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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Harrowing. I could not put it down. Definitely showed the darker side of motherhood in so many different ways. All the characters were so so flawed in their own ways but I had to figure out what happened.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Miscarriage
3.5/5. I started reading it but ended up listening to the rest of the book. I think with everything that happens in this book it was a lot. The 4 different stories that all linked together at the end was a great plot twist. Not to mention the end of the book is also an interesting twist too.
There are a lot of triggers though that are not listed but should be; I do have the book of the month book though so not sure if it’s in the newer prints or not. Here are some that are in the book: Infertility, adultery, physical and emotional abuse, miscarriages, suicide thoughts.
There are a lot of triggers though that are not listed but should be; I do have the book of the month book though so not sure if it’s in the newer prints or not. Here are some that are in the book: Infertility, adultery, physical and emotional abuse, miscarriages, suicide thoughts.
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think whether or not you like this book may depend on your relationship to motherhood. This story deep dives into the more uncomfortable aspects of motherhood that most are afraid to confront or to talk about. All of the characters are navigating morally gray areas of decisions they are making and one character is just a straight up abusive mess. Overall, I really liked the insight this book had about the social environment and the way motherhood is felt by the characters.
This is the second book I've read by this author, and once again she won me over with her empathetic character portrayal and psychological depth. Her writing style is captivating without sacrificing complexity in favor of suspense: The narrative reverberates for a long time, while the constellation of themes shines in the reader's emotional firmament.
Shhh … What's that whispering about? The rigid expectations of society.
«The Whispers» explores the profound, often unspoken challenges of motherhood and female identity in today's society. It discusses the sacrifices mothers make without anyone thanking them. It addresses the complexities and hardships of marital relationships. And it explores the subtle nuances of female rivalry and friendship.
Shhh … What's that whispering about? The idealized version of motherhood.
Audrain highlights the contradictory demands placed on women: Is a mother staying at home to care for her children? Pfft, she's lazy and a financial burden on her husband. Does she go back to work? Pfft, she's a neglectful mother.
Shhh … What's that whispering about? The internalized misogyny that hinders solidarity.
Internalized societal expectations not only foster insecurity and competition among women but also undermine their self-esteem and identity. The women in «The Whispers» suppress their doubts and worries to maintain the facade of a perfect life. They wilfully ignore the flaws in their relationships, a coping mechanism that gives them a false sense of control.
Shhh … What's that whispering about?
Thriller, drama, social criticism? Yes. While «The Whispers» does not forget about the little boy who fell out of the window, he is ultimately just a symptom of a societal deficiency that mothers usually have to cope with alone.
I recommend this novel to all readers interested in the themes I've mentioned in my review.
Shhh … What's that whispering about? The rigid expectations of society.
«The Whispers» explores the profound, often unspoken challenges of motherhood and female identity in today's society. It discusses the sacrifices mothers make without anyone thanking them. It addresses the complexities and hardships of marital relationships. And it explores the subtle nuances of female rivalry and friendship.
Shhh … What's that whispering about? The idealized version of motherhood.
Audrain highlights the contradictory demands placed on women: Is a mother staying at home to care for her children? Pfft, she's lazy and a financial burden on her husband. Does she go back to work? Pfft, she's a neglectful mother.
Shhh … What's that whispering about? The internalized misogyny that hinders solidarity.
Internalized societal expectations not only foster insecurity and competition among women but also undermine their self-esteem and identity. The women in «The Whispers» suppress their doubts and worries to maintain the facade of a perfect life. They wilfully ignore the flaws in their relationships, a coping mechanism that gives them a false sense of control.
Shhh … What's that whispering about?
Thriller, drama, social criticism? Yes. While «The Whispers» does not forget about the little boy who fell out of the window, he is ultimately just a symptom of a societal deficiency that mothers usually have to cope with alone.
I recommend this novel to all readers interested in the themes I've mentioned in my review.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book hurt. It was almost too much. Mara and her son Marcus truly gutted me. But this is partly why I read. So many of us struggle with different parts of our lives and we don’t talk about it, we don’t share, we just try to pretend we’re trucking along perfectly fine. But even when it’s truly painful to read about someone’s experience, in the end it is less isolating and lonely, for me at least. It will take me a few days to recover from the heaviness of this one, but it’s only so heavy because so much of it resonates within me.
This is a book about motherhood and some of the different experiences women have as mothers. But it's more complicated than that. The book really focuses on the dark side of motherhood and female friendship. The four main characters are Whitney, the mother who "has it all", Rebecca, the one who wants so badly to be a mother, Blair, the underappreciated stay-at-home mom, and Mara, the older, veteran mom.
The main event in the book is a tragic accident that befalls Whitney's son. The book then goes back and forth in time exploring events leading up to the accident. This book was hard for me to read at certain points. I found all of the characters completely unlikeable. I couldn't really understand them at all, although I did identify with many of their feelings on motherhood. I just have never met people that act like them and I've never acted like that myself. The book also dealt a lot with miscarriage and regretting children and that was just so difficult to read. It made me so sad. I don't like to be sad when I'm reading. I also found ending a little too unsettling. I need a sequel.
Overall, it is really well written and it will make you think. But I think if you're too close to the subject it may be a hard read for you. I am excited to see what this author does next as I do like her style and the fact that she doesn't shy away from difficult topics. Thanks @netgalley for the ARC!
The main event in the book is a tragic accident that befalls Whitney's son. The book then goes back and forth in time exploring events leading up to the accident. This book was hard for me to read at certain points. I found all of the characters completely unlikeable. I couldn't really understand them at all, although I did identify with many of their feelings on motherhood. I just have never met people that act like them and I've never acted like that myself. The book also dealt a lot with miscarriage and regretting children and that was just so difficult to read. It made me so sad. I don't like to be sad when I'm reading. I also found ending a little too unsettling. I need a sequel.
Overall, it is really well written and it will make you think. But I think if you're too close to the subject it may be a hard read for you. I am excited to see what this author does next as I do like her style and the fact that she doesn't shy away from difficult topics. Thanks @netgalley for the ARC!
The way Ashley writes up until the very last word, making us want more, is insane.
I've never read an author that can do this. I am so completely happy that I've experienced her books (The Push and this one) auto-buy author from here on out!
Loved this one so much!
Love the jumps between each of the 4 families.
Loved the questions in my head, because I'd get to a point where I would think I knew, but then it wasn't that.
The sadness in some of their worlds makes you think about everyone around you, and how much you have no idea what's happening in their lives.
Excellent read!!
I've never read an author that can do this. I am so completely happy that I've experienced her books (The Push and this one) auto-buy author from here on out!
Loved this one so much!
Love the jumps between each of the 4 families.
Loved the questions in my head, because I'd get to a point where I would think I knew, but then it wasn't that.
The sadness in some of their worlds makes you think about everyone around you, and how much you have no idea what's happening in their lives.
Excellent read!!