Simon Kettlewell

Eternity Leave Simon Kettlewell

ETERNITY LEAVE:

A MUST READ FOR ANY PARENT...

FOUR CHILDREN. ONE MAN. HOW HARD CAN IT BE?...

Dear Chloe, Emma, Ruby, and Ollie,

'I am applying for the position you haven't advertised, has no specific job description and no hope of fiscal reward. I am applying because I have this misguided belief that it will look like it does on the cover photo of 'The Complete Guide to Childcare' where everyone appears relaxed and bright-eyed, not knackered, irascible or covered in snot.

Armed with a pristine copy of 'The Complete Guide to Childcare', ambitions to be the next literary giant and live off the grid, what could possibly go wrong?

'Five minutes after Brigit's maternity leave ended I realised the magnitude of my error. I was now the sole carer for two six-month old children who thought the hands smearing yoghurt over their faces belonged to somebody else, and a two-year old who walked for five steps and decided it wasn't for her.'

I crashed into a world of mainly strong, resourceful, resilient women, a mountain of nappies to rival Kilimanjaro and a widening gap where my self-esteem used to reside.'

I am a man. I soon discovered this was not an excuse...'

What the reviews are saying ...

'Refreshing and uplifting. Every parent should read this book.'

'Written with blistering honesty. It will make you laugh, cry, and most of all, appreciate the precious time spent with children.'

'A beautifully crafted story, filled with humour and moments of real poignancy.'

'An inspiring story of highs and lows. The portrayal of the challenges facing a modern family are insightful, enlightening and at times completely comedic- I loved it!'