Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - The Mothers

Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

105 reviews

jaja_1212's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The characters felt realistically flawed in their own ways and I enjoyed the writing metaphorical and intimate writing style, which kept me going even although the narrative voice took a while for me to get used to.

After getting such a deep, intimate look into the lives and minds of these characters the ending felt a little too abrupt, I can see why the author might want to end it at that point in their lives though.

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alvinalol's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really loved brit bennet's other book and decided to give this one a try as well. It was enjoyable and features flawed protagonists, but I did find myself confused about the theme of the story.

What I gathered was that the actions of the mothers of the three main characters continued to creep into their kids lives and personalities, but I found that to be dreary because I didn't feel like there was any character growth by the end, like the message was that they are who their mothers were and there is nothing that can be done about that? Maybe I just misunderstood the meaning of the book though...

Always a fan of the author's writing and tone. I'm interested in reading future books of hers as well.

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jessereadsthings's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Really interesting story! My only complaint is I’m not sure how I feel about the ending.

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sparklefarm's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I don't know how to review this book. I've been sitting with it two days after I finished. I read Bennett's The Vanishing Half first, and found it arresting and unputdownable, which was not necessarily the case for The Mothers, although I truly enjoyed it. I think when reading books I tend to want them to have "a point," or a true conclusion. The Mothers didn't; it had the literary equivalent of a song fading out. No less effective, but it left me wanting. I wanted to know the details about whether our characters were okay, did they heal, did they find what they were looking for? But I suppose that's also the hallmark of a good book. I've kept thinking about Aubrey and Nadia and Luke, because Bennett made them feel real. She's so good.

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yajairat's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Brit Bennett's novels read like a movie to me, they would be great for the screen! This book had me hooked from beginning to end. I really liked seeing the effects that different types of mothering (or lack of) had on the characters throughout the book. It's a little easier to understand why Nadia and Aubrey are the way they are. With that being said, they (along with Luke) were pretty frustrating characters, I found myself scowling a lot at my kindle when they made decisions that I found... stupid? But I understand that it's in the name of showing us their complex personalities. I kind of felt sad for the characters, for their relationships and where we left them. I wish we had a little more closure, a look into what they were feeling, if they found peace within themselves.

I appreciated the way the author approached the topic of abortion, with all of its nuances, what ifs, and effects on both parents. Also really liked its commentary on motherhood and the Black church (shoutout to the mothers).

Loved loved loved Brit Bennett's writing, using terms like unpregnant and unloved in the context of this story were very powerful, and a reason why I was so engrossed.

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aseel_reads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was such a good read, I really liked the exact amount of plot we were given, we got a good slice of life. Somehow managed to include loads of heavy topics without being too triggering.

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