5.0 out of 5 stars My classmate's story
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Reviewed in the United States on 17 May 2023
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Counterfeit Mother, for me, is a gut wrenching read, one that I couldn't put down. Author Deborah poignantly tells about her struggles to conceive a child at a later age. Her son Philip was conceived by a donor. I'm screaming to myself as I read ie Deb you are Philip's mother Period. I understand the questions and she could think it's easy for me to say this. But still. This book is dedicated to Philip and I hope one day he will write his own love letter to his Mom.
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling story
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2024
Deborah DiSesa Hirsch takes us on an intimate and unflinching journey through the often unspoken challenges of motherhood, particularly when the traditional biological bonds are absent. This isn't just a memoir about the trials of IVF and the emotional toll of miscarriages, it's a deeply personal exploration of what it means to become a mother in a non traditional way.
Hirsch’s writing is refreshingly candid, pulling no punches when describing her internal battles. Her prose is straightforward yet deeply evocative, making it easy to empathize with her struggles and triumphs. She has a knack for capturing complex emotions with simplicity and grace, which makes her narrative both relatable and profound. For instance, her description of the initial disconnect with her donor-conceived son, Phillip, is portrayed with such raw honesty that you can’t help but feel her pain and confusion.
Hirsch’s ability to blend personal anecdotes with broader reflections on motherhood and identity is exceptional. She doesn't just recount events; she delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of being a mother who doesn’t share a genetic bond with her child. Her reflections are thought-provoking and often heart-wrenching, but they are also infused with a sense of hope and resilience.
4.0 out of 5 stars A Mother's Dedication to a Son!
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
Counterfeit Mother by Deborah Hirsch is a book that addresses issues facing women. Predominantly, the author delves into the issue of having babies through donor eggs. Personally, this is an area that I had little knowledge about. Therefore, I commend the author for educating people on this matter. Another thing worth mentioning is that Deborah writes this book from a personal experience, dedicating it to her son Philip. I thought this was very sweet of her to do. I love how vulnerable and truthful she is. The storyline centers on Deborah and her husband who have advanced in years. Deborah really wants to have a child but she cannot because of the abuse that she underwent in the hands of her father. This affected her capacity to get and stay pregnant. She eventually made a decision to use a donor. This did not sit well with most of her family members hence they do not talk to her. Despite all this, the author chooses to tell her truth which depicts her boldness. The journey of raising Philip is not easy and most of the time she questions if she really deserves to be called “mother”. Interestingly, she and her husband Larry do a good job of raising their son. On the flipside, I feel that there were some repetitions in the story. Overall, the writer told her story as best as she could!