by Helen Thorn

How becoming single turned out to be my happily ever after
A story of one woman’s rollercoaster ride from her cosy “coupley” life to being a divorced single parent.

This book shares the author’s personal story of her relationship breakdown and the journey she went through as she was plunged into single life for the first time in twenty-two years. Helen Thorn is one half of the comedy duo called the “Scummy Mummies”, who provide an honest and amusing take on parenthood and body positivity through their podcast and performances. With the help of some relationship experts, Helen shares her divorce journey from the initial shock of the separation from her husband, through coming to terms with a new world of online dating and deep soul-searching towards the joy of rediscovering her “true glorious self” and the benefit of her rock-solid female friendships.

Helen takes the reader through the events in the order that they happened. She starts by explaining why she loved marriage so much and the reason behind her fear of divorce. After taking us through her marriage split, there is an honest account of the “messy months” of powerful emotions before moving forwards to find new happiness. Specific chapters are dedicated to demystifying some of the issues behind telling the children about divorce, the strength of supportive friendships, sorting money and legal paperwork and dating.

Although I am a widow and not a divorcee, this book gave a refreshingly alternative perspective on life as a single parent and the struggles of trying to be the best mother possible whilst still processing ones own experience of the new and unwelcome world of solo-parenting. The brutally honest and unfiltered tone of the book is set by Bryony Gordon’s quote on the front cover stating that Helen Thorn is the woman she wants in her life “when the s*** hits the fan”. This is a good book for anyone wanting inspiration about the path out of heartbreak to strong single parent.

What I wanted:
I was looking for information on how other singles cope with life after loss, all be it loss through divorce not death. The book delivered clear lessons on strength, resilience and how to love yourself exactly as you are through adventures that included grief, anger, push-up bras and learning about alcoholic limits!

What I loved:
I loved that Helen did not hold back when talking about more the controversial topics of being single, which makes those hidden thoughts feel normal and accepted.

“I never thought I was capable of getting through the things I did in the last twelve months, but I did, and so can you – in your own time, and in your own way.”

Helen Thorn

Instagram: @scummymummies & @itsmehelenthorn
Twitter: @scummymummies & @helen_thorn
Website: www.scummymummies.com