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Books matching: mother daughter relationship struggles

29 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 29 
  1. "Mothers Who Can't Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters" by Susan Forward is a practical guide that delves into the complex mother-daughter relationship, focusing on the impact of toxic maternal behavior on daughters' lives. Through personal stories and categorized descriptions of different types of problematic mothers, the author provides powerful tools and exercises for healing from emotional scars and setting boundaries. The writing style is described as clear, respectful, and empathetic, offering a deeper understanding of maternal relationships and attachment traumas.

    We may think we live in very psychologically aware times, but we haven’t yet managed to shake off our mythical version of motherhood—the myth that says a mother by definition is capable of love, prote...

  2. #2

    Mothered: A Novel by Zoje Stage
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    Mothered: A Novel by Zoje Stage is a chilling and haunting exploration of the darkest family secrets, delving into the fine line between insanity and rational thinking. The story follows Grace, a hairdresser struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic, who reluctantly allows her estranged mother, Jackie, to move in with her. As Grace's nightmares about her past and deceased twin sister intensify, she begins to question reality and spirals into madness. The book intricately weaves together current events with past traumas, blurring the lines between dreams and reality, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns.

    The narrative unfolds with a tense mother-daughter relationship, claustrophobic atmosphere of lockdown, and psychological elements that add to the creep factor. Zoje Stage skillfully creates a story that challenges perceptions, featuring unreliable characters and exploring themes of family dynamics, mental health, and the impact of past trauma on present actions. Through vivid descriptions and a compelling writing style, the author keeps readers engaged as the story builds towards a deadly outcome.


  3. #3

    Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
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    'Of Women and Salt' by Gabriela Garcia is a multi-generational story that weaves together the lives of Cuban women facing abuse, deportation, addiction, and political upheaval. The narrative jumps between characters and time periods, presenting the struggles of each woman as they navigate through different challenges. The book is described as a collection of interconnected stories that slowly reveal the lives of these women, showcasing their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The writing style in 'Of Women and Salt' is praised for its beauty and emotional depth, allowing readers to feel the atmosphere of each situation vividly. The author, Gabriela Garcia, skillfully intertwines the experiences of Latinas from various backgrounds, including Cuban refugees, privileged Americans of Cuban descent, and illegal immigrants from El Salvador. Through these diverse perspectives, the book explores themes of family, heritage, and survival in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.

    At six thirty, when all the cigar rollers sat at their desks before their piles of leaves and the foreman rang the bell, María Isabel bent her head, traced a sign of the cross over her shoulders, and ...

  4. #4

    The Long Song by Andrea Levy
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    The Long Song by Andrea Levy is a gripping novel that delves into the harrowing realities of slavery in Jamaica, particularly focusing on the period around the Baptist War of Jamaica in 1831-1832. The narrative is centered around the life of July, a former slave who recounts her experiences from being born into servitude on a sugar cane plantation to witnessing the abolition of slavery and navigating life post-freedom. The book expertly weaves together themes of abuse, cruelty, hope, and resilience, offering a poignant and cinematic portrayal of the inhumanity and barbarism of the era.

    Kitty, July’s mama, gave birth to her in her dwelling hut. For eight long hours Kitty did pace about that hut—first five steps in one direction, then a further five in the other. All the while with he...

  5. #5

    After by Amy Efaw
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    After by Amy Efaw is a compelling novel that delves into the tragic story of Devon Davenport, a talented fifteen-year-old soccer player and straight-A student who finds herself in denial about her unexpected pregnancy. The book follows Devon's journey as she gives birth and makes a fateful decision to dispose of the baby in a dumpster, leading to her arrest and trial for attempted murder. Through a mix of present and past narratives, the author, Amy Efaw, explores Devon's complex emotions, her strained relationship with her neglectful mother, and the psychological factors that contribute to such heartbreaking actions. The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of teen pregnancy, denial, and the consequences of one impulsive decision.

