From Here to Maternity by Sinead Moriarty
Thursday, 31 Aug 2006 00:00
From Here to Maternity is Sinead Moriarty's third book
Published by Penguin Books, out now, paperback, 298 pages, £6.99.
In a nutshell…
Funny, heartwarming, easy-reading, touching, girly chick lit
What's it all about?
This story follows The Baby Trail, previously written by Moriarty, and the latest antics of a hilarious Irish family, with a great mix of characters. Super flirty, moneygrabbing Babs, busybody mum and nightmare mother-in-law Anne, and the touching new parents Emma and James.
The story takes you through a host of comical experiences as the Hamilton family journey through caring for a newly adopted baby, sleeping their way up the career ladder, preparing for new babies and experiencing multicultural marriages.
Who's it by?
Sinead Moriarty is a bit of an expert on the topic of trying for children after undergoing her own treatment and becoming pregnant as she started to look into adoption. This book follows The Baby Trail, which sold over 125,000 copies, and her second novel A Perfect Match. She was a former trade journalist in London, but was born in Ireland where she now lives.
As an example…
Then she asked if I was doing my Kegel exercises…"It's vital that you strengthen the muscles before and after the birth…you could end up incontinent."
Incontinent!...this was the most unrelaxing, stressful two hours of my life….I didn't want to end up in nappies for the rest of my life. I'd be getting two for the price of one – baby and adult ones. "What do I need to do? Tell me," I begged.
Likelihood of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster
Although highly amusing and a refreshing read on the tube home after a hard day's work, this book is unlikely to make it on to the big screen. Although the hilarious characters would be a hit with romantic comedy fans. Be warned if you're feeling particularly broody though, as the more emotional and serious bits are likely to cause some tears.
What the others say
"Funny and touching" Heat
"A touching tale with just the right amount of humour" OK!
So is it any good?
This book serves as a good follow-up to The Baby Trail. Nice, easy-reading to make you laugh throughout and feel down when things get more serious. Various parts that particularly stick in the mind are the busybody mum trying to impress her new Prussian (she means Persian!) relatives, Emma rushing out of a yoga class after their suggestions of 'internal' massage with vegetable oil and rugby lad Donal saying what he truly thinks in his on-screen match reviews.
However, real-life mums or more serious literary fans aren't likely to be as kind, as most of the book does appear to be pretty unrealistic.
But if it's a relaxing read you want, which requires no thought and will bring a smile to your face, then this is fab.
7/10
Melanie Shaw
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