Hush: The heartbreaking and life-affirming debut novel which tells the truth about motherhood

I absolutely loved this book from start to end. Like the main character, I have chosen to have a baby on my own so I was very invested to see how this was portrayed. This is the first novel I have ever read that covers this path to parenthood and I was not disappointed. I was so invested into all the characters, feeling like I really knew them so well.I loved the contrast of the lead characters old life and new life in the alternating chapters.The very real feelings and experiences of new parenthood were covered so well and the ending was great.LOVED IT!!! Can't wait for the next one!

'Polished' is a daft word, too reminiscent of Hampstead Literati. Can suggest manipulation too.HUSH is the creation of a writer's hands, just be lured into Stevie's predicaments, a novel very much of its time, when the black and white certainties of previous generations have been demolished. Stevie has to find her own stepping stones for the choices in motherhood.'First' novels can carry a gauchness - there is none here. This is a writer who is taking you on the path to many more novels.

This is a must read. Hush explores the complexities of motherhood brilliantly and honestly! I had such empathy with the characters as they navigate their way through the ups and downs life. An unexpected twist of an ending. Loved it!

Fab read! As a New Yorker living in London and a mother, I loved how this book captured (and subverted) so many aspects of the expectation and reality of both NY life and early motherhood. Really gorgeously written and funny.

Love this so much. At first, I thought it might be a bit mumsy. But, boy, was I wrong. The darkness creeps in very early on… in a very good way. And the writing – wow. Just wow. Maxwell manages to articulate our complex thoughts and feelings in such a crisp but deeply resonating way. How can this be from a debut author?! I also love the structure of following each London chapter with an NYC chapter – really helps build the contrast between Stevie’s glam old life and her polar opposite new predicament. It turned out to be so gripping that I haven’t managed to finish a book so quickly ever before. Can’t wait for Maxwell’s next book now.

I devoured this book in just a few days, it was absolutely brilliant. Really engaging characters and a fantastic plot. Loved the way it realistically portrays life with all of its complications and messiness! Can’t wait to read what Kate writes next!

Beautifully written and moving, I found this novel both hilarious and heartbreaking. It will make your heart soar and leave you completely captivated within its pages. I loved the three dimensional relationships and the raw honesty around motherhood.

I couldn’t put this booK down! It’s written incredibly well and I felt all the emotions for every character. I also loved the unexpected twist at the end! So good!