The Unexpected by Ellen Wiles briefed me on a whole perspective and way of life that I guess I knew existed, but didn’t quite grasp the struggles of. I think this is a book that will speak to many people on very different levels, as was the case in our book club discussions. It made for some interesting, topical and in-depth chat and the conversations that this book sparked and inspired were fabulous.
There are places within the story that feel very real and written from the heart. Whether it’s when the characters are discussing case law or facts, or anthropology and research, or the very raw experiences of Motherhood and post-natal navigations, there was true heart and passion in this book and the really made it come alive. For some this will be a good fictional read, and for others there are elements that will be close to home. There’s a lot to take away from this powerful exploration of female friendships, platonic love, and motherhood.
About the Book
Kessie and Robin have been best friends since they were small. Now they’ve reached their mid-thirties, and biological clocks are ticking loudly. But Kessie is single, Robin’s partner is ambivalent about trying for a baby, and single parenting sounds almost impossible.
When one of them gets pregnant, the other finds herself helping out to an extent that neither had expected. How far is a supportive friend supposed to go? What do you do when you feel like a mother to a child who isn’t yours? Are there alternative ways to conceive of a family?
About The Author
Ellen Wiles is a writer of fiction and non-fiction, and teaches creative writing at the University of Exeter.
The Invisible Crowd (HarperCollins, 2017), Ellen’s debut novel, is a multi-voice story about the asylum system in the UK, narrated by Yonas, an Eritrean refugee, and lots of different people he meets on his quest for leave to remain. It was inspired by her previous work as a human rights barrister. It was awarded a Victor Turner Prize and was a Guardian Readers’ book of the year.
Purchase the Book/Browse our Shop
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
No responses yet