The description of the book is different than what the book is about but that was okay for me. This story was about five woman from the 1960s on and their interwoven stories. It does jump around a bit but you learn so much about them as mothers and their children. This was a thought provoking book and I am glad I read it.

This book doesn't just shine a light on the generational trauma caused by the "shame" of premarital sex (and pregnancy) that girls (bit not boys) have to bear, it highlights how each generation continues to struggle to drive change for their daughters and their daughter's daughters. At the same time it addresses the dilemma of mothers whose sons become the predators, and the importance of consent. An excellent read from an author who consistently turns out brilliant work. The brilliant imagery of quilt work runs like a ribbon through this book, which may not tie off neatly in a bow but provides a shimmering connection to a hopeful future.

A Good Enough Mother takes the reader on a journey through different times and various people's lives, all interwoven. It explores themes such as mother and baby home in Ireland, trauma (including generational), consent and unjust shame and the affect these themes have on the character's lives.

Content warning: book includes references to sexual assault and children being removed.

Whilst not my typical read, I thought this book was really good! Easy writing style to read and interesting as a book and plot. It handled potentially triggering topics well . In particular, the book enabled the triggering topics to validated (rather than dismissed) the feelings and experiences of the women.

Thank you Betimes Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#AGoodEnoughMother #NetGalley

This book Is quite good. I think it is a great book for women, mothers, and young women. I will say this book is not what I would typically read, it follows five women throughout their lives, it can be hard to follow in the beginning. Once you are used to switching between years and the different women it is a nice read. All of the women are going through different challenging situations. It makes for a great discussion, from young women going through challenging times to experienced mothers facing a new challenge. I will say this could be a content warning for some readers regarding a male predator. I will be posting this review once the book is on goodreads, as of now it will only stay on Netgalley.

This is a story of motherhood and how mothers cope with trauma of the worry for there child. And how a different generations of motherhood can be. This was an thought provoking story making me think as a mother how would I cope. The characters are relatable in there individual journey's a great read.

It's not a happy read, the issues are hard and unfortunately und the history of institutions for pregnant girls in Ireland is as terrible as depicted.
These women are relatable and the story believable.

First of all i want to say that i was a bit confused at the begginning because of how the story follows the life of five women (not two like it said on the summary) and i was having a hard time keeping up with all the names, places and years. Eventually i got used to the rythim of the book and i did quite enjoy it, mainly because is one of those stories that really makes you THINK and i don't find that that's the case with most books this days.
Personally i found the representation of women, motherhood, childhood, and in general the way relationships work to be relatable and really interesting.
The writting was algo very good wich i hadn't expected but it's always a nice surprise. Especially i think that this type of story really benefits from good storytelling.
Overall i would really recommend this book and i'm interested in checking the author's backlist. I would say this story is a journey and one i do not regret!
Last thing i would say, i know this is a translation from irish and i would really love to know that language but i don't so, i can't say much but i do think the translation was done well and the book flows nicely.

(i will post my review on goodreads once the book is avaliable).

*Thanks to NetGalley uk, the publishers and the author for the ARC*

Intergenerational trauma and interwoven stories of women, children set in Ireland. Triggering and delicate themes handled well.

I may be biased because of my familiarity with the topics discussed in the story due to my research, however, even if I were less informed, I would have picked up this book.

The writing flows and is engaging. The book can be read in a couple of sittings. More than the characters, I was invested in the themes and the plot, however, the characterisation (Tess and Betty) is also well done. Timely, relevant, familiar and interesting, all at the same time.

This was a very intense and interesting read! First of all I want to say that I was a little confused at first by how the story follows the lives of 5 women (not 2 as it says in the summary!) and I was having a hard time keeping up with all the names, places and years. Eventually I got used to the pace of the book and enjoyed it quite a bit, mainly because it's one of those stories that really makes you THINK and I love that.
Personally, I found the depiction of women, motherhood, childhood, and generally the way relationships work to be relatable.
The writing was something very good that I didn't expect.
Overall, I would really recommend this book and am interested in reading more from this author.
(I will post my review on Goodread once the book is put up)

I really enjoyed this book. It is a difficult read at times but I enjoyed the stories of each of the women and thought the connection was very cleverly done.
I found myself wanting to get back into their stories.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a slow paced character driven book.

