Ruby, I suspect that you are speaking to a lot more women than you may have realised, writing this.

On the odd occasion that I have referenced the awful behaviour of my mother in my writing, women have come forward to tell me that they can relate. And, as I began to read your piece, I instantly felt a gush of emotion, because, no matter how much we can rise above it, it still hurts.

I also relate to this woman's reluctance to talk about her mother. I have written about mine a few times and it has been cathartic, but I can't easily do so.