To Have and to Hold

To Have and to Hold explores the complex dynamics of two married couples whose lives become entangled through surrogacy. When Viv agrees to carry a baby for her infertile sister Ann, she opts for natural conception with her brother-in-law Ken rather than artificial insemination. The story tracks the emotional and physical journey of these four people as they navigate the implications of their arrangement. Their relationships strain under the weight of biological connection, marital bonds, and unexpected feelings that emerge. Set in 1980s Britain, the novel examines themes of fertility, family loyalty, and the blurred lines between love and obligation. The narrative questions traditional notions of parenthood and marriage while exploring the consequences of crossing established boundaries.

Readers found this book to be a straightforward exploration of aging and end-of-life care, with realistic characters facing universal family challenges. Positive reviews highlighted Moggach's ability to balance serious themes with moments of humor. Several readers noted the authenticity of family dynamics and caregiver relationships. "She captures the guilt, resentment and love that comes with caring for elderly parents," wrote one Amazon reviewer. Common criticisms focused on the slow pacing and limited plot development. Some readers felt there were too many secondary characters to track effectively. A few reviews mentioned that the ending felt abrupt and unresolved. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (287 ratings) Amazon UK: 4/5 (62 ratings) Amazon US: 3.5/5 (24 ratings) The book resonated particularly with readers who had personal experience with aging parents or caregiving roles. Multiple reviews mentioned the book prompted discussions about their own family's future care plans.

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🔸 The book began as a television screenplay before being adapted into a novel, reflecting the era's growing trend of cross-media storytelling in British entertainment. 🔸 Set against the backdrop of 1980s Britain when surrogacy was still a highly controversial and largely unregulated practice, making the novel particularly groundbreaking for its time. 🔸 Deborah Moggach is also known for writing "These Foolish Things," which was adapted into the hit film "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" starring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy. 🔸 The novel explores themes that were particularly taboo in the 1980s, addressing issues that wouldn't be legally addressed in the UK until the Surrogacy Arrangements Act of 1985. 🔸 The author drew from her experience writing for television to create a unique narrative structure that mirrors the scene-by-scene approach of TV drama scripts.