In her memoir “Poor Your Soul,” Mira Ptacin shares a poignant and immersive account of her decision to have an abortion after discovering her baby had medical conditions that rendered it unsustainable outside the womb. The narrative delves into the complexities of motherhood, intertwined with her relationship with her own mother, Maria, a Polish immigrant with strong convictions and a tumultuous past.
Ptacin artfully weaves together her personal journey, from her wild teenage years to her marriage and eventual pregnancy, painting a vivid portrait of her life experiences. While the narrative structure can be a bit erratic, with moments of indulgence and repetition, Ptacin’s storytelling remains compelling and captivating.
The most captivating parts of the memoir delve into Ptacin’s childhood, offering humorous and subtle insights into her upbringing. Through anecdotes like her attempted escape at eight years old and her rebellious teenage years, the reader gets a glimpse into the events that shaped her. However, it is the tragic death of her younger brother, Jules, in a car accident that brings a somber and reflective tone to the latter part of the book.
It is through processing the loss of both Jules and her unborn child that Ptacin begins to reconcile with her past and understand her mother’s emotions and complexities. The memoir serves as a tribute to fleeting lives and the enduring love that surrounds them, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on grief, family dynamics, and the intricacies of motherhood.
