*Mother’s Only Child was purchased by myself however this post does contain affiliate links, which means I can make a small percentage of money for sales, at no additional cost to you.
The Blurb
Maria is a girl with a great talent for design. Although the world is embroiled in war, all she can think of is her scholarship to study in Dublin. But then her father has a dreadful accident and her mother breaks down in guilt and grief. Maria, the only child, must care for them both. Her hopes are dashed, not only of her career, but of marrying the one who’s loved her for years.
Reluctantly, Maria is driven into the arms of the supposedly reliable Barney. But he’s no such thing. The young couple have to leave their village in a hurry and settle in Birmingham, where Barney betrays those who have helped them and finally goes too far. The family comes perilously close to tragedy before Maria finds hope in the most unlikely place.
My Review
Anne Bennett is one of the first adult fiction authors I ever read and I always thoroughly enjoy her books. Her style of writing seems to capture my attention straight away and I find that I can’t put the book down.
Mother’s Only Child starts off with a young Maria and goes into depth to show that Maria had a very happy life and how she has a bright future ahead of her. Whilst you know by the blurb that this will change, as you read on, you almost forget this knowledge. The first section also shows how well thought of and liked both Maria and her parents were within the village. When the tragedy strikes, the story then shows how things can change within a split second and how life can suddenly take a very different path.
A large chunk of the book talks about the subject of mental health, specifically how it was back then. Whilst I knew it would be the case from other books I’d read, I was still shocked to read a lot of the villagers shunning the family because of this, with some of the villagers thinking it was catchy. Mother’s Only Child explores the fact that there was no cure and no support for mental health of any kind back then, which really makes you think about all those people who have suffered over the years.
When Maria and Barney marry quickly, it straight away reminded me of the saying “Marry in haste, repent at leisure”. This is a theme that will play heavy throughout the rest of the story, although it is never mentioned. Tided into this is the Second World War that is raging in Europe and how a few dodgey dealings mean they have to flee to England. Life on the run is difficult, with no money, Maria shows just how strong she is and how much she is willing to sacrifice for her family.
Final Thoughts
Like I thought I would, I really enjoyed this book. What was quite unexpected was how many twists and turned were within the story. I thought I knew what the outline would be however I got it completely wrong and it left me wondering if Maria would ever be happy and safe. If you are looking for a fiction book to read that will make you want to carry on reading, Mother’s Only Child is the book for you.
Great review! Thank you for sharing! This book sounds incredible!
Thank you for reading my review. I’d definitely recommend this book.
Good review. The storyline really captured me. The protagonist Maria have two things in common with me – the only child and talent for designing. Hehehe.
It sounds like the perfect book for you then ha ha!
This sounds like a really interesting book, it’s not something that I would normally lean for but I enjoyed your review. X
Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
Ooo this definitely grabbed my attention. I like historical fiction anyways but the twists and turns you mentioned really has me interested!
I love historical fiction too and really enjoy books that keep you guessing. Thank you for reading my review.
I am not an only child, but I admire people who step up and find their own courage, so this book sounds so interesting! Mental health was not even an awareness in the early and later 90’s, but there are so many little hints in writing described as hysterical fits or depression that speak to what a lot of people went through.
Thank you for sharing this!
I completely agree. Mental health has come a long way from those days, even if there is still a long way to go yet.
This one I would enjoy too by the sounds of it. Thank you for your recommendation.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
Good read! It’s interesting that this book reflected how mental health was dealt with back then, those people really suffered for a lot of time. I’m also a bit fan of historical movies though, I like looking into how things were different back then. Thanks for this post! 😊💕
Thank you for reading. I enjoy looking back into how life was like then too.
Great review, this sounds like a really interesting book!
Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
Great review! I haven’t read any books from this author, but this story sounds very intriguing. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. Its got so many twists and turns, it really keeps you guessing.
A great review Kelly, I love how this book brings up the topic of mental health, it sounds like a good read x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Sounds like an interesting book Kelly. I like historical fiction, so always up for trying books under that genre. I’m assuming it’s available on Amazon Kindle too?
Great review. Judging by the cover (which I know you shouldn’t do!) it doesn’t look like the type of book I’d naturally pick up but it sounds like a great read and I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
This sounds like one I’d really enjoy reading! x
Beautylymin
I might recommend this to my mum it’s the kind of book she would like x
Ooooh, what an intriguing way to finish a book review – I think I might have to pick up a copy now and find out why you said that about Maria! x
Not a book or genre for me but I’m glad you liked it x
This sounds like a great book and one I’d like. Always on the look out for new reads.
This sounds like a great read, and it’s so good that it kept you guessing when you thought you knew how it was going to pan out. I love it when I think I have it and it shocks me x
Sophie
This wouldn’t be something I’d usually read but it sounds really interesting! Love seeing what books other people are reading xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Oooo this is right up my street! Will have to pick this up xx