The Mask of Motherhood is a eyes-wide-open look at the wide-ranging and longterm effects of motherhood on women. It covers pregnancy, labor and delivery, relationship with spouse or partner, career prospects and societal recognition.

A lot of what The Mask of Motherhood has to say is not positive, and, frustratingly, there was little recommendation to change it. However, I feel that it's likely that much of what this book says is true - women are fed a pack of lies about what pregnancy and birth is like, from health care professionals, from books, and from each other. We are told we can "have it all" with the words "if you don't sleep" hidden silently behind the promise. Having a child should change our relationships and our focus, but it seems un-politically-correct to say so. This book wasn't kidding - there really is a cone of silence in which we women don't or won't share our experiences in order to effect change.

The Mask of Motherhood is an important read for all women - those who are already mothers, who will become mothers, and those who have no interest in having children. Perhaps not all of us will mother, but all of us have a mother, and it's through that shared experience that this book can enlighten.