Conville & Walsh

There are many books about parenthood. But when you look closely, you realize that most of them are about motherhood. Fathers get the odd mention for being good at lugging around travelcots, but that’s about it. The few books that do address a male readership are either overly literary or so wide-eyed and celebratory that they read as evangelical tracts. Fine, we all know it’s great to be a dad, but is that all there is to say? Of course not.

FATHERHOOD – THE TRUTH is different. It’s a male-friendly guide to the whole terrifying business, looking beyond the happy cliches into the fiery hell of night feeds and projectile vomiting. It takes you from the moment of conception, through pregnancy and birth, to the unique horror that is the first birthday party. It also reveals the selfish thoughts all fathers are required by law to keep to themselves. Whether fatherhood is imminent or you still think you can get away with it, you’ll find the naked truth in here – subjects as wonderful, entertaining but also challenging as:

• Ante-natal classes: knitted wombs and chocolate biscuits.
• Abortion clinics: why are they all painted in pastels?
• Gas and air: is it as good as everyone says? (Yes.)
• Placenta paté: thank you, but no.

Above all the book aims to reassure. It is the book every father-to-be will buy for himself if his partner doesn’t think of it first; and the book every father who has lived the experience will buy for his friend.