By Sophia Whitfield
Bond’s poignant debut novel questions the very basis of family life. Why do we love our children? Is it because we are their parents or because of their achievements in the classroom or on the sports field?
Phil and Sarah have two children, James and Lauren. Soon after they bring Lauren home from the hospital they discover she has medical issues that will enormously impact their family life. She will never be able to achieve the same things as her brother, and will always need a carer with her to assist her in life.
The challenges of parenting Lauren soon get absorbed into everyday life. It is made easier by Phil and Sarah’s shared efforts to care for her.
But during one of Lauren’s hospital visits blood tests are carried out and the results throw Phil and Sarah into confusion. Lauren is not Phil’s child. It would have been so much easier if it was simply infidelity. But it’s not. The revelation threatens to tear their family apart.
The Second Child is full of complex emotions sensitively explored as parents grapple with the truth of their situation.
A thought provoking read from an author to watch.
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