‘Mummy’ has always wanted a child, but circumstances have conspired against her such that she is driven to kidnap 5 year old Tonya. Although given how disturbed Mummy is, it’s clear from early on that she will never be fit to care for a child. This sets the scene for the gradual unravelling of a situation which is set up right at the start of the book.

Mummy has had a difficult life- abusive parents, infertility struggles and mental health issues; the final straw appears to have been the breakdown of her relationship. So she does the unthinkable- she snatches the daughter of ‘Scummy Mummy’ Kim. Sadly, Mummy’s idealised vision of how things will pan out proves to be completely misguided and the situation soon spirals out of her control.

I enjoyed the dual perspectives of the two ‘mums’ as well as the short entries from Tonya. Mummy’s back story was revealed at a natural pace, although she did seem to lack any redeeming features (whereas Kim had two fairly distinctive sides - the neglectful drinker/ drug addict and the struggling mum just doing her best). That said, the difficult descriptions of Mummy’s childhood go some way to explain why she is the way she is.

Some may be disturbed by the references to historic abuse and cruelty, but the descriptions are never gratuitous or overtly graphic. I thought the author handled such sensitive subjects with care - the reader is simultaneously viscerally compassionate towards the child-version of Mummy and repelled by her actions and her inability to see beyond her own wants and needs.

I found it interesting that the author experienced her own struggles with infertility, and this made the choice of subject matter quite poignant. It was a brave move by the author to explore the extremes of the innate, all-consuming desire for a child.

Overall I found the book compelling and was keen to discover the resolution - although there weren’t many traditional ‘twists’, the sustained tension of the untenable situation was enough to drive the plot. There were a couple of points which felt a little repetitive, but generally it was an enjoyable and original read.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book.

READ THIS IF... you’re into page turners, stories about motherhood, and unreliable/alcoholic narrators.

THE STORY... When Kim looks away from her daughter in a crowded shop, ‘Mummy’ seizes the opportunity to have a child of her own. All she wants is for her new daughter to call her Mummy.

I WAS... captivated by this book! I loved the split narrative between ‘Mummy’, Kim, and the daughter, and my favourite part of the novel had to be the characterisation, as I got a real sense of who each character was. I especially enjoyed Kim’s narration as I was often laughing out loud at the way she thought about things. The book asked so many questions about what it means to be a parent, and left the answer up to the reader, which is something I really enjoy in fiction. My only criticism would be that it felt rushed at parts - the author would refer to 5 weeks having passed and I hadn’t really got that sense from the narrative. However this didn’t detract from the main appeal of the story.

NOW... I would definitely recommend everyone to preorder this. I can see myself reading this again in future, and would read anything else by Tina Baker.

I was blown away with this powerful novel. I liked the way there were no chapters but the story was told by multiple people, it made me want to keep reading. There are a few sensitive issues that I think people could find relatable. I felt as though I could relate to it, and I know I am not alone. The book deals with post natal depression, IVF, mental health and physical health issues. Kim is the mother of Tonya who goes missing and Mummy is the other woman (Tonya calls her that), that sees Tonya and decides to take her. The book concentrates on Motherhood and Childlessness and is written superbly. A story that will stay with me for a long time and I couldn't believe it was a debut, I look forward to see what Tina writes about next.

Oh my!! this book was completely harrowing but drew me into the story that much that I have read it in one go! As a mother myself, some parts were very disturbing but I still had the need for ( what could possibly happen next). The style of writing appealed to me, as enjoy short chapters! I think the ending was expected but unexpected in equal measures... I’m pleased to have given up my Sunday evening for this book!