Extended title
The Abandoners: On Mothers and Monsters
What kind of mother chooses to abandon her children? This bold essay gathers real-life and literary cases of women who made this choice, with the author adding her own personal story to deepen the reflection. A necessary and thought-provoking analysis of a subject still considered taboo. Perfect for a docuseries or fictional adaptation.
The Abandoners is a collection of essays about mothers who, for various reasons, had to leave their children. Each chapter explores a different theme and features different protagonists connected to this issue, with the author weaving in her own experiences with motherhood.
Until recently, the definition of a “good father” could range from men who played with and saw their kids every day to those who did so just a couple of times a year. However, when it comes to defining a “good mother,” the bar is much higher. What kind of mother abandons her child? Unless she has a compelling reason tied to the child’s well-being, any other justification seems unacceptable. We pity that child and demonize the seemingly heartless mother.
In this book, Begoña Gómez Urzaiz, a renowned Spanish journalist, examines the limits of what society considers acceptable when it comes to mothers. She sheds light on the burden carried by those who leave their children—the guilt they endure and the frustration of living in a world where being a mother often seems incompatible with having an independent life.
The book blends cultural, biographical, and literary analysis, referencing real-life figures such as Ingrid Bergman, Muriel Spark, Doris Lessing, and Maria Montessori, as well as fictional characters like Anna Karenina and the many diverse mother roles played by Meryl Streep. It also ties these narratives to contemporary trends, such as the rise of “momfluencers,” to expose how we judge these women—and, ultimately, all women.
Additionally, the author connects this theme to her personal experience: during the pandemic, while raising young children and struggling to find creative space, she became deeply intrigued by artistic women who dared to defy societal expectations and their own maternal instincts. She also confronted her own biases toward them, leading her to examine a much broader cultural bias about motherhood.
With a sharp, sometimes humorous, and always empathetic style, Gómez Urzaiz challenges preconceived ideas about the role of mothers in society. The Abandoners not only invites readers to reflect on women who walk away but also on the prejudices faced by those who don’t conform to the traditional ideal of motherhood. A bold and provocative work that questions cultural narratives surrounding motherhood and femininity.
RELEVANT INFORMATION: The Abandoners is an in-depth exploration of motherhood, mapping out the concept through real and fictional cases while incorporating the author’s personal story to offer a more current perspective.
This topic is a growing concern, reflected in Spanish works like Salve María, Lullaby, and Mamífera, which challenge the sanitized, idealized view of motherhood and bring a more raw, realistic portrayal to the forefront. With its wide range of stories, The Abandoners has strong potential for a docuseries based on true events.
Begoña Gómez Urzaiz is a Spanish journalist who has written for some of Spain’s most prestigious media outlets, including La Vanguardia, El País, and RTVE, and has contributed to Vanity Fair and Vogue. The Abandoners is her debut book and has already been translated into four languages, including English, receiving widespread critical acclaim.
Reviews & critical response:
“Few things I’ve read recently capture so precisely the feeling of loving your children so much that you can barely breathe, yet sometimes longing to escape.” – The Guardian
“A portrayal of everyday motherhood that moves beyond extreme stereotypes […] to occupy a more nuanced space.” – Vogue Spain
“Stories that challenge us to rethink motherhood from a different perspective, drawing us in with the author’s sharp, compelling, and brilliant prose.” – Association of Women Judges of Spain
AUDIOVISUAL POTENTIAL: TV Series, Miniseries, Feature Film, TV Movie.
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES: Spanish, English, German, Portuguese, Polish.
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