A Good Enough Mother by Bev Thomas

The Synopsis

Dr Ruth Hartland rises to difficult tasks. She is the director of a highly respected trauma therapy unit. She is confident, capable and excellent at her job. Today she is preoccupied by her son Tom's disappearance.
So when a new patient arrives at the unit - a young man who looks shockingly like Tom - she is floored.
As a therapist, Ruth knows exactly what she should do in the best interests of her client, but as a mother she makes a very different choice - a decision that will have profound consequences.

My Review

I’ve always loved reading about anything remotely related to psychology and so I found the psychological element of A Good Enough Mother extremely fascinating. I feel like I’ve learnt so much about the therapeutic process without even realising it. The whole book is intelligently and insightfully written and while it was at a slower pace than I’m used to, it suited the story well and I really enjoyed reading it.
The subtle foreshadowing gives the plot a suspenseful edge while Ruth as a main character is really engaging. Her nuances made her feel real and helped me to connect with her as she tried to help others overcome their trauma whilst battling her own loss privately.
I also found this book rather moving at times as some of the patients’ stories were so emotional and their discussion of their lives in their therapy session so well written that it actually brought tears to my eyes.
The ending felt poignant and memorable and I thought that it fitted the book perfectly.
Overall, I’m giving A Good Enough Mother 5 out of 5 and adding it to my five star favourites shelf! It’s gripping, moving and insightful. A thoroughly compelling read.

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About the Author

Bev Thomas was a clinical psychologist in the NHS for many years. She currently works as an organizational consultant in mental health and other services. She lives in London with her family.