Author(s): Alie Benge; Lil O'Brien; Kathryn van Beek (Editors)

NZ Essays & Anthologies

In Aotearoa the number of people who will never have children is growing — and they’re pushing back against the narrative that if they don’t, their lives will be somehow ‘less than’.

Otherhood’s essays are by writers who’ve felt on the outside looking in, who’ve lived unexpected lives and who’ve given the finger to social expectations. Some chose to be childfree, some didn’t get to choose and some — through bereavement or blended family dynamics — ask themselves: Am I a mother or am I other? ​

These 35 hilarious, heartbreaking and thought-provoking essays (and one comic) cover topics including religion, blended families, bereavement, Te Ao Māori, queerness, the foster care system, disability, infertility, domestic violence, abortion, freedom from social expectations  – and of course, the joys of being a big DINK (Double Income No Kids).

Thought-provoking, moving and often hilarious, Otherhood opens a more inclusive conversation about what makes a fulfilling life.

The cornucopia of contributers are Alie Benge, Amie Taua, Andi C. Buchanan, Anna Borrie, Carolijn Guytonbeck, Donelle McKinley, Feby Idrus, Gabrielle Amodeo, Ghazaleh Gol, Golriz Ghahraman, Grainne Patterson, Hazel Phillips, Helen Rickerby, Henrietta Bollinger, Hinemoana Baker, Iona Winter, Jackie Clarke, Janie Smith, Jazial Crossley, Kathryn van Beek, Kate Camp, Kerry Sunderland, Lil O'Brien, Lily Duval  Linda Collins, Linda Rooney, Lori Leigh, Lucy O'Connor, Melanie Newfield, Michaela Tempany, Nicola Brown, Paula Morris, Raina Ng, Sam Orchard, Shaneel Lal and Steff Green.