Book review: Breaking Point exposes the pressures facing women in all their roles

Society’s judgement on working mothers is demonstrated through the court case Susannah has to face, where her life is put under the microscope

Edel Coffey: ‘Breaking Point’ is the first novel by the arts journalist and radio presenter. Picture: Bríd O’Donovan

This is the first novel by arts journalist, radio presenter, and reporter Edel Coffey. It exposes the pressures women experience when trying to pursue careers as well as motherhood, through its focus on two women, Susannah and Adelaide.

Dr Susannah Rice is a busy mother of two little girls, she’s a successful doctor, professor, author, and a parenting ‘guru’ on television, known as ‘Doctor Sue’. On the hottest day of the year in New York, Susannah’s routine is disrupted when her husband’s car won’t start and she has to drive him to work. As a result, she has to rush to make it to the hospital where she’s a highly respected paediatrician.