Jane Hudson, a Cape Town-based psychologist with more than twenty-five years of experience, has released her debut novel, “In the Name of Mother”, to South African readers.
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“Kali Kahn is a complex protagonist dealing with bipolar disorder and extreme pressures. I’ve worked closely with almost two thousand clients during the past twenty-six years, and this has shaped my understanding of human nature and psychological problems.”
“Mood disorder is all too common, but I have had the privilege of walking this difficult road with many clients. They have taught me, first hand, about the challenges of living with bipolar disorder,” said Jane Hudson.
Hudson, a Cape Town-based psychologist with more than twenty-five years of experience, has brought her debut novel, “In the Name of Mother”, to readers across South Africa.
Published by UK-based Olympia Publishers in late 2025, the novel explores identity, family and the lasting effects of the past.
The story spans four continents but remains anchored in Cape Town, with the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood featured on the cover.
The narrative follows Kahn and other central characters, including psychologist Nick Duran, whose story examines the tension between professional duty and personal involvement.
Hudson explained: “A close connection between therapist and client is essential in successful therapy. I’m aware of situations where connections became inappropriately close and problems arose. Ethical boundaries are taken very seriously by the profession, and the consequences of transgressing these boundaries can be dire.”
By interweaving the experiences of three generations of women, Hudson explores trauma, faith, identity and family dynamics.
“This was partly informed by the many stories that I’ve listened to about family trauma, strained relationships and issues around faith. This is real life conveyed through fiction,” she said.
Through Kahn, Hudson examines both the positive and negative aspects of human nature.
Jane Hudson’s debut novel, "In the Name of Mother", is a psychological drama that explores identity, family and the lasting impact of past experiences.
Image: Supplied
“Kali’s chosen name represents the paradox of life and death. She sometimes demonstrates an ugly and even violent disposition, but her motherly love and nurturing side are ever present. By interweaving the lives of three generations of mothers, the story highlights the power of maternal instinct.”
Hudson’s own life experience informs much of the story’s depth. Born in England, she has spent most of her life in South Africa. She now lives on a small marina on Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard with the boy she met as a teenager when sailing was their shared passion.
Together, they raised two children, now adults. Hudson discovered her love of writing later in life, after pursuing earlier careers in teaching and business. She said, “My life experiences, professional work and personal journey all converge in this book, giving it authenticity and depth.”
“In the Name of Mother” combines psychological insight with a suspenseful narrative centred on a homicide that drives both medical and legal tension.
Hudson added, “Through Kali and the women around her, I wanted to explore the good and the bad aspects of personality, the impact of family and the resilience that people can show even in the most difficult circumstances.”