Kin: Family in the 21st century (Marina Kamenev, NewSouth)

While women’s rights over their bodies continue to be depleted in the United States, Kin: Family in the 21st century presents the history of a related struggle: the right to be a parent. It is a history perhaps even more fraught. Author Marina Kamenev tackles the fight for parenthood with heart and historical precision in this highly researched book, which presents interwoven personal stories and legal debates. It is a resource for those attempting to become parents and an enlightening read for those of us who are not. Kin is a book that asks us to check our idea of the ‘standard’ (read: nuclear) family, and change it. It is a story about the continuing struggle for the rights of parents (including same-sex parents and single parents, among other experiences), donors, surrogates, and children. It is a mammoth effort and remains readable throughout. Kamenev’s writing tackles heartbreak and legal complexity with ease as readers learn about the complex motivations behind surrogacy both in Australia and internationally, the implications of sperm donation for donors, and the changing legal landscape surrounding freezing eggs, among many other relevant topics. As Kamenev relates, even the Russian invasion of Ukraine has had a significant effect on the surrogacy industry. Readers who enjoyed Gina Rushton’s The Most Important Job in the World are likely to appreciate Kin.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Becca Whitehead is a features and content writer based in Naarm-Melbourne. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews