Book review: Those Other Women by Nicola Moriarty
This book tackles the huge issue of women tearing each other down and includes social media which cleverly fits into the story.
While the fighting takes place both on Facebook and the real world, it serves as a reminder that nastiness both on and offline can be equally hurtful.
The book starts with Poppy who finds out her husband is having an affair with her best friend. Key word having - as they are not intending to end it. The marriage is over before she can even fight for it. To add to Poppy's bewilderment and anger, the reason her husband is leaving is because he's decided to start a family with her bestie. Poppy doesn't want children and always thought her husband was in agreement.
The double betrayal gnaws at her until she has an idea to start a Facebook group of non-mothers. Unfortunately after a ranting session she regrets posting an angry vent and the group starts changing.
Some members leave. Some share their own stories agreeing with her. And some take her challenge to stand up for themselves into the real world. Before long it is evident that there is an imposter in the group. Someone who the group has opened up to has written an article warning a mother's FB group about Poppy's new movement and the trouble her group is causing.
It isn't too long before emotions are running high and loyalties put to the test.
The book includes two other characters whose side of the story is shared. Annalise, a single woman who keeps everyone shut out but seems to be Poppy's new best friend. The other lady is Frankie who is a colleague of theirs and a mother to two. Frankie is tired of being judged for being a working mother and feels the pressures of trying to do everything closing in on her. She tries to be a part of Poppy and Annalise's social circle but they push her away. Until she finds a way in.
It is a fascinating look at both sides of the story. What I found interesting is the judgement that isn't just between the two groups of women - those with kids and those without.
As a woman who has chosen to be child-free I've received rudeness, prying questions and unnecessary comments over the years. But this book delves into the downright meanness that some of the mothers have for each other. The judgement between working mothers and those who stay at home for instance.
I can honestly say that the sisterhood we are supposed to embrace and share is not something that is always evident in real life. And I've seen how some mothers have pulled other mom's down with nasty comments in the real world. Judging child-free women is a trend that some will openly do but mom's judging other mom's is done behind closed doors.
This book doesn't just explore the age-old problem of women tearing each other down. It also raises the question of why so many feel the need to do this in the first place.