BY CATHERINE ARMITSTEAD

 

A wise and compassionate story of cancer, death and mental illness, all seemingly drawn from the author’s life.

The writer, Bernadine Bishop, a retired psychotherapist, tackles these sensitive issues in a lively and humorous manner.

At the beginning of the novel, Cecilia is asked by her son to take in a baby. Her son has been told by Leda, a girl that he has had a fling with, that the baby is his. Leda has since disappeared.

Although Cecilia has cancer, she accepts her son's proposal because he is a journalist and has to travel for his work.

We are introduced to a variety of other characters connected with this family: a nun who Cecilia confides in, her friend (Helen) who shares her experience of cancer, and her husband (Tim) who dutifully resigns himself to most situations.

At the beginning, several of the characters seem absorbed by their own selfish needs. They, like the baby, always want to come first and, as Helen says, are “only affected by things that affect us”.

Yet, the baby's presence starts drawing the family and friends closer together, as events unfold that they need each other's help to face, or unite to make a decision.

Occasionally, I wanted Cecilia to refuse to help and stop seeing the good in everyone. However, one of the themes is a mother's love – someone who loves us like no other. Further motherly bonds are formed or re-assumed, such as that between Helen and her dying mother.

The book is about love, partnerships and friendships, facing our fears and uncertainties, such as illness, until they become “familiars”.

This is an honest portrayal of human nature, written by an author with tremendous understanding. Her writing unveils human frailties but also demonstrates how we redeem ourselves in spite of them.

 

This book was published by John Murray and is available to buy for £7.99. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.