Book Review

Shattered Motherhood: Surviving The Guilt Of A Child’s Suicide
By Donna F. Johnson

Reviewer
Julie Thomas – ACA Member Level 3

Shattered Motherhood: Surviving The Guilt Of A Child’s Suicide is a deeply reflective and insightful work that sheds light on the guilt and often unspoken suffering endured by mothers who have lost a child to suicide. Author Donna F. Johnson weaves the narrative through a feminist lens, exploring societal and patriarchy influences that shape these experiences.

Drawing from her work with Canadian police service crisis units, Johnson’s voice resonates with empathy and authenticity throughout the book. Her model of support offers women a safe space filled with care, and understanding, and provides space, safety and opportunity for mothers to share their stories. The book highlights the courage of these often-marginalised women who come together to support one another throughout deeply painful experiences of bereavement.

Johnson’s book speaks primarily to mothers living with the experience of a child lost to suicide. Throughout the book, mothers express profound insights into their inner world and of needing to meet other women that have survived. At one stage in the group process Johnson notes that the mothers “did not need therapeutic input or fixing”. This is a gentle reminder for mental health professionals, support group facilitators, and educators seeking to understand the unique grief and societal challenges faced by mothers may find benefit from the book.

Feminists and social justice advocates may also find the book thought-provoking and empowering. Johnson’s empathetic tone and focus on fostering a supportive community appeals to those seeking, healing, understanding, and connection in the face of profound loss.

Johnson offers an empathetic and authentic voice through the book, which emphasises the power of shared experiences and collective healing through a community-centred approach. It honours marginalised voices and provides space for overlooked experiences. Many poignant moments stand out, such as a moment two months into a support group for mothers where members describe the ongoing impacts of “mother’s guilt”.

Throughout the book, Johnson emphasised the importance of women coming together to reclaim their ‘‘shattered motherhood’’. She highlights that being in the company of other women can foster self- compassion and healing. The author’s empathetic approach is particularly evident in her preference for terms like “group work”, which created a sense of shared support, rather than pathologising language such as “therapy”.

As both a therapist and a mother, I found Shattered Motherhood: Surviving The Guilt Of A Child’s Suicide raw, honest and open about the brutal reality of living after the death of a child to suicide.

Book Details

Book Review: Shattered Motherhood: Surviving The Guilt Of A Child’s Suicide
Author: Donna F. Johnson
Publisher: Spinifex Press
Publication Date:
Pages: 161
Link: Shattered Motherhood