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Independent publisher Mardle Books has acquired Sally Herbert's The Missing Pieces of Mum, an "inspiring" memoir about a daughter’s search for her mother’s hidden past.
Herbert's mother, Phyllis, was born out of wedlock in Dublin in 1937 and grew up in a "brutal" church-run orphanage. She thought by fulfilling her dream to become a nurse in England, her life might change for the better. But her loveless childhood predisposed a loveless marriage and her feelings of being worthless perpetuated a series of poor choices and things spiralled out of control for her and her daughter.
As her mother’s health deteriorated, Herbert began looking for answers to why it seemed inevitable that their lives would go so spectacularly wrong. She asked questions about the true identity of her mother and after a mission that lasted nearly a decade, searching archives and contacting countless organisations and anyone who would listen, Herbert finally uncovered her mother's past.
Publisher Jo Sollis acquired world English language rights directly from the author. She said: "Sally’s love, tenacity and optimism shine through her story. She set out to discover who her mum really is and why she had no one to turn to when she needed them most. I think that will resonate with so many people."
Herbert commented: "After years of searching, I thought the euphoria that I felt from finding my mother's long-lost family, could never be surpassed. Then Mardle Books kindly offered me a publishing deal, and it was like 'the icing on the cake'. I can't even begin to tell you how ecstatic I am! I hope this memoir will encourage others never to give up, when all else fails in life."
The Missing Pieces of Mum will be published on 11th November 2021 in hardback, audio and e-book.