Infinite Optimism
Motherhood has been described as ‘an act of infinite optimism’. This expression describes Aneta, the mother figure in my novel Leaving Fatherland, very well. Her relationship with and effect upon her son, my protagonist Oskar, is one of the key threads running through the story. It is a relationship that gives Oskar focus and emotional nourishment, allowing him to follow his instincts through the obstacles his life throws up. Despite her own dashed dreams, she keeps Oskar’s alive.
There are undoubtedly thousands of stories, spanning every epoch of time and from every corner of planet earth about marvellous mothers and their role in inspiring and motivating their sons and daughters. Heading back to 12th century Mongolia we have the formidable Hoelun, mother of Genghis Khan, the founder and first Emperor of the Mongol Empire. Hoelun survived kidnap, being widowed and outcast, before becoming mother and advisor to one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. She could also yell at Genghis and get away with it!
Fast forward to mid-19th century Ohio, Nancy Edison gave birth to Thomas, her seventh and youngest child. As you may remember Thomas went on to light up the world, with inventions including the motion picture camera, phonograph and electric light bulb. But his genius was not immediately evident to his teachers, one of whom described him as "addled" (i.e. mentally ill or incompetent). This insult infuriated Nancy who took young Thomas, often ill with ear infections, out of school and educated him at home. Edison, likely dyslexic in a time before that learning difficulty was understood, later said of her: “My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me; and I felt I had something to live for, someone I must not disappoint.”
There are some memorable mothers in the world of fiction too. Who could forget strong-willed Molly Weasley, Harry Potter’s surrogate mum, whose fierce temper fails to hide her gentle, caring soul? What about resolute Mrs Margaret ‘Marmee’ March from Little Women, brilliantly played by Susan Sarandon in the 1994 film. Unlike so many mothers of her time she focused on ensuring her daughters developed their characters and skills rather than looking for the first suitable husband.
In Leaving Fatherland, www.mattgraydon.com Oskar’s mother, Aneta quietly instils the importance of reading and education in her son, and ensures he always has books to read. She play’s a critical role in protecting Oskar from his father’s designs for him, encouraging him along the path she believes he’s destined to take. When Oskar arrives safely at NYC in 1938, to complete his studies and begin a new life there, it is his mother he thanks. Later in the story as the truth about his mother is revealed to him, we see Oskar honouring her memory from his deathbed.
Like Thomas Edison, I suffered sometimes limiting ill-health as a child. It kept me off school and often in hospital for weeks on end and sometimes limited my ability to carry out normal childish activities. But I was similarly fortunate to have an encouraging mother. She saw latent potential in me and wherever my interest turned would always state: “there’s nothing stopping you doing that.” Rather than guiding me to a specific focus, she consistently highlighted my achievements and things I’d done well, building my confidence. My mum is now 90 years old, still young at heart and encouraging me along the way.
I’d love to hear from readers on this topic. Who is your favourite mother figure from the world of books and films and why? What qualities does she display? I’d also like to hear about your own mums, living or deceased. How have they helped, encouraged or inspired you? Please leave comments below. If you’d like news on my forthcoming book, please sign up for my newsletter at www.mattgraydon.com