Why people recommend it
A Life's Work by Rachel Cusk is an unflinching and provocative memoir that explores the complex, often difficult realities of early motherhood. The book was highlighted on The Book Review podcast by several guests and hosts. Elizabeth Egan recommended the memoir as a compelling companion read. Parul Sehgal brought up the book when discussing non-traditional parenting literature, noting that while the tone put some readers off, it addressed parenthood in a fascinating way. Heidi Jivitz and Pamela Paul also referenced the memoir, discussing the author's reputation and noting how the book, alongside her later work Aftermath, established her prominent standing as a memoirist in the United States. The work remains a widely discussed touchstone in literature about the emotional and psychological shifts of raising children.
Who recommended it
- Parul Sehgal Discussed
- Elizabeth Egan Recommended
- Heidi Jivitz Discussed
- Pamela Paul Discussed
Parul Sehgal — 1 mention
“in some way I think in terms of tone it's the books that are not parenting books that but that are books that in some way deal with Parenthood in a way that I find to be interesting where the tone I mean one example is Rachel cusk's book life's work which a lot of people are put off by”
Elizabeth Egan — 1 mention
“and the other was a life's work by Rachel kusk”
Heidi Jivitz — 1 mention
“probably the reason that she has that reputation in part is because of a couple of Memoirs that she wrote one uh which was about her life after she had her children”
Pamela Paul — 1 mention
“We know her again to the extent that we do in this country as a memoirist because of aftermath because of a life's work”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- A Higher Loyalty
- A Visit from the Goon Squad
- Act Natural
- Aftermath
- America's bitter pill
- An exact replica of a figment of my imagination
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“and it's a little bit like reading Rachel cusk's a life's work where you you just feel this resentful feeling”