a strong willed, academically inclined and intelligent woman, who falls to her demise when she makes a dreadful mistake, and leaves her little baby in the car in the heat of summer - my heart absolutely broke at the description of Susannah finding her little girl - its an immeasurable amount of grief and heartbreak.
On the flip side you also have Adelaide’s story which is linked perfectly to Susannah’s - the viewpoints of both women and their traumas is imperative to the story.
I think the novel really makes a point about the way in which the media can be hounding and harassing- but also its influence on the way the public view a story without showing the entire facts. The fact that a decision can be made purely by the influences that we see in the media and make a decision based on this.
The main message in the story is the idea of what makes a “good mother� and societies differing expectations between men and women, from childrearing, women in the workplace and a woman’s ‘role� in society as a whole.
This is definitely an emotive read and you will be completely immersed in the court room scenes and ultimately the Jury’s decisions. Highly recommended!
Susannah was written as a strong willed, academically inclined and intelligent woman, who falls to her demise when she makes a dreadful mistake, and leaves her little baby in the car in the heat of summer - my heart absolutely broke at the description of Susannah finding her little girl - its an immeasurable amount of grief and heartbreak.
On the flip side you also have Adelaide’s story which is linked perfectly to Susannah’s - the viewpoints of both women and their traumas is imperative to the story.
I think the novel really makes a point about the way in which the media can be hounding and harassing- but also its influence on the way the public view a story without showing the entire facts. The fact that a decision can be made purely by the influences that we see in the media and make a decision based on this.
The main message in the story is the idea of what makes a “good mother� and societies differing expectations between men and women, from childrearing, women in the workplace and a woman’s ‘role� in society as a whole.
This is definitely an emotive read and you will be completely immersed in the court room scenes and ultimately the Jury’s decisions. Highly recommended!
January 16, 2022
Susannah is a successful doctor, at the pinnacle of her career. On tv shows, book deals, married with two children and the epitome of success until tragedy strikes. Susannah has left her baby daughter in the car and she can’t save her. Put on trial for negligence what will happen.
The reporters covering the story have their own agendas but one in particular, Adelaide, had her own demons to manage during the trial.
This was a captivating read and engrossed me totally. The working mum guilt, the grief and pain are covered so well and with dignity. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
The reporters covering the story have their own agendas but one in particular, Adelaide, had her own demons to manage during the trial.
This was a captivating read and engrossed me totally. The working mum guilt, the grief and pain are covered so well and with dignity. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2023
Breaking point
What's the perfect mother supposed to be like? Trying to be a wonder woman, Sushann makes massive mistakes that will change her forever.
Heartbreak this book pulls on your heart. Deals with the sensitive issue of child death. We are told this through two different ladies' points of view. One, Susahhan, who's famous and has it all been on autopilot, made her makes the biggest mistake of her life. Whereas Adaline, a report, had been through this ten years ago with her baby, and who was the one to tell her the news, but this Dr Sue herself, Adeline finds herself working in this case for the paper, which brings up memories. I feel for both ladies in this situation; I want to cry and shout and scream for them. It's a situation all parents fear and are terrified of. This is such a thought-provoking and compulsive page-turner.
What's the perfect mother supposed to be like? Trying to be a wonder woman, Sushann makes massive mistakes that will change her forever.
Heartbreak this book pulls on your heart. Deals with the sensitive issue of child death. We are told this through two different ladies' points of view. One, Susahhan, who's famous and has it all been on autopilot, made her makes the biggest mistake of her life. Whereas Adaline, a report, had been through this ten years ago with her baby, and who was the one to tell her the news, but this Dr Sue herself, Adeline finds herself working in this case for the paper, which brings up memories. I feel for both ladies in this situation; I want to cry and shout and scream for them. It's a situation all parents fear and are terrified of. This is such a thought-provoking and compulsive page-turner.
September 1, 2024
Very relatable for working mums. The trial verdict let the novel down. Completely unbelievable.
February 11, 2022
Disappointing
I had very high hopes for this book, having read rave reviews about it but I was really disappointed by it. The characters were one-dimensional, the dialogue stilted and the overall tone felt very hectoring and unnatural. The plot idea was good, but the book was devoid of any nuance. The reader is told a story, instead of being shown and immersed in one.
I had very high hopes for this book, having read rave reviews about it but I was really disappointed by it. The characters were one-dimensional, the dialogue stilted and the overall tone felt very hectoring and unnatural. The plot idea was good, but the book was devoid of any nuance. The reader is told a story, instead of being shown and immersed in one.
February 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. There’s so much of ‘humanity� captured in the pages. Pain, loss, feeling alone, guilt, bonding through pain, fear� and of course, a happy ending. It’s an easy read and nice to get lost in.