    The TV’s on, some lame morning show. The reception’s lousy, and the sound’s off. But Devon isn’t really watching, anyway. More like staring blankly at the screen, the figures passing before her eyes i...

  6. #6

    L'amore molesto by Elena Ferrante
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    'L'amore molesto' by Elena Ferrante follows the story of Delia, a daughter who returns to her hometown after her mother's mysterious death. Delia discovers her mother's secret life and embarks on a journey through Naples to uncover the truth about her mother's past. The narrative is described as emotionally claustrophobic and entwines Delia's memories with her mother's last hours, creating a dark and twisty exploration of family relationships and identity struggles. The writing style is noted for its brutal honesty about human nature, with a sparse yet compelling prose that evokes a strong sense of place in Naples.


  7. #7

    The Second Bell by Gabriela Houston
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    The Second Bell by Gabriela Houston is a stunning debut novel based on Slavic folklore, following the story of Salka, a striga born with two hearts. The narrative delves into themes of fear, power, and societal prejudices as Salka navigates her identity and struggles against the constraints imposed by her community. The book is set in a village with complex, conflicted characters and a richly rendered atmosphere that immerses the reader in a world where the characters must confront their inner demons and the external threats they face.


  8. #8

    Aquarium by David Vann
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    Aquarium by David Vann follows twelve-year-old Caitlin, who spends her afternoons at the aquarium due to her mother's demanding job. When she befriends an elderly man, their relationship opens up dark truths about her family, leading to a brutal exploration of how adult sins impact children. The book beautifully captures Caitlin's innocence amidst a harsh reality, highlighting themes of love, family dynamics, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma.


  9. #9

    Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth
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    'Motherthing' by Ainslie Hogarth is a darkly humorous exploration of complex family dynamics, mental illness, and intergenerational trauma. The story follows Abby, who moves in with her husband Ralph to care for his mother, Laura, after her suicide. As Ralph spirals into depression following his mother's death, Abby grapples with her own troubled past and the eerie presence of Laura's ghost. The narrative delves into themes of parental rejection, dysfunctional relationships, and the desperate search for love and validation.

    The book is narrated from Abby's perspective, providing a nuanced portrayal of her struggles with self-worth, emotional instability, and the desire for familial connection. Through Abby's interactions with various characters, including Mrs. Bondy, her workplace surrogate mother, and Ralph, the author navigates the delicate balance between dark humor and disturbing scenes, creating a captivating and thought-provoking read.

    The night Ralph’s mother flayed her forearms, a woman in a red dress handed him a business card. I know how woman in a red dress sounds because I thought the same thing at first. When I got back to th...

  10. #10

    Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout
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    Amy and Isabelle is a poignant and evocative novel that delves into the complex relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter. The story unfolds in a small New England town, where the characters navigate through lives filled with quiet agonies, disappointments, and miscommunications. Through vivid prose and atmospheric setting, Elizabeth Strout captures universal moments of human experience, portraying the struggles and yearnings of the characters as they grapple with their imperfect lives. The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of mother-daughter dynamics, coming-of-age struggles, and the impact of past traumas on present relationships, drawing readers into a world of emotional depth and introspection.

    Strout's writing style is characterized by its eloquence, humor, and sensuality, offering a nuanced portrayal of the characters' inner worlds and interpersonal dynamics. The author's ability to craft complex and relatable characters, from the rebellious teenager Amy to the conflicted single mother Isabelle, showcases her talent for creating authentic and multifaceted portrayals. As the story unfolds slowly, like a flower opening petal by petal, readers are immersed in a narrative that explores the intricacies of human relationships, the resilience of women in the face of adversity, and the power of forgiveness and redemption.

    IT WAS TERRIBLY hot that summer Mr. Robertson left town, and for a long while the river seemed dead. Just a dead brown snake of a thing lying flat through the center of town, dirty yellow foam collect...

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