American Mother

American Mother by Colum McCann and Diane Foley is a poignant narrative that weaves together threads of heartbreak and resilience, illustrating a remarkable journey through one of the most harrowing experiences a parent can face. Centred around the devastating loss of Diane Foley’s son, James Foley, an American journalist who was brutally murdered by ISIS in 2014, this book delves deep into the emotional and moral challenges she endured.

The English language has no specific word for a parent who has lost a child. While there are terms like orphan, widow, and widower, there is no single word that encapsulates the agonising grief and emptiness resulting from such a loss. This absence of language mirrors the depth of Diane's sorrow and the profound void left by her son's untimely death.

It has been eleven years since James was kidnapped in northern Syria, and nearly a decade since that fateful day in August 2014 when Diane learned of his tragic fate. The intervening years seem both fleeting and eternal, as the pain of that moment reverberates endlessly in Diane’s life. American Mother recounts the excruciating months of James’s captivity, the relentless efforts to secure his release, and the aftermath of his death, including Diane’s extraordinary encounter with one of her son’s captors.

Colum McCann’s masterful storytelling brings Diane’s harrowing and courageous quest to life. It is a testimony to Diane Foley’s radical empathy and moral bravery as she navigates an unfathomable tragedy. The narrative does not merely dwell on suffering; it celebrates Diane’s unfailing strength and her unyielding determination to transform her pain into a powerful movement for justice and compassion.

American Mother is a stirring tribute to a mother’s love that refuses to be quelled by violence or hatred. It is an urgent call to acknowledge the interconnectedness of humanity, even in the face of overwhelming loss. As Diane Foley channels her grief into activism, she not only honours James’s legacy but also champions the plight of others caught in the crossfire of conflict and terror.

Lauded as an immediate international bestseller and highlighted as a 2024 must-read in respected publications such as the Observer, Guardian, and Irish Times, this extraordinary book is a testimony to the transformative power of grace, forgiveness, and moral courage. Embark on this compelling journey with Diane Foley and Colum McCann, and witness how one woman’s indomitable spirit can inspire and uplift countless others.