October 17, 2023
4,5/5
Ποιο είναι το οριακό σημείο στη ζωή ενός γονιού για να οδηγηθεί στην κατάρρευση?
Φυσικά η απώλεια του παιδιού του...
Το βιβλίο ξεκινάει λοιπόν μ'αυτήν την απώλεια...
Το μόλις 6 μηνών βρέφος μιας καταξιωμένης παιδιάτρου κ πετυχημένης στην γονεϊκή συμβουλευτική,της Δόκτωρ Σου, ξεχνιέται μέσα στο αυτοκίνητο κ βρίσκει αργό κ επώδυνο θάνατο.
Μία απώλεια που η οδύνη της είναι τόσο αιχμηρή που μπορεί να προκαλέσει μέχρι κ σωματική κατάρρευση.Φοβάσαι να κοιμηθείς γιατί δεν θέλεις να ξυπνήσεις κ να βιώσεις ξανά τη στιγμή της συνειδητοποίησης, τα όνειρα σε στοιχειώνουν και ασφυκτιάς μέσα στο ίδιο σου το κορμί.
Το βιβλίο καταδεικνύει τη δυσκολία μιας εργαζόμενης μητέρας σ'αυτούς τους τρελούς καθημερινούς ρυθμούς κ την προσπάθειά που καταβάλει για να ανταπεξέλθει σε όλους της τους ρόλους. Μία συνεχόμενη αμφιβολία για το αν είναι επαρκής ,αν κάνει αυτό που πραγματικά μπορεί και τύψεις που την κυνηγάνε σαν μαύρες κ τρομακτικές σκιές σε κάθε της βήμα.
Η κοινωνία πάντα θα είναι ο στυγνός κριτής σου που θα καταδεικνύει ακόμα κ το πως θα πρέπει να είναι μια αποδεκτή εικόνα ενός πενθουντος γονέα .
Μία ιστορία που οι δημοσιογράφοι θα εκμεταλλευτούν καταγράφοντας το πένθος κ την οδύνη με μελοδραματικό ύφος κ γκροτέσκα όρεξη ,δημοσιοποιώντας λεπτομέρειες λες και μιλάνε για μία σαπουνόπερα και όχι για την ίδια τη ζωή.
Και πως συνεχίζεις μετά από αυτό, προστατεύεσαι και απομακρύνεσαι από οτιδήποτε σου δίνει χαρά?
Ένα βιβλίο που μιλάει για όλα αυτά που στιγματίζουν την κοινωνία μας. Προσβολές, εικασίες, επικρίσεις, διαστρέβλωση των γεγονότων για να απαξιώσουν πολλές φορές το ρόλο των γυναικών και στην προκειμένη περίπτωση των μητέρων ,για να μπορέσουν να πουν το δικό τους αφήγημα...
Σύμφωνα με έρευνες μόνο στην Αμερική ξεχνιούνται και βρίσκουν το θάνατο 50 με 60 παιδιά ετησίως.
Μη βιαστείς να κρίνεις,οι απαιτήσεις της σημερινής κοινωνίας είναι τόσες πολλές που μπορεί την επόμενη φορά να βρίσκεσαι εσύ σε μία δεινή θέση Γιατί η κούρσα της ζωής τρέχει πλέον με τέτοιο ιλιγγιώδη ρυθμό που ακόμα και το ίδιο το μυαλό δεν είναι προετοιμασμένο να ακολουθήσει...
Επίκαιρο, χωρίς μελοδραματισμούς αυτό το βιβλίο με ταρακούνησε και με στιγμάτισε. Έκλαψα ως γονιός, αναθεώρησα πολλά μέσα στο μυαλό μου ,την συμπονεσα και ταυτόχρονα μου έδωσε μία δύναμη ότι η γυναικεία αλληλεγγύη θα τα καταφέρει και θα μας βγάλει πιο δυνατές...
Ποιο είναι το οριακό σημείο στη ζωή ενός γονιού για να οδηγηθεί στην κατάρρευση?
Φυσικά η απώλεια του παιδιού του...
Το βιβλίο ξεκινάει λοιπόν μ'αυτήν την απώλεια...
Το μόλις 6 μηνών βρέφος μιας καταξιωμένης παιδιάτρου κ πετυχημένης στην γονεϊκή συμβουλευτική,της Δόκτωρ Σου, ξεχνιέται μέσα στο αυτοκίνητο κ βρίσκει αργό κ επώδυνο θάνατο.
Μία απώλεια που η οδύνη της είναι τόσο αιχμηρή που μπορεί να προκαλέσει μέχρι κ σωματική κατάρρευση.Φοβάσαι να κοιμηθείς γιατί δεν θέλεις να ξυπνήσεις κ να βιώσεις ξανά τη στιγμή της συνειδητοποίησης, τα όνειρα σε στοιχειώνουν και ασφυκτιάς μέσα στο ίδιο σου το κορμί.
