The Mother of my Son
Based off the book by award winning actress Paula Duncan
The book recounts Paula Duncan’s real-life relationship with her then-partner (later husband) John Orcsik and, crucially, with his former partner, Maggie Strike—the mother of his son.
At the heart of the memoir is an extraordinary, emotionally complex bond between two women who might typically be seen as rivals. Instead, Paula forms a compassionate and respectful relationship with Maggie, who is living with severe physical disabilities. The narrative explores how they navigate shared love, motherhood, and connection to the same child.
The story unfolds as:
Paula enters John’s life and must confront the reality of his past relationship and responsibilities.
She develops a deep friendship with Maggie, built on empathy, respect, and mutual care for the child they both love.
The three adults form an unconventional family dynamic, challenging traditional ideas of jealousy, ownership, and partnership.
Themes of acceptance, resilience, and redefining family are central, especially as they support Maggie through her health challenges.
Ultimately, the book is a true story about compassion over competition, showing how love can expand rather than divide, even in highly emotional circumstances.
