Books about women finding themselves again post babies?

[Lostthetastefordahlias]

I have read a lot of interesting and intelligent writing on motherhood but I also really like what used to be called chick lit & I wondered if anyone has any recommendations for books about women finding themselves post babies written in this style? Thanks

Watermelon by Marian Keyes.

This looks perfect @FionnulaTheCooler - I have ordered it, thank you.

If you like it there are also several other books by the same author about the main character and her sisters, not all about babies/motherhood though.

Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy is about exactly this and is one of the best novels I read last year. You might also like Night Waking by Sarah Moss which is on a similar theme. I've also just read a very good ‘chick lit’ (hate that term) book called The Lifeline by Libby Page, which is partly about a woman struggling to adjust to motherhood.

Thanks @bookworm14 - I also hate the term but love the genre! Have ordered The Lifeline it looks great, and I will put Night Waking on my list it looks very intriguing. I loved Soldier Sailor too it was incredible, but it was too absorbing for my commute, I need lighter material! Thanks again!

Hope you enjoy them!

I recommend Breakdown but probably not what you are after....

Not chick lit but Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder is a fun and weird take on that theme.

OMG, yes.

Thanks @biedrona that looks like the type of book I usually love, I will put that on my list when I fancy something more serious again!
Nightbitch looks mad, I am going to have to order that thanks @Emotionalsupporthamster !

Domestic noir but The Hours Before Dawn by Celia Fremlin. Which was published in 1958.

I loved Night Waking after a recommendation on here. I did read another of author's books but found storyline too similar. I think Marian keyes write in a lighter style.

How about Alison Pearson's "I don't know how she does it" which e is better than the film, main character's children are preschoolers not babies though. The sequel "How hard can it be" had then as teenagers.

Just searching the other titles on here and apparently I already own kindle version of watermelon so I might check that out today!

The Celia Fremlin book sounds like a lost gem @tobee , thanks - I love domestic noir and more philosophical/ thoughtful books about motherhood, but also enjoying Watermelon right now so I reckon I will be ready for something heavier again after!
Thanks @greencrab I have read “I dont know how she does it” but I didnt know there was a second - mine are nowhere near teenage years yet but I have ordered it just because I liked the first one!
I love romantic comedy type books but at this time of my life I think what I want to read is a book about a woman being reunited with her lost career rather than her lost love 🤣 have ordered “A life of ones own” about women writers which is non fiction but will hopefully hit the spot.

The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy - Polly Williams
Babyville - Jane Green
Three in a Bed - Carmen Reid

Oh those all look great!! Have ordered the Polly Williams one and the others are on my list, thanks @Octopus45 . This thread has been brilliant I have so many ideas now - thanks all.

Following!