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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
This book constantly had me on the edge of my seat. The plot, although a bit cliche, was captivating. I honestly struggle with rating this book, as I’m not sure if the ending is what I wanted, or whether it’s lacklustre and poor. By the middle of the book, I was convinced that the author was changing the narrative. We were supposed to be reversing our negative thoughts around Violet and coming to terms with Blythe’s failure as a mother. This wasn’t going to be a book about a psychopathic child.
However, it wasn’t until I got to the very last sentence that I realized all this reversal was for nothing. Then what was the point of deeply analyzing, or even including, Cecilia and Etta? But the other part of me is saying that this is the author’s genius: she purposely tricked us. She forced us to look at Violet more objectively, and at Blythe more skeptically (with no one believing her version of events around Sam’s death). Thus, the ending actually was a twist. Us readers came to terms with it not being Violet’s fault, only for it to actually be that way all along. The author taught us to think like Blythe’s ignorant ex-husband Fox, who I think we all came to hate.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s different from my usual thriller reads, and I appreciated the different perspectives around motherhood. It reaffirmed to me that I definitely don’t want to be a mother, and that that choice is perfectly okay.
However, it wasn’t until I got to the very last sentence that I realized all this reversal was for nothing. Then what was the point of deeply analyzing, or even including, Cecilia and Etta? But the other part of me is saying that this is the author’s genius: she purposely tricked us. She forced us to look at Violet more objectively, and at Blythe more skeptically (with no one believing her version of events around Sam’s death). Thus, the ending actually was a twist. Us readers came to terms with it not being Violet’s fault, only for it to actually be that way all along. The author taught us to think like Blythe’s ignorant ex-husband Fox, who I think we all came to hate.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s different from my usual thriller reads, and I appreciated the different perspectives around motherhood. It reaffirmed to me that I definitely don’t want to be a mother, and that that choice is perfectly okay.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
If you are looking for a warm and fuzzy feel good book, this is not it. Complex, layered, and raw, this story is often upsetting to read, yet I was captivated the whole time. I marveled at the simple, yet compelling writing of such a heavy, dark tale. Not everyone will love or appreciate this one, but I thought it was brilliant.
I did not enjoy this!! Like I was not having fun reading it. Extremely unsatisfying ending, cringey middle… idk man I wouldn’t recommend
Ooowee, this was a TOUGH read as a first time mother. All of the “what-if” scenarios flooding my brain as I’d nurse my daughter to sleep. I had a hard time reading this but couldn’t put it down. I was so angry 90% of the time, disgusted and sad but still found the story addictive. Definitely wouldn’t categorize this as a thriller but more of a deep psychological family drama. This one is not for the light hearted. Definitely need to be in the right head space if you’re a mama! The writing was smooth and fast paced and I struggled to put it down. And the ending!! Ugh, I have to say- I love to hate characters sometimes lol if you know you know. 4.5 stars
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I cannot begin to explain how much this book unsettled me, which as someone who loves a dark, gritty thriller, is saying a lot. Ashley Audrain has crafted a perfect psychological thriller, emphasis on the psychological aspect. I instantly set about trying to find other people who had read it so that I could discuss the way it had made me feel.
Reminiscent of 'We Need to Talk About Kevin', The Push explores motherhood in a challenging, honest and unconventional way. Littered with throwbacks to Blythe's own mother and grandmother, it is primarily the story of Blythe Connor's relationship with her own daughter, Violet. Having a family history that certainly involves a noticeable lack of maternal instinct and mothering from one's biological mother, Blythe is quick to analyse her own relationship with her daughter, which is quite frankly nightmarish. The ultimate question is whether Blythe herself is a bad mother or whether Violet is in fact the problem.
I found Audrain's writing to be elegant, provocative and compelling - it is a book to race through, barely coming up for air until you've finished. And my opinion of Blythe and Violet flip-flopped constantly during the book, perfectly highlighting the nuances involved in any mother-daughter relationship but ultimately leaving the reader well and truly shocked. I can't recommend it enough and my only complaint would be that there isn't any further exploration of what happens in the last few pages. Be warned though, it is uncomfortable and difficult to read in places, touching upon the death of a child and emotional abuse, albeit all very well handled. A stunning debut, solidifying Audrain as someone I will be keeping an eye on to see what comes next.
Reminiscent of 'We Need to Talk About Kevin', The Push explores motherhood in a challenging, honest and unconventional way. Littered with throwbacks to Blythe's own mother and grandmother, it is primarily the story of Blythe Connor's relationship with her own daughter, Violet. Having a family history that certainly involves a noticeable lack of maternal instinct and mothering from one's biological mother, Blythe is quick to analyse her own relationship with her daughter, which is quite frankly nightmarish. The ultimate question is whether Blythe herself is a bad mother or whether Violet is in fact the problem.
I found Audrain's writing to be elegant, provocative and compelling - it is a book to race through, barely coming up for air until you've finished. And my opinion of Blythe and Violet flip-flopped constantly during the book, perfectly highlighting the nuances involved in any mother-daughter relationship but ultimately leaving the reader well and truly shocked. I can't recommend it enough and my only complaint would be that there isn't any further exploration of what happens in the last few pages. Be warned though, it is uncomfortable and difficult to read in places, touching upon the death of a child and emotional abuse, albeit all very well handled. A stunning debut, solidifying Audrain as someone I will be keeping an eye on to see what comes next.