Το βιβλίο καταδεικνύει τη δυσκολία μιας εργαζόμενης μητέρας σ'αυτούς τους τρελούς καθημερινούς ρυθμούς κ την προσπάθειά που καταβάλει για να ανταπεξέλθει σε όλους της τους ρόλους. Μία συνεχόμενη αμφιβολία για το αν είναι επαρκής ,αν κάνει αυτό που πραγματικά μπορεί και τύψεις που την κυνηγάνε σαν μαύρες κ τρομακτικές σκιές σε κάθε της βήμα.
Η κοινωνία πάντα θα είναι ο στυγνός κριτής σου που θα καταδεικνύει ακόμα κ το πως θα πρέπει να είναι μια αποδεκτή εικόνα ενός πενθουντος γονέα .
Μία ιστορία που οι δημοσιογράφοι θα εκμεταλλευτούν καταγράφοντας το πένθος κ την οδύνη με μελοδραματικό ύφος κ γκροτέσκα όρεξη ,δημοσιοποιώντας λεπτομέρειες λες και μιλάνε για μία σαπουνόπερα και όχι για την ίδια τη ζωή.
Και πως συνεχίζεις μετά από αυτό, προστατεύεσαι και απομακρύνεσαι από οτιδήποτε σου δίνει χαρά?
Ένα βιβλίο που μιλάει για όλα αυτά που στιγματίζουν την κοινωνία μας. Προσβολές, εικασίες, επικρίσεις, διαστρέβλωση των γεγονότων για να απαξιώσουν πολλές φορές το ρόλο των γυναικών και στην προκειμένη περίπτωση των μητέρων ,για να μπορέσουν να πουν το δικό τους αφήγημα...
Σύμφωνα με έρευνες μόνο στην Αμερική ξεχνιούνται και βρίσκουν το θάνατο 50 με 60 παιδιά ετησίως.
Μη βιαστείς να κρίνεις,οι απαιτήσεις της σημερινής κοινωνίας είναι τόσες πολλές που μπορεί την επόμενη φορά να βρίσκεσαι εσύ σε μία δεινή θέση Γιατί η κούρσα της ζωής τρέχει πλέον με τέτοιο ιλιγγιώδη ρυθμό που ακόμα και το ίδιο το μυαλό δεν είναι προετοιμασμένο να ακολουθήσει...
Επίκαιρο, χωρίς μελοδραματισμούς αυτό το βιβλίο με ταρακούνησε και με στιγμάτισε. Έκλαψα ως γονιός, αναθεώρησα πολλά μέσα στο μυαλό μου ,την συμπονεσα και ταυτόχρονα μου έδωσε μία δύναμη ότι η γυναικεία αλληλεγγύη θα τα καταφέρει και θα μας βγάλει πιο δυνατές...
November 19, 2021
4.25⭐️
An emotional thriller by a debut author. It’s a very strong debut.
Susannah Rice has it all, with a hectic schedule that is timed to the second to achieve everything. She has a high social profile as Dr Sue who gives parenting advice as well as her job as a paediatrician and mom to 2 young children.
One diversion from her routine coupled with an emergency call was enough for her to make a dreadful mistake with the worst consequence. Her baby is dead from being left in a hot car.
The gamete of emotions are portrayed brilliantly and the reader is totally immersed into the emotional fallout of this one tragic mistake.
The other main character is Adelaide Gold who is covering the media frenzy. The second thread is her domestic story and problems.
The beginning of the story is similar plot premise to a book I read recently. It’s something that given the right set of circumstances you can really imagine happening.
The characters are so well written and I found Adelaide especially engaging. I didn’t feel for Susannah as much as I expected, I think it was her frosty demeanour. It is very character driven and very well delivered
A favourite quote
‘A good old fashioned witch hunt�
I would recommend this book
An emotional thriller by a debut author. It’s a very strong debut.
Susannah Rice has it all, with a hectic schedule that is timed to the second to achieve everything. She has a high social profile as Dr Sue who gives parenting advice as well as her job as a paediatrician and mom to 2 young children.
One diversion from her routine coupled with an emergency call was enough for her to make a dreadful mistake with the worst consequence. Her baby is dead from being left in a hot car.
The gamete of emotions are portrayed brilliantly and the reader is totally immersed into the emotional fallout of this one tragic mistake.
The other main character is Adelaide Gold who is covering the media frenzy. The second thread is her domestic story and problems.
The beginning of the story is similar plot premise to a book I read recently. It’s something that given the right set of circumstances you can really imagine happening.
The characters are so well written and I found Adelaide especially engaging. I didn’t feel for Susannah as much as I expected, I think it was her frosty demeanour. It is very character driven and very well delivered
A favourite quote
‘A good old fashioned witch hunt�
I would recommend this book
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