"True healing involves an
emotional connection
to our stories"
Dreaming of a Life Unlived: Intimate Stories and Portraits of Women Without Children
By Yvonne John
Dreaming of a Life Unlived was born from love, truth, and the desire to make visible the stories of women living without children. Through intimate interviews and portraits, the book explores what it means to grieve, heal, and redefine identity when motherhood does not become part of your story.
Published in 2016, this work became a foundation for my advocacy and public speaking — opening conversations about the loss of motherhood, belonging, and the courage to own our narratives. It continues to inspire women to find their voice, honour their experiences, and write their new endings.
Reviews
Dreaming Of a Life Unlived
“First let me start by saying WOW!! Your book… honestly I’m speechless l have been an emotional wreck, that takes such courage. To you & all the ladies thank-you for sharing your story.”
“I finished the book, reading it brought many emotions sadness, fight, inspiration. It gave a real insight which I never imagined, you see women who do not have children and you really don’t realised the heartbreak that it causes. Also I have to admire your bravery to tell your story warts and all. Well done girl not easy some things are bigger than us so I am sure the book will help others…”
“I have started reading your book and it is so brilliant, if very sad in parts (obviously!). But i find the fact that there is now a book out there like this, to help other childless women battling away on their own still, so incredibly inspiring. I for one didn’t dare ever imagine that there would be other women dealing with this scenario in exactly the same way as me..”
“This book is vitally important for everyone: for women / families grieving unborn lives / women with mixed feelings about becoming mothers / anyone wishing to understand and empathise with a childless woman or family / anyone who has a tendency to pry & make comments about why a woman is childless – and my recommendation if that is your habit, is to increase in compassion!!!”
“I loved the intimate stories in your book, so glad you wrote it as its helping me locate where I am and give meaning to my experience…”
“The strength and wonderful feelings of positive hope for the future oozes out of every page. So can i just say a massive THANK YOU to you for making that happen.”
“Yvonne John is an inspiring speaker and activist. A passionate advocate for childless communities, she brings warmth, nuance, and intelligent reflection. I’ve learnt so much from working with Yvonne; her insights have deepened my understanding of the connections between race, gender, women’s health and pronatalism. And when she speaks, she speaks from the heart, sharing her story so others can share theirs“
Collaborations
Living the Life Unexpected: How to find hope
Motherhood Missed
No One Talks About This Stuff
Big Fat Negative
