Stepmother by Marianne Lile (A review by Sarah Wreford)

Rating: 4.5/5

As kids, we often hear the rhyme “first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in the baby carriage.” But what if life doesn’t follow that sequence of events? What if you fall madly in love with a man who already has children?

“Stepmother” by Marianne Lile is a memoir that begins in the early 90’s and follows a twenty-year span. Throughout those twenty years, Lile recounts her time adjusting to her role as both wife and stepmother.

Lile grants you the pleasure of seeing her new role as stepmother from all sides. What is it like for two teenagers to all of a sudden have a new woman living in their family home? How can a newly married woman navigate the role of being a stepmother while also respecting her husband and his ex-wife in the process? Can a blended family really come together and stay together? Lile tackles this difficult subject area never giving advice, but showing how she handled various situations.

This memoir only took me a couple of hours to read because I became so attached to this family. Thank you Marianne Lile, for handling such a difficult subject and your love and dedication to your family is admirable!

I’d rate this book 4.5/5 because I think it is so relatable. If you are okay with reading something that isn’t fast-paced and that really examines complex issues surrounding families, this book is for you.

by Sarah Wreford