'An incitement to riot . . . It's an extraordinary piece of work and the writing is utterly beautiful . . . I laughed out loud, often, in painful recognition.' Esther Freud 'As compulsive as a thriller.' Kate Kellaway, _Observer_ 'Thank god for Rachel Cusk's beautifully written and compelling memoir.' Claire Messud, _Guardian _Books of the Year 'Cusk is not afraid to address frankly the grief for freedom lost, the despair, pain, boredom and guilt - all in the context of the mother's unspeakable love for the baby . . . Perhaps the most beautifully written and moving book on the subject.' Stephanie Merritt, _Observer_ _A LIFE'S WORK _IS RACHEL CUSK'S FUNNY, MOVING, BRUTALLY HONEST ACCOUNT OF HER EARLY EXPERIENCES OF MOTHERHOOD. AN EDUCATION IN BABIES, BOOKS, BREAST-FEEDING, TODDLER GROUPS, BROKEN NIGHTS, BAD ADVICE AND NEVER BEING ALONE, IT IS A LANDMARK WORK, WHICH HAS PROVOKED ACCLAIM AND OUTRAGE IN EQUAL MEASURE.