Matritto | Motherhood by Ameena Tabassum - REVIEW
A review by Victoria Walsh
There’s a sweary quote by Phillip Larkin that says (paraphrased to protect the innocent), “They mess you up, your mum and dad.” Motherhood by Ameena Tabassum is a novel about precisely that. Motherhood explores the complexities of motherhood through the story of Lucy, a fifteen-year-old girl dealing with a troubled family life and the son of our protagonist, Adib, who is working through his own problems, his parents' ill-fated marriage breakup, and general teenage turmoil.
The narrative delves into themes of child sexual exploitation, societal scrutiny, and the struggles of young women facing abuse, mental health, depression, and acceptance. With all that said, Motherhood is not a depressing tome or misery manual. The author, Tabassum, writes about these gritty and unpleasant subjects with a light and hopeful touch. Saying that Tabassum doesn’t shy away from referencing real-life events, analysing them and using them to add depth to her story.
Ameena Tabassum is a prolific writer, and Motherhood is just one of several novels, including Whitechapel, Morichikar Shondhane, Hridoyer Rosayon, Ahare Jibon and Ghor Vora Mor (on preorder). The binding similarities in all Tabassum books are tangled relationships, secrets, unexpected truths, racism and multiculturism; all told with a South Asian twist and often with a UK backdrop.
Tabassum's bio proudly proclaims her a British Bangladeshi author, a title that resonates deeply with her roots in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Spending most of her life in the UK, it is here that she completed her studies, started a family, and pursued her career. Her writing style and the narrative in Motherhood tell you that her heart remains firmly tied to her homeland. Her educational journey led her to a BSc honours in mathematics and computer science from King's College, London, and an MSc in public management from the University of Birmingham. While her professional life revolved around data, Tabassum loves being an author, especially in her mother tongue, Bangla.
Back to the story. Motherhood is about Lucy, a young girl caught up in exploitation by a seemingly charming Sajid, handsome and older than her. Set against the backdrop of the notorious 1997-2013 child-sex grooming ring in Rochdale and Rotherham, our story is based in the leafy Surrey Hills but carries the same M.O. Sajid is a drug dealer and all-round ‘wrong’un.’ Milly is a survivor of domestic abuse and a social worker who, despite having her own issues, helps Lucy navigate a difficult path. More than that, I won’t tell because you need to read this compassionate, if not overly truthful, book and come to your own conclusions.
Expect Motherhood to ring bells; whether you’re Asian or not, you might not realize this, but you will know someone who is going through or has been through domestic abuse. Some forms of abuse are subtle and not widely acknowledged as abuse, but they are nevertheless destructive and have long-lasting effects that can and do impact families. Tabassum touches on the cultural conflict that British-born Bangladeshis feel but doesn’t labour on the subject; I hope she has covered this subject in more detail in her other novels, as the clash of cultures is relevant to the story and resonates with life in the UK right now.
If you’re looking for a gripping read, you have found it in Motherhood. If you want a heartwarming story that keeps the narrative light even though the subject matter is dark, Motherhood is the book for you. If I had to criticise (I am a booker reviewer, after all), my critique is the lack of depth and honest insight into Milly and Hasan’s arranged marriage; maybe Tabassum doesn’t want to upset anyone, or maybe there’s nothing more to say, whatever the reason I would like a bit more backstory (probably because I’m noisy) and a few more chapters.
At this point in the review, we are all left with Phillip Larkin's sorrowful observation of parenting. Ameena Tabassum's Motherhood is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity, a tale of missed chances and poof that communication is the key to being a better parent. It’s a story that will resonate with many, offering a window into the lives of those who navigate the complexities of family, culture, and personal growth. Tabassum’s ability to entwine real-life events into her tale adds authenticity layers, making the story all the more compelling.
Motherhood is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking, sometimes heartwrenching, but ultimately heartwarming story. It reminds us that despite life's challenges, there is always hope, the possibility of redemption, and even a happy ending if you open your eyes and look around. So, pick up a copy, and let Lucy, Adib, and Milly take you on a short journey out of the bleak into the clear—or at least to Woking and the stunning Surrey Hills.