Such a powerful and emotionally story of motherhood. Spanning decades Dunne weaves a tale of fractured friendships and relationships. We experience the horror of the Mother and Baby Homes of Ireland, the relentless pressure placed upon vulnerable girls. But we also see the courage of those women who never gave up, who fought to keep their babies and the love and support they found in others who had experienced the same ordeals. To write such a beautiful story against that backdrop is one thing but to also tackle a tale of consent and sexual assault and weave it all together so seamlessly is a great craft. A poignant and powerful story.

Wow! This is a compelling, addictive multigenerational story of women surviving and then thriving in the face of immense trauma and hardship. The story is told through beautiful, almost poetic writing. If I highlighted every sentence I wanted to, I’d be highlighting most of the page.

I loved the multiple POVs and timelines! Dunne masterfully writes each character’s story and timeline in a such a way that I never got lost or confused as to who was who or what was going on. I fell in love with and was rooting for every FMC! Their stories are slowly woven together through generations until we end up with the full tragic, but also uplifting picture.

I personally identified with some of the trauma the FMCs experienced, and loved the focus on women’s empowerment and survival throughout the novel. Each FMC is strong, and their persistence through their struggles was inspiring.

The book ends with an afterword detailing the factual basis of the novel, making it so much more impactful. This is a must read!

*Topics in this book are heavy, so please keep the trigger warnings in mind before reading.

Trigger warnings: rape, forced institutionalization, kidnapping

Thank you to Betime Books, NetGalley, and the author for providing this eARC!

*my review will be posted on Bookstagram (@amandaisoverbooked) on 05/25/24, and on Goodreads once it becomes available

I have read other novels which explore the lifelong trauma women, particularly Irish women, experienced in the mother and baby homes. I feel that this book is the strongest I have read so far in sensitively exploring these atrocities.

Following the lives of 5 women, across decades, the POV switches frequently to focus on each woman’s life and experiences. While this could be confusing at times, especially with numerous important characters and some non-linear jumps, the POVs are woven together by the links between the women, which are uncovered as the novel progresses.

I found the characterisation unique and varied, which is impressive for a story with so many characters, and I felt myself intrigued and curious about each of the women. The way the story is told, spanning decades, allowed me to become attached to the characters and the more emotional and shocking moments packed more of a punch.

This novel explores difficult themes, including that of sexual assault, and therefore readers should check potential trigger warnings before reading.

The author has included factual information about the mother and baby homes at the end of her novel, which allowed me to learn more about this shocking part of history.

A Good Enough Mother is a sensitive exploration of the legacy of trauma stemming from the treatment of unwed pregnant women in Ireland.

The novels chapters alternate between narratives of women in different eras. The women's lives are intertwined, with the links between them unfolding as the novel progresses. Their stories felt naturally linked and the narratives flowed naturally forward and backward through time.

The characters are written with depth and warmth. Although the horrific backdrop is a constant presence, Dunne manages to craft a beautiful and loving story of female strength and persistence.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was such an incredible story of resilience in the face of doom. The story follows multiple generations of women in Ireland who must overcome so much. The strength of these women is portrayed so eloquently by the author. I am looking forward to more!

A wonderfully interwoven tale from the perspective of six women (and one guy) whose lives are intricately connected.

Right off the bat, I must say that the blurb is misleading because the story is much more than that. It's better to go in blind and experience the depth of this narrative firsthand.

The story unfolds through multiple points of view across different timelines. I also have to commend the historical accuracy of the novel. It vividly captures events and issues that cast a dark cloud over Ireland.

We are introduced to Tess, the mother of two children – Aengus and Luke. Aengus is the good, mature, caring, forgiving, and understanding child, whereas I'm almost positive that Luke is a psychopath. He is the dark cloud over these women's lives. The role of a mother is difficult. When you know that your kid did something horrendous, how do you cope with it? Do you stop loving him? Do you cast him aside? Do you support him nevertheless? Do you accept him? It is a complex situation and a wreck on a mother's heart. Having to accept that your child is evil is the last thing any mother would want to face. So how do you tread forward? Or do you forever stay frozen in that moment? You end up questioning if you were a good enough mother.

