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ptstewart's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so hard. The Push is a thriller, yes, but it’s about so much more, and it’s beautifully crafted. (A note here: it is not a thriller in the way that one may generally consider a thriller. There is not gigantic payoff, nor any major twist. Rather we watch a woman’s identity and life unravel over her judgment—which we are unsure is accurate—of her daughter’s nature).
Firstly, the choice to address the reader in second person is extremely bold, and it runs the risk of being handled poorly. However, Audrain’s decision here is extremely impressive, and creates greater depth for the overarching conflict of the novel. The psychological validity of the main character is also expertly crafted: do we trust her judgment? Her memories? She certainly doubts herself sometimes, and her partner barely believes her at all.
The Push, however, is so much more meaningful than many psychological thrillers. Underneath the darkest layers are genuine and relatable experiences that mothers (and women who are not mothers) go through: what happens when we experience postpartum depression? What does that mean for our qualifications as mothers? Are we alone in the difficulties that extend beyond sleep deprivation or colic toward disconnection from our child? Included, further, is not the tale of an abusive husband, but a neglectful one who chooses the child over his partner, causing them all to deal with the fallout. Neglect, mistrust, and poor participation are unfathomably harmful.
The Push is phenomenal, and it reminded me of all the fears I have about motherhood in the most horrific and impressive ways. I had to sit in silence for several minutes after I finished because the experience of Blythe—even in a less traumatic situation—is one with which so many women identify and grapple. I feel too effected to adequately respond or review further, but I do believe as a work of fiction, this piece ought to be celebrated.
*On an unrelated note, I only understood the title after I finished it, which speaks either to my confusion or how wrapped up I was in the story that I could not sus out the finer details.*
Firstly, the choice to address the reader in second person is extremely bold, and it runs the risk of being handled poorly. However, Audrain’s decision here is extremely impressive, and creates greater depth for the overarching conflict of the novel. The psychological validity of the main character is also expertly crafted: do we trust her judgment? Her memories? She certainly doubts herself sometimes, and her partner barely believes her at all.
The Push, however, is so much more meaningful than many psychological thrillers. Underneath the darkest layers are genuine and relatable experiences that mothers (and women who are not mothers) go through: what happens when we experience postpartum depression? What does that mean for our qualifications as mothers? Are we alone in the difficulties that extend beyond sleep deprivation or colic toward disconnection from our child? Included, further, is not the tale of an abusive husband, but a neglectful one who chooses the child over his partner, causing them all to deal with the fallout. Neglect, mistrust, and poor participation are unfathomably harmful.
The Push is phenomenal, and it reminded me of all the fears I have about motherhood in the most horrific and impressive ways. I had to sit in silence for several minutes after I finished because the experience of Blythe—even in a less traumatic situation—is one with which so many women identify and grapple. I feel too effected to adequately respond or review further, but I do believe as a work of fiction, this piece ought to be celebrated.
*On an unrelated note, I only understood the title after I finished it, which speaks either to my confusion or how wrapped up I was in the story that I could not sus out the finer details.*
rjludlow's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
mrshillier's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.5
jasonlesher's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kimisteinhorst's review against another edition
3.0
Great writing but this was another creepy kid-centric book that I don’t do well with, overall. I stuck with it because I was intrigued for the ending, but it’s just unsettling to read this stuff. I go to bed with the heebie jeebies! 3.5 stars
angelan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
jessrosenthal's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
4.75 stars
I loved reading this book and I whizzed through it, which is something I often struggle with when reading other books. I loved Audrain’s writing style despite the short and choppy sentences. The ending slightly let down the book for me.
I loved reading this book and I whizzed through it, which is something I often struggle with when reading other books. I loved Audrain’s writing style despite the short and choppy sentences. The ending slightly let down the book for me.
papitotaquito's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
Ashley Audrain has a WAY with WORDS Everything she writes is written so beautifully and compellingly. I also loved the timelines in this book and the narration style.
The themes in this book are explored so THOROUGHLY. I will be thinking about this one for a while for sure. Its the type of book that makes you want to reread after finding out everything that happens.
fralenuvole's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5