The Risk of Us

By: Rachel Howard

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

A poignant, dazzling debut novel about a woman who longs to be a mother and the captivating yet troubled child she and her husband take in.

What is the cost of motherhood?

When The Risk of Us opens, we meet a 40-something woman who deeply wants to become a mother. The path that opens up to her and her husband takes them through the foster care system, with the goal of adoption. And when seven-year-old Maresa - with inch-deep dimples and a voice that can beam to the moon - comes into their lives, their hearts fill with love. But her rages and troubles threaten to crack open their marriage.

Over the course of a year, as Maresa approaches the age at which children become nearly impossible to place, the couple must decide if they can be the parents this child needs and finalize the adoption - or give her up.

For fans of Jenny Offill and Rachel Cusk, The Risk of Us deftly explores the inevitable tests children bring to a marriage, the uncertainties of family life, and the ways true empathy obliterates our defenses.

©2019 Rachel Howard (P)2019 Recorded Books

Helpful realistic story

Rachael shares deeply and well what is like to take a risk with fostering and adoption. Praying for this family even now that their way is easier and easier. So thankful for brave story.

Incredible journey

I loved the story the rawness in the journey for this family and this child. You truly got it right as a clinical social worker working with children with complex trauma and families who have struggled I was quite captivated by this story.

Great work!