Unmaking Mary Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood

“Astute, smart, witty and brave. A radical, deeply thoughtful and essential intervention”<BR/><B>Lucy Jones, author of <I>Matrescence</I></B><BR/><BR/> “A deeply valuable reflection on motherhood”<BR/><B>Rowan Williams</B><BR/><BR/> For two thousand years, the Virgin Mary has been depicted throughout art, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste, beautiful, meek, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have penetrated not just Christianity but wider popular culture; and contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman.<BR/><BR/> In this part-memoir, part social and theological commentary, Chine McDonald deconstructs the myth of perfect motherhood and shines a light on the dark side of parenting. From birth trauma to post-natal depression, from infertility to the mental load, the motherhood penalty and pressures on women to be and have it all - especially in the church - this book attempts to liberate motherhood from the chains in which it has been placed, reconstructing a more authentic, grace-filled way forward for the most important job in the world.<BR/><BR/><I>Unmaking Mary </I>will include a foreword written by Beth Allison Barr, author of <I>The Making of Biblical Womanhood.</I><BR/>