The Millstone

The Millstone is a novel that explores the mother-child relationship during the Swinging Sixties, featuring a young and inexperienced Rosamund Stacey who becomes pregnant as a result of a one-night stand. Despite societal disapproval of single parenthood, she chooses to have the baby and finds her life transformed by motherhood. Rosamund is a captivating and relatable character, making her a true Drabble heroine.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd

Winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, The Millstone is a radical celebration of the mother-child relationship. Set in the Swinging Sixties, Rosamund Stacey is young and inexperienced at a time when sexual liberation is gaining momentum. She masks her ignorance with a façade of independence, and as a result, finds herself pregnant after a one-night encounter. Despite the societal stigma surrounding single parenthood, Rosamund chooses to carry her baby to term rather than resort to an illegal abortion. This decision transforms her life in unimaginable ways, granting her a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Rosamund is a remarkable character, a true heroine in the vein of Drabble. Her journey is filled with challenges and triumphs, and her determination to embrace motherhood is unwavering. Through her experiences, The Millstone explores the complexities of the mother-child bond, challenging societal norms and celebrating the transformative power of love and choice.

Weight: 150g
Dimension: 196 x 128 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838857134
Edition number: Main - Canons