The traditional paradigm of mothering has, in the 21st century, become blurred and revitalised with new social constructs of what family is – a shift I find inspiring and fascinating.
When still unmarried at 47, celebrated international rugby referee and former world record-holder for most Test caps, Jonathan Kaplan, traded in his rugby boots for baby booties on the road to unpacking the process of surrogacy and his longing to have a baby.
Winging It, written with author Joanne Jowell, takes the reader on a voyage of how Kaplan, referred to as JK in the book, exchanges rucks for reflux. Jowell’s thoughtful writing style pieces together the complexities of the two-year fertility process, the birth of JK’s son, Kaleb, and accounts of how JK transferred skills learnt on the rugby field into fatherhood.
The first-hand accounts from the surrogate mother herself will leave you teary-eyed, while Jowell’s encounters with JK will at times have you giggling.
Like any new parent, JK stumbles through parenthood learning as he goes and from the very first chapter, “Of Bulldogs, bonsais and babies” you will be spellbound. At times the book seems disjointed with small excerpts representing diary entries from different characters in his journey.
However, the snippets eventually come together to bring forth a poignant and modern understanding of family. The photographs in the book will pique your interest and warm your heart.
Kaleb and JK look like the most content father and son in the universe and you will be equally content after paging through this wonderful book. – Sarah Cohen