Defining Family and Motherhood
By Jennifer Weiner
Washington Square Press, $16.00, 400 pages
India Bishop marries Marcus Croft for his money, but gradually she genuinely falls in love with him. Their dream is to have a child together, but when they are plagued with infertility issues, India consults a fertility clinic. Then Came You, by Jennifer Weiner, tells the story of India’s decision and how it affects the lives of those around her. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the four main female characters – India (Marcus’ young wife), Bettina (Marcus’ privileged daughter from his first marriage), Jules (an egg donor attending Princeton) and Annie (a housewife looking for purpose and decides to be India’s surrogate). While none of these women know each other at the outset of the book, their lives begin to intersect in interesting ways.
Contained with the story are subtexts of class, surrogate rights and the politics of egg donation. To some the ending of the story may seem a bit far-fetched, but it fits with the story, and most readers will be very pleased.
Reviewed by Kathryn Franklin
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