Reimagining Stepmother

“Patrycja Sosnowska-Buxton provides a beautifully crafted, ground-breaking, analysis of the myths, stereotypes, and very importantly, the lived experience of stepmothers/mothering.” Gayle Letherby, University of Plymouth, University of Greenwich and University of Bath

“Profound, lucid, personal. Illuminates families’ true complexities and challenges us to abandon moralized stereotypes to reimagine stepmothers and their roles.” Yésica Alejandra Del Moral Zamudio, Universidad La Salle Oaxaca

“Written with a feminist imagination, this book makes a difference academically and serves as an invaluable source of interdisciplinary knowledge about stepmotherhood, both as an experience and an institution.” Aneta Ostaszewska, University of Warsaw

“In this compelling investigation, Sosnowska-Buxton shifts the lens on stepmotherhood, replacing fairy tale tropes with a nuanced, deeply human portrait that fosters empathy and understanding. Drawing on in-depth interviews, the author centres lived experience to challenge dominant myths about stepmotherhood, motherhood, and womanhood. This engaging, accessible text makes an invaluable contribution to contemporary discussions on family and gender.” Stephanie Starling, Catalytik Group

Patrycja Sosnowska-Buxton is Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Stavanger.