Trust Me On This One, Emily
Kathryn Barnett (@kittibarnett3)
Reviewed by Matt Adcock (@cleric20)
“Research into new drugs, and in particular their teratogenic potential. That’s the future for me now…”
Wow, I wasn’t emotionally prepared for this one.
A fictional but well-researched account of what happens to Emily – a likeable lead character who takes thalidomide to ease her intense morning sickness.
Working on writing her first novel before the birth of her child, it is her husband who proffers the drug as he works for Distillers who produce it. With the titular line of reassurance, she is persuaded by her husband Laurence, blissfully unaware of the devastating effects on her unborn baby Rex.
As a parent I was really moved and heartbroken by this tale. Seeing Emily struggle to cope when she is abandoned by Laurence, who can’t deal with having a disabled son, her whole life becomes a battle, supported somewhere by her parents. Kathryn Barnett writes with a very readable and compelling style – whilst the subject matter is difficult, this isn’t a sensationalised account but rather feels like an honest account of what Emily and her son go through.
Into the mix of hospital treatments and consultations, things like homeopathy, and alternative medicine are also explored.
The journey Emily goes on as she starts to believe that despite her son’s disability, he could still live a full life is one I’d recommend to anyone looking for something that will challenge and engage.
Hat’s off to this heroic novel, you’ll be rooting for Emily in her battle for compensation from Distillers and hoping against hope that young Rex might possibly find some kind of happy ending.
Out of a potential 5 - you have to go with a Darkmatters:
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(5 - Engaging and moving stuff)
Buy your copy of Emily here
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