Anne Manne has tapped into the argument that many of us parents are having in our heads and hearts. What has feminism to do with bringing up children? Can women who want to work and be a mother remain part of the feminist movement? What is the impact on our children in various forms of childcare? As we debate these issues at our social meetings with other parents the question is often ‘how do we have it all?’ Anne outlines the arguments and the emotions and suggests a sidestep. Time-out is needed to gather our thoughts and reflect on what we need and what we want. Motherhood covers the debate over early childcare options and the problems of reconciling work and family life, the crisis of fertility and the impact of new capitalism on the way we bring up our children. Anne draws on other women’s stories, studies, and narratives from a range of genres and combines this knowledge with her own personal story. This is a book that is easy to read, and easy to read from. (My partner has heard many quotes from different chapters.) In particular, I felt impassioned by her belief that the new hierarchy needs to include time for all members of the family to be part of the joy and hard work of parenting. For this to occur we need to give preference to policies that include parental leave and flexibility in our work places. An important read for all parents.

Chris Gordon is a mother of two who works part-time at Readings Carlton. She formerly worked in women’s health for ten years.