The Unfinished Child - Softcover

Theresa Shea

Softcover

ISBN 10: 192736602X ISBN 13: 9781927366028

Publisher: Brindle & Glass Publishing, 2013

Synopsis

When Marie MacPherson, a mother of two, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant at thirty-nine, she feels guilty. Her best friend, Elizabeth, has never been able to conceive, despite years of fertility treatments. Marie's dilemma is further complicated when she becomes convinced something is wrong with her baby. She then enters the world of genetic testing and is entirely unprepared for the decision that lies ahead.

Intertwined throughout the novel is the story of Margaret, who gave birth to a daughter with Down syndrome in 1947, when such infants were defined as ""unfinished"" children. As the novel shifts back and forth through the decades, the lives of the three women converge, and the story speeds to an unexpected conclusion.

With skill and poise, debut novelist Theresa Shea dramatically explores society's changing views of Down syndrome over the past sixty years. The story offers an unflinching and compassionate history of the treatment of people with Down syndrome and their struggle for basic human rights. Ultimately, The Unfinished Child is an unforgettable and inspiring tale about the mysterious and complex bonds of family, friendship, and motherhood.

About this title

About the Author:

Theresa Shea has published poetry, fiction, essays, reviews, and articles in a number of Canadian magazines and journals. Born in Maryland and raised throughout the United States, she moved to Canada in 1977 and currently lives with her husband and three children in Edmonton, Alberta.

Review:

Theresa Shea tells an important story of womanhood, motherhood, and friendship. I read The Unfinished Child in a weekend and was sad to say goodbye to the characters after I put the book down; they left a deep imprint on my soul. I love it when a book affects me that way. --Gail Williamson, Founder/Director of Down Syndrome in Arts & Media

-- (12/24/2012)

In The Unfinished Child, Theresa Shea trains her compassionate eye on the heartbreaking pressures and counter-pressures felt by the woman who has conceived a child with Down Syndrome. The novel is the debut of a gifted and sensitive writer, and one who has important things to say. --Merna Summers

-- (12/24/2012)

An insightfully sensitive presentation of the difficult, impossible, heart breaking and sometimes rewarding challenges of what most soon-to-be parents never allow themselves to consider. --Behind the Hedge, blog

-- (04/24/2013)

Quill & Quire includes The Unfinished Child on their Spring preview for 2013.

-- (06/03/2013)

"The Unfinished Child is a heartwrenching and heartbreaking read that also asks so many difficult questions. It makes an absolutely perfect discussion piece for any book club." --Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity

-- (05/09/2014)

"Theresa Shea has hit a home run with her debut novel." --Chronicles . . .

-- (05/15/2014)

"The Unfinished Child is a powerful, sensitively-told tale." --Read Lately

-- (06/02/2014)

The Unfinished Child is a heart wrenching and honest story. Shea's exploration of the lives of those affected by Down syndrome is unexpected, well-researched, and hopeful. --Canadian Down Syndrome Society

-- (12/24/2012)

The Unfinished Child is a compelling, unflinching portrayal of the complexities of motherhood and family. --Jacqueline Baker

-- (12/24/2012)

Gripping. Heart-wrenching. Thought-provoking. Riveting. Haunting. Unputdownable . . . A must read for not only parents in the Down syndrome community, but for all parents, and for anyone who appreciates masterful story-telling. --Turn the Page, blog

-- (04/24/2013)

About this edition

• Publisher: Brindle & Glass Publishing
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 192736602X
• ISBN 13: 9781927366028
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312