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The Making of Her

A New York Post Best Book of 2022
3.91 goodreads logo

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( 1,447 ratings, 243 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Making of Her by Bernadette Jiwa is a historical fiction novel set in 1990s Dublin. It explores the complex relationship between a mother and daughter as they navigate secrets from the past and present. The story delves into themes of identity, family, and the impact of choices made across generations.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to rich, character-driven narratives set against the backdrop of 1960s Dublin. It delves into themes of identity, motherhood, and the power of secrets, making it perfect for readers interested in emotional and thought-provoking family sagas.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Making of Her is a page-turning mother-daughter love story, spanning the 1960s to 1990s, charting one woman's journey to escape the legacy of the society that shaped her.

Chosen as one of New York Post's Best Books of 2022.

An absorbing, brilliantly paced book; I didn't want it to end. - Roddy Doyle

People were forever telling her how lucky she was. But what did people know?

Dublin 1966. When Joan Quinn, a factory girl from the Cranmore Estate, marries Martin Egan, it looks like her dreams have come true. But all is not as it seems.

Joan lives in the shadow of a secret - the couple's decision to give up their first daughter for adoption only months before.

For the next three decades, Joan's marriage and her relationship with her second child Carmel suffer as a consequence.

Then one day in 1996, a letter arrives from their eldest daughter. Emma needs her birth parents' help; it's a matter of life and death. And the fragile facade of Joan's life finally begins to crack.

The Making of Her sucked me in from the very first page, and didn't let up until I'd turned the last. Heart-warming and heart-breaking, it is an exquisite examination of the secrets that haunt us. I cried several times. A stunning debut. - Sally Hepworth

A dazzling historical fiction tale about marriage, motherhood and the tender moments in between. A wonderful read for fans of family sagas and mysteries. - Woman's World

Bernadette Jiwa writes with compassion and grace about what it means to be a mother, a daughter and a sister. - Pip Williams

Tightly crafted women's fiction, with a sensitive look at love, conscience and loyalty. - New York Review of Books

A beautifully crafted, thought-provoking novel that ultimately celebrates the strength of women. A true pleasure to read. - Ashley Audrain

Memorable insights are quotable and the ending is satisfyingly true to the ups and downs experienced by Joan's extended family. Fans of Maeve Binchey, Cathy Kelly, or Adriana Trigiani may find a new favourite author here. - Booklist starred review

Bernadette Jiwa's powerful debut serves as a tribute to motherhood and the strength of women. - Veranda

While the issue of accidental pregnancy might have seemed an old-fashioned problem just a year ago, it's suddenly deeply relevant again. Jiwa reminds us that no such decision can be made lightly, and whatever happens will follow the parentsβ€”but mostly the motherβ€”for the rest of their life. - The Star Tribune

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781761045004

Publisher: Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 May 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Bantam Australia Original

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 233.0mm

Weight: 464g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Bernadette Jiwa was born into a house with no books and a home full of stories, in Dublin, Ireland. She migrated to the UK in the 1980s, raised three sons with her husband, and now lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is the creator and leader of The Story Skills Workshop - a program that has taught thousands of people to harness the power of their everyday stories. The Making of Her is her first novel.

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