In her wickedly entertaining first short story collection, This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, Naomi Wood explores motherhood from multiple intriguing, often dark angles and revels in the sardonic humor of women who, having conformed for long enough, are resolute in their rebellion. With a few exceptions, Wood sets her scenes in London, and brings a thrilling focus to mothers rekindling sex lives, punishing former lovers, and navigating corporate dynamics while rejecting the confines of their society-sanctioned roles.
In these nine penetrating stories, women confront the physical and emotional fallout of childbirth. Battling postnatal depression and judged by coworkers for returning to work earlier than expected, the protagonist in "Lesley, in Therapy" has "learnt her truth: work saves." Wood's characters adore their children but crave sensual nourishment. The narrator of "Comorbidities," winner of the 2023 BBC National Short Story Award, is an anxious parent. After a glorious weekend during which her in-laws care for the children, she is blissfully zoned out on great sex and so relaxed she gorges on chicken feet at a dim sum restaurant, temporarily disregarding the fact that she is a pescatarian.
Yet, as with expectant mom Ani in "Peek-a-Boo," single motherhood has its allure. Ani doesn't want the baby's father, Lucca, in her life. While managing her own father, her man-child boss, and the new baby, Lucca will simply be one more person for her to look after.
In skillful prose with a delightful comedic edge, Wood (Mrs. Hemingway) introduces readers to a memorable sisterhood of women boldly assessing and recalibrating their identities as mothers in the age of modern parenting. --Shahina Piyarali