The Mother I Could Have Been

By: Kerry Fisher

Narrated by: Emma Spurgin Hussey

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

Why would you walk away from the one person you can’t live without?  

As a child, Vicky Hall never had the sort of family she wanted. The least important person in her new step-family, ignored by her mother in favour of her two younger half siblings, Vicky was always an afterthought. Sitting alone at her graduation ceremony at the age of 21, she vows to create her own family and her own life, one which is full of the love and attention she has always craved.  

When Vicky meets William and falls pregnant in Greece that summer, it isn’t planned. But the two of them believe they can make it work, showering their child with the love which they believe should be enough.  

But when her son Theo is two, Vicky leaves him in the care of her mother-in-law, walks out of her front door and drives to a hotel where she takes a room for the night. She doesn’t return.  

It’s unthinkable.  

What kind of mother does that?  

The kind who is hiding a story you can never imagine.  

The Mother I Could Have Been is a heartbreaking story of impossible decisions and second chances, from the best-selling author of The Silent Wife and The Woman I Was Before. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Diane Chamberlain.

©2019 Kerry Fisher (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

I don't normally writte reviews but this book was to good not to

Fabulously written, kept me entertained and drawn into each character. A few unexpected twists threw me, just like in real life. I held back tears during a massage but sure they would have flowed had I been on my own. I felt sad when the book had ended so next stop is to look up other books by Kerry Fisher. I loved the narrator also. It is so hard to find a Narrator that you actually like but I could listen very happily to Emma Spurgin Hussey.

Excellent Story

This book was captivating to me even though it kept me reflecting on my own broken relationship with my son, which makes me sad. Kerry Fisher's reflection upon how the same circumstance is perceived differently by each person who experiences it is spot on. As this book is written from the perspectives of three characters, and it reveals the perspectives of so many others, it is a good book to encourage the reader to foster empathy toward others. Each one of us experiences our own struggles from our own perspective. We should give each other grace more often than we cast judgment on each other.

Yet another solid book from Fisher

I have read all of Kerry Fishers books and not once have I completed any and did not feel like I had been reached. The characters are so very human, so relatable. I have gotten mad at them, been sad with them, and felt joy at their accomplishments. This is one of my favorites by Fisher , but each book is so raw and unique in its own story that it’s hard to compare them. If you’re skeptical about purchasing, just trust me. I read and listen to 5 -10 books a month and rarely feel compelled to review. As for the narration. Spurgen-Hussey was made for these novels. I love the British accent and the way she wears the emotions in this book perfectly. Her voice paints the picture with an infallible accuracy.

This author...

She never writes a! Bad book. Wonderful narration wonderful book. As someone who has estranged family, I was touched. I'll have no idea how to reach out so I understood Vicki's dilemma. Recommended!

Words fail to express my joy at having found this

This is such a well written and compelling story. Every mother should read this. Every daughter should read it as well. Walking in the shoes of someone else. And worse yet, the shoes of someone whose blood you share. This book does a great job at showing the many sides of love and family.

Heart touching.

Touched my heart as a mother and as a daughter. Although my own family did not have these particular problems, I can identify with the feelings of inadequacy, both as a mother and as a daughter.

A lesson learned

Its a good book with a solid messages! Some times things are not what they seem. It's very easy to judge our parents until we find ourselves in the same shoes. I generally liked the story but found it difficult how the level of introjection both Clara and Vicky experienced and how far they would go to self destruct to please outside forces. I don't know if its just my personality but as a mother of four Three adult daughters I would find it very hard to make the same conclusions these two characters did. It seems that this is a less current time because women are raised a little more self empowered in current times.

I Love this book

I have listened to most of Kerry Fisher's books. But this one has got to be my favorite, I really enjoyed the narrator as well. It's a must! You will not be disappointed.

Mothers are strange creatures

Stories about motherhood always fascinates me. First because I am one, and a flawed one at that. This is an amazing story about several different mothers and how differently they chose to handle this daunting task. I especially related to Vickie. Kerry has scored another 10 on this book. I laughed out loud, I cried unashamedly . Bravo. Can’t wait for her next book.

Touching

Great book for mothers. very moving. I love how it touches so much on a mothers love.

I feel like Kerry Fisher knows my story

This book has made me reflect on my own relationship with my mother, as prickly as Caro’s and India’s.. I could see my mother in Caro and felt India’s fury.. I’ve made an effort with my mother in the last few days due to this, considering the possibility that I have misread what I have felt for years.. this book is so much more than just a story. Kerry understands people and behaviours very well. Reading this has been like the most intense therapy for me. No answers just a wider understanding of how things can go hopelessly wrong and not really be anyone’s fault.. thank you Kerry x

My Favourite Kerry Fisher yet!

I absolutely adored this story, literally couldn’t stop listening to find out what happened next. It explores the difficult relationship that can occur between mother and daughter and how difficult becoming a mother can be. 2 subjects that many will relate to.

To top it off - Emma Spurgin Hussey narrating again, who is fantastic. I wish there were more books with her narrating.

Hope we’re not waiting too long for the next book??

Whoever said being a Mother, lied.

The complexity of this page-turner will have you wondering about your own relationships with your Mother and how this has affected the way you Mother your own children.
As you progress through the book you begin to understand the issues and problems that like so many other 'normal' families lie just beneath the surface.
It's a relief to know that you're not the only parent that thought they'd got it all wrong, it can be such a minefield. What works well with one child infuriates the other.
Sit back and relax, enjoy every page, it's better than seeing a counsellor.

Again, a lovely story about real life

Having just finished and enjoyed another Kerry Fisher audiobook I downloaded the next one.
This was again a very ‘easy to listen to’ story about real people. The book was beautifully narrated with each of the characters very clearly identifiable.
Happy and sad, just like real life. I can recommend.

I absolutely loved this book

Kerry tackles the underlying jealous and envy between women. Amazingly well written. Read this book
You need bravery to read about how ruthless women can be to each other
I could not stop listening
Bravo Kerry

dull and predictable

I saw the reviews and was really looking forward to listening to this book. The narrator is as dull as dish water and sounded far too old to narrate the main character. It's an ok book but it wont blow your mind or desperately turning the page for more of the story.

Great book

A story told from the point of view of two mums. Both complicated family dynamics, problems and attempted solutions which very often led to more problems. Loved how the story progressed, how it affected each character and really wanted to get involved and sort them out! Narrator is really good, love her voice and the intonations for different characters. Recommended.

Thought provoking

Don’t usually write reviews but this is a must just shows relationships and family’s all have problems there is no such thing as the Perfect family
It touched a nerve with myself and sure it will do for others that some times you have to move on and make your own happinesses where you can fantastic listen couldn’t stop listing loved every thing about it I have read all of Kerry’s books and they are all brilliant but she as topped it with this one I read many books and listen to many please please try this author she is the best ! Five stars deserved

loved it

felt all the emotions of every character. wanted the story to continue. is there a part 2?

Long winded and a litany of doormat female characters

Oh, dear god. This was excruciating.
A good narrator, and the story could have been much better. But the two characters narrating the story (the book is told from mainly two viewpoints), are prone to incredibly long winded descriptions of every emotion and every possible theory for even a minor plot development.
I literally shouted out loud, ‘Oh, get on with it!’ at frequent intervals.
And the frustration of the two female characters’ doormat personalities - allowing themselves to be dominated, manipulated and wrongly accused of a long string of character flaws and misdemeanours.
I stuck it out to the end but I will never again bother with this author.