“A deeply valuable reflection on motherhood.” ―Rowan Williams
In this part-memoir, part social and theological commentary,Chine McDonald deconstructs the myth of perfect motherhood and shines a light on the darker side of parenting. From birth trauma to post-natal depression, from infertility to the mental load, the motherhood penalty and pressures on women to be it all and have it all, this book aims to liberate motherhood from the chains in which it has been placed, reconstructing a more authentic, grace-filled way forward for the most important job in the world.
God is Not a White Man author Chine McDonald lifts the lid on the reality of becoming a mum in the 21st Century, exploring how motherhood has been shaped by historical, theological and social understandings of what it is to be a woman and a mother.
For two thousand years, the Virgin Mary has been depicted throughout art, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste, beautiful, meek, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have penetrated not just Christianity but wider popular culture; and contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman.
Chine McDonald says: “This book will require me to delve deep into the dark heart of motherhood, critiquing the shiny, saccharine and chaste ideals that leave no room for imperfections. It will not be easy, but I hope and pray through telling the truth about motherhood and what it is to be a woman – warts and all – we’ll uncover the beauty that exists in unexpected places. I’m honoured to have been trusted with so many women’s stories as part of this project, and I hope that it might free us all from the shame, chains and judgment that society – and the Church – place on all of us, including those entrusted with the most important job in the world.”
Unmaking Mary includes a foreword written by Beth Allison Barr, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood.
“Astute, smart, witty and brave. A radical, deeply thoughtful and essential intervention”
―Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence
Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood
Chine McDonald | Hodder Faith | 8 July 2025 Hardcover | $22.99 | 272 pp | ISBN: 9781399814638
Chine McDonald read Theology at Cambridge University before training as a newspaper journalist. She is director of religion and society think tank Theos, and is a regular contributor to BBC Religion & Ethics programmes, including Thought for the Day, the Daily Service, and Prayer for the Day. Chine is also the author of Am I Beautiful? and God Is Not a White Man.
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