<p><em>‘If you are reading this, it means that I have just become a mother' </em></p><p>Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett began writing <em>The Republic of Parenthood</em> in the final weeks of her pregnancy. The plan was to document, in real time, what it means to be a parent in Britain today. But when her son was born five weeks early, she found herself catapulted into parenthood: a world of crushing love, and fear, and hope.</p><p>Drawn from Cosslett’s agenda-setting <em>Guardian </em>column and beautifully illustrated by Pia Bramley, <em>The Republic of Parenthood</em> is a fearless account of the first years of this new life. From Rachel Cusk to Anne Enright, many seminal writers have tackled the subject but, as a new generation become parents, Cosslett uses razor-sharp honesty and great humour to explore the unique challenges they face. <em>The Republic of Parenthood</em> wrestles with the entire joyful, overwhelming, messy experience, whether writing about the impact of Britain’s catastrophic childcare system, or the quest for the pair of socks that can withstand a persistent toddler's best efforts. At its heart is the understanding that something so entirely personal is also political; a paeon to love and pain, and one that will resonate with weary parents everywhere.</p>
