BOOK REVIEW: THE BABY LOTTERY by Kathryn Trueblood
Simple put, this book ain't for sissies. It tackles all the hard stuff--abortion, alcoholism, life, death, infertility, friendships, single-motherhood, relationships, divorce, career. And there isn't a reprieve throughout the entire book. It's wonderfully crafted, throwing you into the lives of five women in their late thirties--all of them having known each other for years--and let's you live their lives for a moment. From the beginning THE BABY LOTTERY by Kathryn Trueblood tackles tough issues, Nan, the OB nurse is the first of the characters we meet is in the midst of her work day. Which, for this nurse, isn't a good day. She loves her job and was made to do what she does (mom a nurse in WWII and a minister dad who ended up helping pregnant mothers in need), but has become a bit hardened with time. Why wouldn't she? She was a single young mom earlier than all her friends. Responsibility wasn't a choice, it was her only option. But... I am getting ahead of myself.
Here's the rest of the characters: Jean, the recent divorcee and a woman torn because of failed pregnancies and her inability to conceive. She's wrought between a past and her current life. And being burnt out by her previous career as a social worker. It only gets more complicated when Charlotte get's pregnant (bear with me, I'll cover Charlotte in a bit). Virginia (also a divorcee), the lecturer and now single mom of Milo. Her soon to be ex-husband tried hard (and could fix everything), but seemed to never know that there was a bank account that did run out of money. Eventually. Ginny's trying to balance now a full course load, this new single-mom thing, and of course living alone. Believe me when I say it's not all fun and games.
Tasi is the forever career woman. Has literally climbed the corporate ladder from an Admin to now a PR director of sorts. Honestly, knowing women like her in real life, she rocks! And one would think she has it all right? Well, she's not married, no kids... and she'd Vacation Dating a married man in the office. It get icky. So does the rest of Tasi's life when her mom's health gets a blow, as well as her Dad's dealing with her mom's health. And then there are her brothers, her ulcers... and you'll have to read for the whole of it.
And lastly Charlotte. It is no secret that this is the catalyst for this entire story... hell, it is on the jacket copy. Charlotte is the immature friend. You know the one--parties, naive, gets married for all the wrong reasons. Yes, that's her in a nutshell. And then she becomes pregnant. And delays the abortion til the second trimester. How's that one for a cliffhanger? Well, it's what gets all these women talking. And questioning. And wondering. And faltering.
The book is honest. Open. In a Tell It Like It Is sorta writing style. Each woman has a different perspective. Different opinion. And let me be the first to tell you they clash. This is a hot topic, why wouldn't it mimic real life?
Kathryn doesn't back down one bit from the heart of the matter on all accounts. Even including the pasts of every character, down the the truth of it all--they've shared one common element. Abortion. And now it's finding its way back into their lives again. Riveting commentary. Heartbreaking choices. And real life women adorn the pages of the book. And keep you reading until the end.
Want to learn more about THE BABY LOTTERY or Kathryn? It's easy, check these places out online:
- Kathryn Trueblood's Web Page
- An Excerpt from the book
- Interview with Kathryn
- Buy the book here
