Fascinating books, and discussion, Kate! I'm adding these to my library list. The presence of housing and real estate in our love stories is always of interest to me (hello, Pemberley 😊) ❣️
This sounds like a fascinating look at an important time in a woman’s life. I’m glad the book resonated with you, and it’s great to see a piece of fiction that doesn’t follow the typical stereotypes of this time in life. Thank you for sharing :)
I can’t recall the title off the top of my head, but I read something similar many years ago. Though the title has gone, the way the story made me feel has remained with me. Another fantastic essay, Kate. Particularly your honest feelings about the character of Sam. Gotta love the house too!
Kate, thanks for this beautiful essay. I had to laugh at the "aging hag" who's raging stereotype. I wonder how long this phase will last! I look forward to taking agency of my own life—despite, or because of?—generational lines of women before me.
Thank you, Jenna! I actually thought about you when I wrote this, as you write so well on this life transition on your newsletter. I always resonate very much with your themes...
Wow, this idea about responsibility is so interesting. It's like an opting out simply to get some rest or find one's authentic self. I really like the way you explain its impact on you at that point, Kate.
Thank you! I am never sure about relating these things to my own story...but it felt like an interesting discovery! I think you would really enjoy Wayward; I found it interesting and unusual. Not really what I was expecting.
Have you read (or watched the film version of) The Lost Daughter, by Elena Ferrante? It’s also about a middle-aged woman who temporarily abandons her family, and I had very similar feelings about it. One of them, I blush to admit, was jealousy. I would never (could never, as a single parent) do that but I fully understand the impulse to just…take off for awhile. I think (I hope!) it’s quite normal. I had not heard of Wayward but I might have to read it.
Rosalynn, I am on page 90 of The Lost Daughter as we speak!! We are on the same wavelength here. I know exactly what you mean; the mother/narrator in The Lost Daughter makes choices that I couldn't make, but at the same time...I do get it. I have definitely felt that 'impulse', even more so now that I have reached this age than when I was a younger mother. Whether that is midlife hormones or the fact that I've been mothering for a quarter of a century at this point (?!) I don't know, but I also think/hope it is a normal part of being human. I would definitely recommend Wayward :)
Also, I have friends who are solo parenting, and I think that is a whole different narrative altogether! You do an amazing job :)
That’s amazing! I’m also finding the impulse is stronger as my kids get into the teen and tween years…honestly I think they probably feel some version of it too. Like i definitely remember fantasizing about running away as an adolescent, even though i had a very loving and stable family.
Yes! Me too, I had the most awesome mum but remember that feeling of wanting to escape...I think that's what this stage of life feels most like - being a stroppy adolescent again 😃
Fascinating books, and discussion, Kate! I'm adding these to my library list. The presence of housing and real estate in our love stories is always of interest to me (hello, Pemberley 😊) ❣️
Thanks! I think you'll enjoy them. Ah, Pemberley... 💕
This sounds like a fascinating look at an important time in a woman’s life. I’m glad the book resonated with you, and it’s great to see a piece of fiction that doesn’t follow the typical stereotypes of this time in life. Thank you for sharing :)
Thank you! It felt like worth sharing as I've been really underwhelmed by most of the other books I've come across.
I can’t recall the title off the top of my head, but I read something similar many years ago. Though the title has gone, the way the story made me feel has remained with me. Another fantastic essay, Kate. Particularly your honest feelings about the character of Sam. Gotta love the house too!
Thank you, Victoria! I hate it when you can't remember a book title...the house is adorable :)
Kate, thanks for this beautiful essay. I had to laugh at the "aging hag" who's raging stereotype. I wonder how long this phase will last! I look forward to taking agency of my own life—despite, or because of?—generational lines of women before me.
Thank you, Jenna! I actually thought about you when I wrote this, as you write so well on this life transition on your newsletter. I always resonate very much with your themes...
I think you would enjoy reading Wayward.
I'll put it on my very looooooong list of books I have yet to read 🙃
Wow, this idea about responsibility is so interesting. It's like an opting out simply to get some rest or find one's authentic self. I really like the way you explain its impact on you at that point, Kate.
Thank you! I am never sure about relating these things to my own story...but it felt like an interesting discovery! I think you would really enjoy Wayward; I found it interesting and unusual. Not really what I was expecting.
Sound great. On the list! :)
This is such a good piece. Makes me want to read the book too 😁
Thank you! 😊
Have you read (or watched the film version of) The Lost Daughter, by Elena Ferrante? It’s also about a middle-aged woman who temporarily abandons her family, and I had very similar feelings about it. One of them, I blush to admit, was jealousy. I would never (could never, as a single parent) do that but I fully understand the impulse to just…take off for awhile. I think (I hope!) it’s quite normal. I had not heard of Wayward but I might have to read it.
Rosalynn, I am on page 90 of The Lost Daughter as we speak!! We are on the same wavelength here. I know exactly what you mean; the mother/narrator in The Lost Daughter makes choices that I couldn't make, but at the same time...I do get it. I have definitely felt that 'impulse', even more so now that I have reached this age than when I was a younger mother. Whether that is midlife hormones or the fact that I've been mothering for a quarter of a century at this point (?!) I don't know, but I also think/hope it is a normal part of being human. I would definitely recommend Wayward :)
Also, I have friends who are solo parenting, and I think that is a whole different narrative altogether! You do an amazing job :)
That’s amazing! I’m also finding the impulse is stronger as my kids get into the teen and tween years…honestly I think they probably feel some version of it too. Like i definitely remember fantasizing about running away as an adolescent, even though i had a very loving and stable family.
Also thank you :)
Yes! Me too, I had the most awesome mum but remember that feeling of wanting to escape...I think that's what this stage of life feels most like - being a stroppy adolescent again 😃
Totally!