The Republic of Parenthood: On Bringing Up Babies

If you are reading this, it means that I have just become a mother'

Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett began writingThe Republic of Parenthoodin the final weeks of her pregnancy. The plan was to document, in real time, what it means to be a parent in Britain today. But when her son was born five weeks early, she found herself catapulted into parenthood: a world of crushing love, and fear, and hope.

Drawn from Cossletts agenda-settingGuardiancolumn and beautifully illustrated by Pia Bramley,The Republic of Parenthoodis a fearless account of the first years of this new life. From Rachel Cusk to Anne Enright, many seminal writers have tackled the subject but, as a new generation become parents, Cosslett uses razor-sharp honesty and great humour toexplore the unique challenges they face.

The Republic of Parenthoodwrestles with the entire joyful, overwhelming, messy experience, whether writing about the impact of Britains catastrophically expensive childcare system, or the quest for the pair of socks that can withstand a persistent toddler's best efforts. At its heart is the understanding that something so entirely personal is also political; a paeon to love and pain, and one that will resonate with weary parents everywhere.