The Illustrated Mum

A British novel from 1999 that explores themes of family relationships, motherhood, and growing up. The story is told from the perspective of Dolphin, a young girl who, along with her sister Star, lives with their eccentric mother, Marigold. Marigold is known for her love of tattoos, unusual behavior, and emotional instability caused by bipolar disorder. The girls adore their mother but struggle with her unpredictability and the lack of stability in their lives. Star longs for a normal family, while Dolphin remains fiercely loyal to Marigold despite the challenges. This poignant novel about love, responsibility, and childhood fears highlights the fragility of family bonds when adults are unable to manage their own struggles.