Motherhood is another central theme in the book. Both Sallyanne and Franny have struggled with their identity as a mother, Sallyanne feeling that she fails to be a good single parent and Franny believing that she was never meant to be a mother after the death of Tilly. Franny also has people ask her multiple times why she chose not to have children.
Being a mum is very rewarding, very stressful and some days you just want to scream. You always question yourself about what sort of mum you are. The love you have for your children is so strong. Then you have Grandchildren and it’s even stronger. If that makes sense.
I can certainly relate to how Sallyanne feels. I was a single mother with three young children , divorced from a man after 7 years in an unhappy relationship and being psychologically abused, and who later committed suicide. Raising 3 children under 7 years was demanding and sometimes soul destroying making me question my ability to be a good mother. Then I met a very special man who made me feel braver and stronger than I believed I was …. he was my “Franny” and has been at my side for over 40 years now….. as mothers we can often… Read more »
Motherhood is the most emotionally fraught condition for humans. Those who are mothers feel judged by everyone including themselves and their children yet it can be the most rewarding and challenging role ever undertaken. Those who are childless through choice or circumstance can also feel judged or pitied when frankly it’s no one else’s business. As humans we need to learn to care and be kind without judgement as we never know another person’s story completely.