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A review by natyweiss
Other People's Children by R. J. Hoffmann
4.0
-ARC provided by publisher in exchange for honest review-
The Durbins, a young wealthy couple from Chicago suburbs, decide to turn to adoption, after three painful miscarriages. That is how they entered the life of teenage pregnant girl Carli and her neglectful mother, Marla.
Once the baby is born, the Durbins start to see themselves as a real family. The sounds, the new routines, the unknown smells of the first day start to settle in this new, highly anticipated life.
But their familiar peace and contentment is abruptly interrupted when Carli decides to claim her baby.
And this is the turning point of the book. What are this couple capable of in order to not let anything affect their new life? Is the biological mother capable of giving the baby a healthy and appropriate environment? Who is really considering the baby well-being?
The novel is a page turner, a very well written tale that explores the fears and contradictions of motherhood and the always problematic relationships between mothers and daughters. It also dives into the unrelenting desire of a couple to become parents at all costs, even risking themselves in the endeavor.
I enjoyed reading it but I have to say that I didn't empathize with the adult characters. I found each and every one selfish and childish. I really sympathize with young Carli and poor baby Maya.
I loved the use of multiple voices because it allows the reader to understand the motivation of each decision made.
I would highly recommend this book
The Durbins, a young wealthy couple from Chicago suburbs, decide to turn to adoption, after three painful miscarriages. That is how they entered the life of teenage pregnant girl Carli and her neglectful mother, Marla.
Once the baby is born, the Durbins start to see themselves as a real family. The sounds, the new routines, the unknown smells of the first day start to settle in this new, highly anticipated life.
But their familiar peace and contentment is abruptly interrupted when Carli decides to claim her baby.
And this is the turning point of the book. What are this couple capable of in order to not let anything affect their new life? Is the biological mother capable of giving the baby a healthy and appropriate environment? Who is really considering the baby well-being?
The novel is a page turner, a very well written tale that explores the fears and contradictions of motherhood and the always problematic relationships between mothers and daughters. It also dives into the unrelenting desire of a couple to become parents at all costs, even risking themselves in the endeavor.
I enjoyed reading it but I have to say that I didn't empathize with the adult characters. I found each and every one selfish and childish. I really sympathize with young Carli and poor baby Maya.
I loved the use of multiple voices because it allows the reader to understand the motivation of each decision made.
I would highly recommend this book