Life's Work

A Life's Work is a humorous, moving, and brutally honest memoir by Rachel Cusk that chronicles her early experiences of motherhood. It has received praise and criticism in equal measure, with some calling it a landmark work and others praising its beautiful writing. The book explores themes of grief, freedom, pain, boredom, and guilt in the context of the mother's love for her baby.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2019
Publisher: Faber & Faber

A Life's Work is Rachel Cusk's captivating, poignant, and brutally honest account of her early motherhood experiences. It serves as an enlightening education in the realm of babies, books, breastfeeding, toddler groups, restless nights, questionable advice, and the constant struggle for solitude. This landmark work has elicited both widespread acclaim and passionate controversy, marking a significant contribution to the literary landscape. It is a testament to Cusk's exceptional writing prowess, as it is adorned with exquisite prose that is both beautiful and evocative. Readers will find themselves laughing out loud, often in painful recognition, as Cusk delves into the intricacies of motherhood with raw honesty and unwavering insight.

Esther Freud, in her review, describes A Life's Work as an exhilarating read, akin to a thrilling thriller. Kate Kellaway, in herObserver review, praises it as an extraordinary piece of work, praising Cusk's masterful writing and its ability to evoke deep emotions. Claire Messud, in herGuardian review, expresses gratitude for Cusk's beautifully written and compelling memoir. The book is hailed as a masterpiece, showcasing Cusk's courage in addressing the profound grief for freedom lost, the depths of despair, pain, boredom, and guilt that accompany motherhood, all within the context of the mother's unwavering love for her baby.

Stephanie Merritt, in herObserver review, hails A Life's Work as the most beautifully written and moving book on the subject of motherhood. She applauds Cusk's ability to convey the complexities of the mother-child relationship with exquisite sensitivity and emotional depth. Overall, A Life's Work is a remarkable achievement that leaves a lasting impact on readers, offering a profound exploration of the joys, challenges, and profound complexities of motherhood.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 194 x 134 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571350933
Edition number: Main