We are also introduced to Maeve in 1979, having just given birth to her daughter Belle. Due to having given birth to a child out of wedlock, she is cast aside by her parents and sent to a mother and baby home, the likes of which were infamous in Ireland for being abusive, oppressive, misogynistic, and coercive confinement. They were notorious for forcibly taking away the babies and trafficking them across the world. The author's note also mentioned that recently, the bodies of 800 infants were discovered in an underground tank in one such institution.

The author really did justice to the memories of these tortured women through Eileen, Maeve, and Joanie. They still carry the scars from their time in these institutions. One never met her son again, one barely escaped with her daughter, and another met her son decades later, having lived her entire life searching and yearning for him. Their pain and anger at the system for such treatment are justly highlighted in the story. These institutes used religion to oppress these women and treat them as sinners and outcasts in society when they should have been supported.

This novel also deals with sexual abuse. Although I did not like the outcome at the end, unfortunately, that is the reality for several victims. I will not disclose more on the matter.

All is not sad and forlorn in this novel. We also meet another mother, Betty, who has lived a full life and is now reminiscing about old memories. Her point of view is in the second person, like letters to her husband Jack, who passed away. Being a mother of six and living in a financially distressed household is not easy. Yet, the happy moments with the family more than make up for it. She is very supportive and always provides a listening ear to her daughter Tess (yes, the one mentioned above). Her povs shine a light on Tess's past and childhood.

Lastly, I would like to appreciate Aengus. He is a gem and stands for what’s right. His thoughtful and caring nature made him stand out. Having a second angle to Tess's situation was great too.

Overall, a profound story with the tales of several mothers who would do anything for their children.

4 stars!

Thank you, NetGalley, Betimes Books, and Catherine Dunne, for providing me with the DRC for this wonderful book! Much appreciated!

Catherine Dunne’s storytelling is spellbinding. I have not been drawn to another novel so emotionally all year.

A Good Enough Mother explores the lives of Irish women, young and old, forced into Mother and Baby homes and the cruel reality of what went on behind closed doors. Abandoned by their families, with little hope, they navigate adulthood in this intimate and honest story from an author who blew me away with each chapter.

This is great read. The characters were engaging and I couldn't put the book down. I would recommend this book for a book club or a friend.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Catherine Dunne and Betimes Books for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.

I will be honest and say I didn’t read the description so I had no idea what I was getting into. This isn’t a typical book that I would normally choose and for that I am grateful to have been able to read and review it.

It was such a powerful and emotional take on pregnancy, motherhood and the history of how unwed mothers were treated in earlier years.

While I have always know these mother/baby places existed, I had no idea just how awful they were and what these poor women had to endure. The trauma so many experienced with gruelling labours and their babies stolen from them.

I loved the way the author intertwined all the characters and how it all came together in the end. It was a page turner in wanting to see how it all played out. The different POV’s were well done and were easy to follow. The character development was well done, so well done that I felt like I was there with them.

It would have been a 5 star from me but the authors threw in Covid and lockdowns and that’s when she lost me. I read to forget about things like Covid and have zero interest seeing it in books. While I understand it was written during Covid which is why I’m sure it was included I would have preferred not to read anything more about that time (just my personal opinion)

I would absolutely recommend as the rest of the book was amazing and I’m looking forward to reading others by this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"A Good Enough Mother" by Catherine Dunne is a gripping narrative set in Dublin that intricately explores the lives of Tess and Maeve, two women whose paths cross unexpectedly in a café. This encounter unravels deep secrets and challenges the fabric of Tess's carefully constructed life.

Dunne masterfully crafts a multi-layered story, reminiscent of a patchwork quilt, revealing the fractured and intertwined lives of mothers and their children. The novel delves into themes of motherhood, trauma, and the harrowing experiences in Ireland's mother and baby homes. Through the perspectives of Tess, Maeve, and other characters, Dunne sheds light on the pain, resilience, and love that define their journeys.

