In Marian Keyes' book "Under the Duvet," the author shares a personal anecdote highlighting the raw honesty of her friend Kathy. Kathy compares the experience of giving birth to a scene from a cowboy film where a person is tied between two wild horses pulling in opposite directions. This vivid imagery conveys the intense and tumultuous nature of childbirth, suggesting it can feel like being stretched and pulled in conflicting directions.

The quote emphasizes the importance of having someone in your life who can provide genuine insights, especially about challenging experiences like motherhood. Kathy's ability to articulate the struggle of childbirth candidly reflects the often unspoken realities of parenting, illustrating the complexities that many women face during this transformative period.