There's a shortage of good novels about IVF and infertility, and The Two Week Wait by Sarah Rayner fills a gap in the market. The novel is about egg sharing, deftly weaving together the two separate stories of an egg donor and her recipient, and showing the huge impact they have on one another's lives although they never meet.
Sarah Rayner shows a real understanding of the emotions of infertility and the book will resonate with anyone who has personal experience of fertility problems. I particularly liked the ghastly sister-in-law Sukey, who epitomises those self-righteous people most of us have come across somewhere along the way on our fertility journeys who make a point of telling us that they "don't believe" in IVF - you know the type I'm sure, the people who tell you that you'd get pregnant if only you stopped obesessing about it, that it may all be in your mind, that a bit of chanting or standing on your head would probably sort you out...
The Two Week Wait features a number of characters from Sarah Rayner's last hugely successful novel, One Moment, One Morning - having really enjoyed that book, it was great to revisit their lives. The Two Week Wait is a refreshing read and leaves us with the thought that a happy ending isn't necessarily the ending we thought we were looking for - I finished the book with tears in my eyes.
My only issue with the book was a medical one as in the story it is suggested that ICSI (a form of IVF where the sperm is injected directly into the egg rather than being left to fertilise it naturally) can boost IVF success rates even when the sperm is perfectly normal. The characters pay an extra £800 for this despite having perfectly good sperm and it worries me that readers might be left thinking they should opt for ICSI when they don't need it. In fact, ICSI is a treatment for male infertility that may also be used after unsuccessful treatment where fertilisation has been a problem. Research shows that ICSI does not increase the chances of a live birth after treatment for couples who don't need it. Some clinics do carry out a lot of ICSI where the sperm is normal and it certainly boosts their profits, but if anyone recommends this for you, make sure you know exactly why they are suggesting it before you fork out any money.
Apart from that, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it - it's a great read and you won't be able to put it down!
Thanks for the review Kate! I read your book on IVF as part of my research into writing The Two Week Wait - it was recommended by a friend, so how very pleasing you've now read my novel, and moreover that you liked it. I take that as a huge compliment, as I know you know your onions, so to speak!
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting what you say about ICSI, as I was given to understand from the LWC, who helped with my manuscript, that it is sometimes used for egg sharing clients like Cath and Rich, even when the sperm count is healthy. But as you rightly suggest, it is vital each person make sure they are really sure of all their options and the reasons for choosing or not choosing them beforehand. I'm not a medical professional so would hate to be held to account on that score.
Thanks Sarah - I'm glad you liked the review and found The Complete Guide to IVF helpful.
ReplyDeleteSome clinics do a lot more ICSI than others. NICE says ICSI is only indicated where there are sperm problems or where there has been failed fertilisation in the past. Research doesn't show any increase in the live birth rate when ICSI is used if the sperm is fine.
As you very rightly say, that's why it's so important to be sure any treatment is the right thing for you!