From the age of 23, Faulkner Fox was captured by a fantasy that was her version of the American dream: a house by the sea; a devoted, egalitarian, and epicurean husband; an engaging and creative work life; and a beautiful child to complete the picture. A decade later, she actually possessed several of her fantasy elements--but found herself surprisingly depressed, lonely, and guilt-ridden.

In this provocative, brutally honest, and often hilarious memoir of motherhood, Faulkner explores the causes of her unhappiness, as well as the societal and cultural forces that American mothers have to contend with.

From the time of her first pregnancy, Faulkner found herself--and her body--scrutinized by doctors, friends, books, strangers, and, perhaps most of all, herself. In addition to the significant social pressures of raising the perfect child and being the perfect mom, Faulkner also found herself increasingly incensed by the unequal distribution of household labor, and infuriated by the gender inequity in both her home and others'. And though she loves her children and her husband passionately, is thankful for her bountiful middle-class life, and is wracked with guilt for being unhappy, she just can't seem to experience the sense of satisfaction that she thought would come with the package. She's finally got it all--the husband, the house, the kids, an interesting part-time job, even a few hours a week to write--so why does she feel so conflicted?

In Dispatches From a Not-So-Perfect Life, Faulkner sheds light on and provides a context for the fear, confusion, and isolation experienced by many new mothers. She maps the terrain of contemporary domesticity, marriage, and motherhood in a voice that is candid, irreverent, and deeply personal. She also chronicles the unparalleled joy she and other mothers take in their children.