The book's strength lies in its historical accuracy and emotional depth, making the characters' experiences profoundly real and affecting. The narratives of Maeve, Betty, and others are woven seamlessly, creating a compelling, thought-provoking read that honors the memories of those who suffered in these institutions.

Dunne's storytelling is powerful, drawing readers into the complex lives of her characters and leaving a lasting impact. While the inclusion of COVID-19 might not appeal to all readers, it adds a layer of contemporary relevance to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Betimes Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Good Enough Mother is a gripping and emotional novel that starts with an ordinary encounter in a Dublin café. On a winter afternoon, two women, Tess and Maeve, meet, setting off a series of events that will change their lives.

Maeve approaches Tess with urgent information about Tess's younger son, Luke. Though Tess feels an odd familiarity with Maeve, she can’t place her in her memories. As Maeve’s story unfolds, Tess’s sense of security and her family’s safety begin to unravel, drawing her into a web of emotions and revelations.

The narrative weaves together the lives of mothers and children, creating a story like a patchwork quilt. This book handles sensitive topics, including sexual assault and the removal of children, with great care and compassion. The book validates the feelings and experiences of the women involved, providing a respectful exploration of these tough themes.

While this is not my usual type of read, I found this book compelling, well written, and the plot is very engaging, making it a standout novel. The authors skill in addressing potentially triggering topics ensures that readers can navigate these difficult subjects with understanding and empathy.

A Good Enough Mother is a powerful and thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you finish it.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Catherine Dunne, and Betimes Books for the eARC.

I really enjoyed this book. I am a fan of different POV's and this one had just the right amount! The plot was very well written and very engaging. When I first started reading this book, I was pretty nervous because my mother and I do not have a very good relationship, but this book was just what I needed!

This was a great read and I was not able to put this book down. I will absolutely recommend this to everyone!

A book of women a book of heartache that connects women over generations.Catherine Dunne writes with such force such emotions.The women are so real I was so touched so moved a story that will stay with you.#netgalley #agoodenoughmother

This is one of the books that make me feel like I've been cheated after I finish reading.
From the very beginning, I was captivated by each character's story arc, the author's ability to set every time period apart from the rest through social norms and used language was admirable. This is actually the reason why reading many POVs wasn't confusing as usual with this style. After two sentences, you could easily grasp which character was talking.
I also liked how the main point was the same in all timelines. In one way or another, all the stories revolved around motherhood, either with how a character became a mother or how they were navigating the dynamic of parent and child.
The reason I felt cheated was the ending. After reading the whole thing, being invested in all the characters and rooting for them, it just suddenly wrapped up. I was left questioning what the purpose was in the first place.
It supposedly tied it all together and showed the link between all characters, but it didn't really offer an.... Ending?
Like, okay. Everything and everyone are connected to each other, what next?
It basically resembled a story with a beginning, middle, and no ending, which was frustrating to me.
However, all in all, it was a good book, emotional, ensnaring, and definitely well written.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

The stories of Tess, Maeve, Eileen, Betty, Joanie woven together into a compelling tale. While it’s not always a comfortable read, it is an engaging one and one I would recommend.

A phenomenal book. I’m so glad I sat down to take it all in and savour the heart aches. Catherine Dunne is great writer and I hope to read more by her in the future. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this.

A beautifully written story that will make you feel emotional.

I will definitely be reading more from Catherine Dunne.

Two women meet in a Dublin café on a winter afternoon – an encounter that will change both their lives forever.

Tess has no idea who this woman Maeve is, or why she has approached her like this, out of the blue. She says that she has important information about Tess’s younger son, Luke, and she insists that Tess needs to listen.

As Maeve’s story unfolds, Tess has the strangest feeling that she knows her from somewhere – but she can’t locate her in any of her memories. As the evening darkens and the café around them seems to grow still, Tess listens in growing distress. The safety of the life and family she has created begins to come apart at the seams.

The fractured lives of mothers and children are woven together in this multi-layered narrative, reminiscent of the creation of a patchwork quilt.

I really loved the story. Some of the parts were hard to read due to the sensitive nature of sexual abuse. It does not detract from the story. Will recommend to others.