Book Review : Dear Thing by Julie Cohen

Dear Thing by Julie Cohen

Published by: Bantam Press (11th Apr 2013)

Received an early copy for review from the publisher, thank you!

 

The blurb:

Claire and Ben are the perfect couple. But behind the glossy façade, they've been desperately trying – and failing – to have a baby for years. Now, the stress and feelings of loss are taking their toll on their marriage. Claire's ready to give up hope and get on with her life, but Ben is not. And then Ben's best friend, Romily, offers to conceive via artificial insemination and carry the baby for them.

Romily acts in good faith, believing it will be easy to be a surrogate. She's already a single mother, and has no desire for any more children. Except that being pregnant with Ben's child stirs up all sorts of emotions in her, including one she's kept hidden for a very long time: Ben's the only man she's ever loved.

Two mothers—and one baby who belongs to both of them, and which only one of them can keep.

What I thought about it:

OK, I was wrong to neglect this book. What with more and more coming my way, I forget that I've got a copy on my bookshelf. So, while I was clearing my shelves, I found Dear Thing, nestled in my bookshelf. Since I didn't feel like reading a light, fluffy title, I picked this up and I was so happy I did!

Dear Thing follows the story of a married couple, Ben and Claire who have been trying for a baby for a very long time, but every attempt to conceive their first child always ends with disappointment and heartbreak. It's not Claire's fault that she has "faulty eggs"  but her husband is desperate for a baby. When his best friend, Romily offers to act as a surrogate, it seems like the cleverest solution to their problem. But how can you carry a little person inside of you without loving it?

I've never read any of Julie's books before this, but I have a strong urge to, after reading and loving Dear Thing. Though I must point out, Dear Thing is completely different compared to her previous titles, which are lighter. In Dear Thing, surrogate pregnancy is the main theme of the book, where Romily decides to carry Ben's child, in her body. Yes, her eggs too. I think Julie made a really brilliant decision to focus on the topic of surrogacy.

I never thought this book would be so emotional and gripping. I was completely hooked from the start and I was intrigued by the plot. It's definitely a thought-provoking tale, where you'll be wondering about what happens next. The thing about Julie Cohen's plot is that, it's cleverly written, where every thing her characters do will contribute to the flow of the story. I really have to hand it to Julie, she writes and describes things beautifully, especially her description of Max's composition and expressing her characters' feelings.

In Dear Thing, readers are torn between rooting for Claire, the one who has the perfect everything - except her ability to conceive, and Romily, whose course of life is never smooth, juggling her job and raising her daughter by herself. I admit, I couldn't pick a side. Each woman had their reasons for what they did and it's up to you to discover as I would be a criminal if I were to reveal anything! The characters in the book were really wonderfully written, I particularly adored Romily's daughter, Posie as she reminds me so much of myself.

Verdict:

Dear Thing for me was incredibly moving and utterly heartwarming. You'd be a robot if this book doesn't bring tears to your eyes. I enjoyed it immensely, as I was really intrigued to read about the ending. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Jojo Moyes. Please, go get a copy, I insist. I would like to thank Bantam Press for sending me a copy of this riveting, emotional rollercoaster of a book!

Rating: 5/5

 

ROSAMUND PIKE as Claire

Again, Rosamund. She reminds me so much of Claire. She'd be perfect.

GINNIFER GOODWIN as Romily

Ta-da! Ginnifer, you go, girl!