A Working Mother

A mordant, cautionary tale about a working-class woman who’s hemmed in on all sides, by “the most unfairly neglected” of all Scottish writers (Alasdair Gray).

“I’ve got a job,” I told Adam.

“Good for you. I can now relinquish all responsibility for this household then?”

“And I can save up for a divorce.”

“So, let’s celebrate,” said Adam.

Between her alcoholic husband Adam and their smart-mouthed kids, Betty’s being driven crazy. She has high hopes for her affair with their attractive friend Brendan, but he proves to be another disappointment. As is her new job: her decrepit boss has roving hands and a magnum opus he wants her help typing up after hours. Is it any wonder she’s hitting the bottle now too?

Not since Muriel Spark has there been a Scottish writer so attuned to the black humor and surreal potential of the banalities and frustrations of ordinary existence. A Working Mother is a “sly, hilarious tale about one woman’s search for meaning” (Kirkus) in a miserable, messy world.