Must-Read Books for Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, Luath Press invites you to explore stories and reflections that capture the complexity, warmth and resilience of motherhood. From tender personal accounts to historical insights and imaginative fiction, these books celebrate mothers, daughters, families and the ties that shape us.
Midlife, menopause and the echoes of the past collide in Daughterhood, Alison Irvine’s compelling new novel. Nina Polmont is navigating a chaotic personal landscape: her sister has returned from New Zealand, her step-daughter is home, and long-buried desires resurface as old love reappears. Add hormones, night sweats, and a sense of regret, and Nina must confront who has truly betrayed her - her sister, her heart or herself. A story of reinvention, rebellion and the hope of starting again, this is a nuanced exploration of life, loss and second chances.
Bashabi Fraser’s poetry in Letters to My Mother is a heartfelt tribute to the women who shape us. From intimate mother-daughter conversations to reflections on empowerment, love and loss, Fraser’s work spans cultures and continents. Her poems confront global issues such as violence against women, climate change and societal injustice, while remaining rooted in personal experience and remembrance. As Stephen Regan notes, there is a 'wonderful conversational ease' in Fraser’s writing, capturing the enduring power of maternal connection.
Laura Bissell’s Bubbles offers a candid, insightful look at early motherhood. Beginning with the birth of her daughter in 2018 and moving through the isolation of the pandemic, Bissell reflects on the transformations of womanhood and parenthood. Her account is both intimate and universal, exploring the joys, challenges and reshaping of life in the ‘bubble’ of early parenthood. Warm, compassionate and utterly engaging, this is a book for anyone seeking a truthful, empathetic account of becoming a mother.
For those fascinated by the history of healthcare, Bringing Life to Aberdeen charts the extraordinary contributions to midwifery and neonatal care. From early midwives like Margaret Bane to pioneering figures such as Professor Sir Dugald Baird and Lady May Baird, this book celebrates the people whose work transformed the lives of mothers and babies across generations. It is a deeply moving testament to the evolution of maternal care and the enduring impact of compassionate practice.
Serafina Crolla brings Italy to life through stories grounded in memory, family and resilience. Children of This Land follows the Valente family in post-war Picinisco, capturing the balance of hardship and warmth in rural life. The Wee Italian Girl recounts a young girl’s final year at home in the mountains before her family migrates to Edinburgh, reflecting on the traditions and bonds of community. Domenica tells of a seventeen-year-old girl caring for her orphaned siblings in the aftermath of war, a poignant story of love, duty and sacrifice. Together, these books offer an intimate glimpse into family, heritage and the courage of women across generations.
Mary J. MacLeod returns to the windswept Hebrides in More Tales from The Island Nurse, sharing the joys, heartaches and humour of life as a district nurse in the 1970s. From crofters to ceilidhs, from sudden tragedies to everyday triumphs, her anecdotes illuminate the human stories at the heart of care and community.
In Keeping Away the Spiders, Dr Anne Pia blends honesty, humour and insight across essays on sexuality, gender identity, parenthood and creativity. Her reflections on motherhood, including coming to terms with her daughter’s disability, are interwoven with broader explorations of life’s transformative power. Pia’s voice is vibrant, fearless and deeply personal, inviting readers to question, reflect and embrace life’s challenges with curiosity and courage.
This Mother’s Day, whether you are looking for fiction, poetry, history or memoir, Luath Press has a selection of books that honour mothers, daughters, and the ties that endure through generations.
