Get ready for a whirlwind ride as this book takes you on a captivating journey through the tumultuous life of the author's mother. Beginning with her affair with the author's father in 1935, the story delves into the complexities of their relationship, including two abortions, familial conflicts, and a marriage that was granted permission by an investigating Magistrate. Tragically, the story takes a sharp turn with the sudden death of the author's father in a motorbike accident.
As the author's mother navigates through the aftermath of this tragedy, the book explores her subsequent loves and children, all while weaving in a powerful thread of mental health struggles, including suicides, incest, and numerous deaths over the years. One particularly intriguing aspect of the story is the long romantic liaison between the author's mother and a Chelmsford Royal Commission doctor, who later confesses to the affair.
The book also offers a unique glimpse into the functioning of a modern family coping with immense stress. With a compelling narrative and a richly detailed account of the author's family history, this book is sure to keep you hooked until the very end.