Matky po e-mailu – Šiklová Jiřina (2009)

The population is aging and aging, with strong post-war birth cohorts retiring, while their parents are still alive. It is automatically assumed that their daughters will take care of their parents. The mother-daughter line, with the daughter as the caregiver for aging and elderly parents, is taken for granted in this society. These women often lack the necessary knowledge to care for the elderly and are under significant psychological pressure. Their work is not appreciated by other family members, who believe it is their duty, and they fear complaining lest others judge them as not being good daughters. The book, in the form of letters between two women approximately 60-65 years old, brings closer the traumas that these women are afraid to share with anyone for fear of being judged. Both women have retired, thinking they will now devote themselves to their interests or their daughters with grandchildren, and then they take care of their mothers. At first, they do not want to admit to the difficulties and tensions this causes them. They idealize this care and their relationship with their mothers. Then, in emails, reflections on daily problems, and daily helplessness, they gradually confide in each other a bit. They slowly relax and occasionally complain. Both women admit to...