Motherlike

"Katherine Leyton writes with the special fury and cutting insight of new motherhood, contending not only with her self-doubt, but interrogating a society that has long attempted to turn women against themselves and make their labours invisible. A hyper intelligent and baring read delivered with a poet’s gift for compression—every line a beating heart—Motherlike is both an indictment and a love letter. A beautiful, unflinching and necessary book."

"Motherlike is an honest, feminist, relatable exploration of the ‘deconstruction’ of pregnancy and the first ‘brilliant, devastating year.’ New (and old) urgencies, both personal and political, arise and are amplified in the flurry of nearly-here motherhood. Katherine Leyton examines with frankness and vulnerability the question of what makes a (good) mother, and how to be in this flawed and beautiful world."

"Motherlike is a revealing excavation of self right before and right after giving birth to oneself as a mother. A compelling and intimate read."

"Motherlike offers a much-needed perspective, in which tantrums and diaper rashes aren’t central to the narrative. Instead, Leyton delivers a deeply personal look at vulnerability, fear, and love through the lens of her new, and often undervalued, role. Sparse and lyrical, Motherlike gifts readers spectacular sentences that linger like a reckoning.”

"Slim, dense, and compulsively readable, Katherine Leyton’s Motherlike defies categorization. At once a memoir, an interrogation of 'motherhood,' and a love letter to her newborn son, Jude, this lyrical narrative is a departure for Leyton, whom many know as a poet. Through comprehensive research and vivid reflections, the book evokes her experience with pregnancy and childbirth."

"Motherlike is an intimate memoir about the endless worry and boundless joy of motherhood."

"Katherine Leyton’s Motherlike is a smart, fierce, loving and at times funny exploration of becoming. This powerful and timely book deserves to be read widely by women wherever they are on their reproductive journey, and by anyone who thinks they know what pregnancy and mothering are all about. And yes, that does mean you, men."

"It is evident that Leyton portrays strong emotions in her writing. From anguish and anger, to excitement and care, Leyton authentically reflects on her lived experiences whilst critically analyzing privileges and setbacks society places on women and young girls. Motherlike is an unflinchingly genuine memoir that emphasises the perseverance of women and underappreciation of mothers alike."

"Leyton has created such an intimate and urgent book on the complexities of pregnancy and motherhood... As a new mother myself, I devoured this book in just a few sittings."