Motherhood

A Novel

By: Sheila Heti

Narrated by: Sheila Heti

From the author of How Should a Person Be? (“one of the most talked-about books of the year” - Time Magazine) and the New York Times best seller Women in Clothes comes a daring audiobook about whether to have children.

In Motherhood, Sheila Heti asks what is gained and what is lost when a woman becomes a mother, treating the most consequential decision of early adulthood with the candor, originality, and humor that have won Heti international acclaim and made How Should a Person Be? required reading for a generation.

In her late 30s, when her friends are asking when they will become mothers, the narrator of Heti’s intimate and urgent audiobook considers whether she will do so at all. In a narrative spanning several years, casting among the influence of her peers, partner, and her duties to her forebearers, she struggles to make a wise and moral choice. After seeking guidance from philosophy, her body, mysticism, and chance, she discovers her answer much closer to home.

Motherhood is a courageous, keenly felt, and starkly original audiobook that will surely spark lively conversations about womanhood, parenthood, and about how - and for whom - to live.

©2018 Sheila Heti (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

I admire that she gave herself so much permission.

As a woman who also does not have children, this writer is very honest about the myriad of feelings and thoughts that can occur on the subject of motherhood. A friend recommended it to me and I liked the conversation that it sparked given that she is a mother of four. I have never read her other writings, but I was impressed (if a bit jealous) with how much permission she gave herself to be so honest and explore Said thoughts and feelings. I did not find all of the book compelling and captivating but that’s OK. I’m glad I listened to it.

Thoughts I could relate to

This is a really good book that explores a difficult question for most women in our generation. I gave the story four stars because I craved more depth in the perspectives of other women in same age. I understand this is kind of the point in this book, but It made me feel too trapped inside her head at times.

Wonderful book on womanhood

This book is wonderful if you are wrestling with idea of becoming a mother. It won’t give you the answers, but many things she says will align with you or not align with you. And it’s a wonderful story as well. I absolutely loved it. And she has a lovely voice.

One of the most brilliant, unique works I’ve ever “read”

This is the book too many women (and men) always needed to read. It’s the story of so many of us yet so uniquely the author’s as well. I recommend this book to anyone interested in reading a literary masterpiece - not just important contemplations on motherhood.

Magical

Omg so magical, thank you for writing this. These are experiences and questions I have been thinking about myself. Gave me shivers at the end. Thank you.

this book rules

every single person who’s ever had a question they’ve turned over obsessively in their heads needs to read this. not just about motherhood, about anything. heti at her most powerful.

it really was magical

I wish I could re-listen for the first time. Sheila's words and voice cast a spell on me. A good spell. The best kind of spell.

Loved the writing, lacked much of a climax

Loved the writing style and thoughtfulness. This book made me feel seen is many of my feelings and questions. However, the book lacked a real storyline and so the last third of the book flowed less for me.

Loved this book - such good writing

I’m 37, just had a baby… and the conversations in this book felt like a friend… but a really smart and witty friend. Loved being friends with this book. Highly recommend it.

Mixed Emotions

This book floored me. It is an astonishing mix of poignant truth, nonsensical guesswork, heart-rending dialogue and spiritual floundering. The honesty and relatability of this book is sensational. I would recommend this read to any woman wrestling with her own decision to have children or looking to understand the struggle. While reading this book at points I hated it and found it burdensome, and at other points I thought it was one of the best things I’ve ever read. I get the sense the author felt this way while writing it as well. At the end of it all, I’ve solidly landed on finding it one of my favorite reads. I’ve clipped so many quotes to share that it’s nearly ridiculous. My husband and I have loved discussing this book. Thank you for documenting this struggle Sheila. Perhaps you can save many of us from choices that tastes much like regret.