My Child and Other Mistakes by Ellie Taylor

BOOKS THAT GIVE YOU A STOMACH ACHE

@elliejanetaylor made me actually worried my c-section scar was going to burst. This book is so funny that at one point I had genuine tears streaming down my face (it was a comment comparing motherhood to the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award and I honestly couldn’t breath). 

Ellie is well known in the comedy world, having hosted Live At The Apollo, and been in The Mash Report, Mock The Week, 8 out of 10 cats and recently #tedlasso

She writes about the transition of being utterly uninterested in children to having her daughter and it is a brilliantly witty ride, the literary equivalent to a laughter filled boozie night out with your mates. She says what most if not all of us are thinking but don’t articulate, detailing the surreal highs and awful lows, the societal pressures and expectations. 

What I wasn’t expecting was the really important message that hit me like a ton of bricks half way through. Ellie talks about not being listened to by doctors, the horrific disparity in care faced by women, the ridiculousness of the phrase “natural birth” (a pet hate of mine), the difference of men and women’s experiences of the entire procreating process, post partum depression and the difficulties people face in careers and childcare post birth. She does this whilst acknowledging her luck and privilege in having an income and supportive partner, acknowledging the Herculean challenges of single parenthood. 

This was a witty, light, easy read with purpose. Every mum will relate to this and I defy anyone to not laugh out loud frequently. She questions so much we just accept as the status quo, shining a light on the emotional rollercoaster that is miscarriage, pregnancy and birth. I loved it. Ellie babes, feel free to add me to those WhatsApp groups. This is a love letter to all women. Buy it. You deserve the enveloping warmth of humour and camaraderie.

~ Chaya

Thank you so much to @hodderbooks@hachetteuk for sending us a copy!