Description
Book SynopsisChronicling the early years of the author's eldest son's life, this book presents a portrait of early motherhood as a time of profound crisis, both physical and emotional. It deals about the shock and pain of giving birth, the total exhaustion of caring for a demanding newborn, the struggle to reclaim a sense of self, and her chaotic feelings.
Trade Review“
The Mother Knot deserves a permanent place in the stirring body of testimonial literature American feminism has given rise to.”—Vivian Gornick
“A modern feminist classic, certain to leave its readers changed from the experience of reading seldom spoken truths.”—Maureen T. Reddy, from the Introduction to the new edition of
The Mother Knot“A wholly original and important book. . . . I cannot imagine a woman who would not be moved, or a man who would not be enlightened.”—Adrienne Rich
“A powerful autobiographical account. . . . Lazarre slugs it out with her own demons and the Great American Good Mother Myth. It will frighten people who don’t like to have their myths messed with, but a lot of others will breathe easier because of it.” -- Louise Berkinow * New York Times Book Review *
“Beautifully written . . . .
The Mother Knot says the unsayable, crackling with insights. . . . At once profoundly consoling and terrifying, her finds are universal.” -- Barbara Seaman * Washington Post Book World *
“Many women will see themselves in Jane Lazarre’s beautifully written autobiographical account of her experience of motherhood, which is full of contradictory feelings and the conflict she felt between the portrayal of ideal motherhood and reality.” * The Guardian *
Table of ContentsIntroduction / Maureen T. Reddy vii
Preface to the Duke Edition xv
Acknowledgments xix
Preface xxi
Part One: Birth 1
Part Two: Mothers and Fathers 53
Part Three: Children 105
Part Four: The Dark Lady 139
