Mother, Mother by Koren Zailckas is a psychological thriller that delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the Hurst family. The story is narrated from the perspectives of the two younger children, Violet and Will, revealing a household filled with dark secrets, manipulation, and psychological turmoil. As Violet is hospitalized and Will is left behind with their unpredictable and controlling mother, Josephine, the readers are taken on a suspenseful journey to uncover the truth behind the family's facade.

Zailckas weaves a gripping tale of family dysfunction, exploring themes of narcissism, manipulation, and the impact of upbringing on individuals. Through alternating chapters, the author skillfully portrays the unreliable narrators, Violet and Will, creating a sense of unease and suspense as the readers are kept on edge, trying to decipher the truth behind the Hurst family's disturbing reality.

Characters:

The characters are deeply flawed and complex, with Josephine as a domineering figure and her children grappling with their own issues.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is artistic and descriptive, enhancing the narrative, though it occasionally feels stilted.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a dysfunctional family with a narcissistic mother, exploring mental illness and family secrets through the perspectives of two children.

Setting:

The setting includes the family home and a psychiatric ward, reflecting their isolating and troubled lives.

Pacing:

Pacing fluctuates, starting slow with some drawn-out scenes, leading to a more rapid pace towards the end.

Notes:

The novel features a highly dysfunctional family, the Hursts, centered around their manipulative mother, Josephine.

Josephine is portrayed as a narcissistic and borderline personality disordered character, which can be hard to believe unless you know someone like her.

The story is told from the alternating perspectives of two siblings, Violet and Will, who are both deeply affected by their family's dynamics.

Violet is a volatile and self-destructive character, while Will is portrayed as anxious and dependent, illustrating their struggles with family trauma.

The character of Josephine is described as both a loving mother and a deranged psychopath, creating a complex and chilling figure.

The book contains elements of psychological distress, with Violet being committed to a psychiatric ward due to a crime she cannot recall.

This novel has been compared to works like 'Gone Girl,' but reviewers feel that it does not reach the same heights in terms of suspense or character development.

Many reviewers noted that while the writing is elegant and poetic, the storyline lacks depth and character development, making it feel underwhelming at times.

The author has a background in memoir writing, and some readers felt that 'Mother, Mother' serves as a form of therapy for her, reflecting her own experiences.

The book explores themes of family dysfunction, mental illness, and the impact of a toxic parent on children's lives.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Mother, Mother include themes of child abuse, mental health issues, family trauma, addiction, and potentially triggering psychological elements.

From The Publisher:

From Koren Zailckas, author of the iconic memoir SMASHED: an electrifying debut novel about a family being torn apart by the woman who claims to love them most

Josephine Hurst has her family under control. With two beautiful daughters, a brilliantly intelligent son, a tech-guru of a husband, and a historical landmark home, her life is picture perfect. But living in this matriarch's determinedly cheerful, yet subtly controlling domain hasn't been easy for her family, and when her oldest daughter, Rose, runs off with a mysterious boyfriend, Josephine tightens her grip, gradually turning her flawless home into a darker sort of prison.

Resentful of her sister's newfound freedom, Violet turns to eastern philosophy, hallucinogenic drugs, and extreme fasting, eventually landing herself in a psych ward. Meanwhile, her brother, Will, recently diagnosed with Asperger's, shrinks further into a world of self-doubt. Their father, Douglas, finds resolve in the bottom of a bottle-an addict craving his own chance to escape. Josephine struggles to maintain the family's impeccable façade, but when a violent incident leads to a visit from child protective services, the truth about the Hursts might finally be revealed.

Now with Extra Libris material, including a reader's guide and bonus content

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Mother, Mother

Koren Zailckas