"Jojo Moyes claims that many women she's familiar with exhibit a mix of impoliteness, silliness, and kindness, while simultaneously managing numerous responsibilities - suggesting they are, in essence, propping up the world."
"Slap-Stick, Heartfelt, and Illuminating" - That's Jojo Moyes' Game!
Jojo Moyes' latest literary masterpiece, We All Live Here, is a blockbuster that's earning rave reviews. Fellow author Marian Keyes labels it as "the best book" Moyes has ever written, high praise indeed for this prolific author. With 17 novels to her name and counting, this is quite a statement!
What makes this novel truly impactful is its spotlight on an issue that's underexplored, yet highly relevant to millions today - the sandwich generation. Many people struggle with the juggling act of caring for both their kids and aging parents, and Moyes nails the complexities of this life-stage brilliantly.
On Woman's Hour, Jojo revealed her passion for shining a light on these unsung heroes. She spoke about her close friends "holding up the sky" - women who balance elder care with child rearing, careers, and more. These women often bear an "emotional and physical burden" that's not given the attention it deserves, she believes.
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Just like so many of Jojo Moyes' fantastic books, We All Live Here is a bestseller for a very good reason. The novel revolves around the Kennedy family and the upheavals that ensue after estranged father Gene makes a comeback into their lives. A rollercoaster of emotions, it's a story that's funny, moving, and enlightening all at once.
"Many of the women I know are 'holding up the sky' - they are caring for elderly relatives, children, young kids, and friends while juggling their careers," Jojo declared on Woman's Hour. She believes there's a specific kind of burden that comes from managing all these commitments, and it's not talked about nearly enough - especially not with humor.
Jojo certainly isn't the first novelist to explore the lives of the sandwich generation, but she decided to take a different approach with We All Live Here. She wanted to break away from stereotypes and present a more truthful, varied narrative. "Women in this age group aren't always depicted as 'victim-y' or miserable," Jojo stated on Woman's Hour. "There's a lot of fun involved too!"
Women of all ages can relate to the complexities of life, from being rude and silly to being supporting and loving. Jojo Moyes' portrayal of Lila in We All Live Here perfectly encapsulates this, reflecting the myriad emotions and experiences typical of women in the sandwich generation.
Juggling the diverse needs of multiple generations, be it emotionally, financially, or physically, isn't a new challenge, but it's one that deserves more attention than it currently receives.
In the March In Conversation With feature, Jojo spoke more candidly about Lila as a reflection of herself and every woman in the sandwich generation. "Lila, my main character, is younger than me, yet she's me and every woman," Jojo explained. "We All Live Here is about those women, as I think they're incredible."
References:
- AlJazeera.com. The Sandwich Generation Targets Millennials Caring for Aging Parents. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
- AARP.org. Deep Impact: Living With Adult Children. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
- Psychologytoday.com. The Sandwich Generation's Skinny Sandwich. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
We All Live Here delves into the lives of the sandwich generation, a topic often overlooked but relevant to many individuals today. Jojo Moyes, the novel's author, emphasizes the emotional and physical burden faced by women in this life-stage, often ignored and neglected. The novel, set around the Kennedy family, offers a humorous yet moving account of balancing family health, women's health, and parenting, thereby highlighting the importance of family-health and lifestyle.
The novel isn't just a bestseller, but a reflection of Moyes' personal passion for women's issues, as revealed on Woman's Hour. Her portrayal of Lila in We All Live Here resonates with women across generations, demonstrating the highs and lows of being a part of the sandwich generation—a mix of beauty, wellness, and health-and-wellness. The book serves as a reminder that women in this group are not merely victims or unhappy individuals, but multifaceted and vibrant, as evident in their fashion-and-beauty, careers, and family commitments.
Juggling these commitments and the diverse needs of multiple generations can negatively impact an individual's health if not addressed properly. We All Live Here stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of women in uncharted territory, encouraging conversations that can help improve life for those in the sandwich generation.