I’m Not Your Mother – Helen Rice and Uncommon Labels – Fiona Hutchings

Step or ‘blended’ families are the fastest-growing family type in the UK, with an estimated one in three families now fitting this description. Yet throughout history and across cultures, from fairy tales to Fleabag, the stepmother is rarely portrayed positively. Surely every stepmother can’t be wicked…? In I’m Not Your Mother, writer and performer Helen Rice reflects on the experience of reaching middle age and being technically childless yet, in her roles as a step mum and auntie, living a life that is certainly not childfree. These poems explore the feelings this complex identity has inspired alongside the effort, passion, disappointment and love that go into sustaining a delicate family ecosystem.

“Helen Rice’s poems are important: they’re funny, honest and human.” – Helen Mort

Poet Fiona Hutchings has been given many labels in her life – some welcomed, some reluctantly accepted, others thrust upon her.  In a world of health scares, near-death experiences, hospital stays and parenting, Uncommon Labels is a look at how society tries to make sense of chaos through labels, titles and names, and how these can affect a person’s view of their own existence. This is a deeply personal collection of introspective and witty poetry demonstrating a defiant nature and resilience and showcasing admirable and radical vulnerability.

“For some, this collection will be a hand reaching out; for others, it will offer new eyes to see others. A book of honesty, compassion and connection.” – Robin Ince