While her husband deals with the needs of Scotland's puffin population, Anna remains isolated at home, struggling with the complex emotions of motherhood. I instantly warmed to Anna who stoically tackles everyday life with her two young sons, putting aside her Oxford Fellowship in order to be a good mum. What could potentially be heavy subject matter is dealt with candidly, with an injection of wry humour raising a smile along the way.
What would I pawn for sleep? Would I, given the choice, have peace for Palestine or twelve hours in bed? Clean water for children of Africa or a week off motherhood? The advent of carbon-neutral industrial processes or a month's unbroken nights? It's a good thing Satan doesn't come and chat to the mothers of sleepless toddlers in the middle of the night.