Reviews

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

ma529's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

buttercupita's review against another edition

4.0

This is a really engaging and provocative story about pregnancy, parenthood, friendship, and love. The basics of the story could happen in any community, but the African American perspective does play a great part, and each of the main characters was well fleshed out and very sympathetic. As I read it, I saw some interesting points of comparison with Americanah -- strong black women characters who wrestle with family ties and the expectations their identity imposes. Although I did not always like the choices made by the main characters, they felt sincere.

sunny_momster's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

thelegendofshelbi's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

smakinde's review against another edition

4.0

I remember reading this book and I still remember feeling the pain that the FMC did. I hurt when she hurt and especially losing her mom the way she did? Man, that really got to me. I think anyone and every one should read this book.

anniepoferl's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

kim_j_dare's review against another edition

4.0

A compelling story about the insidious nature of secrets. During her senior year of high school, Nadia dates Luke, the wild preacher’s son whose dreams of a football career were shattered with a leg injury. The two share a secret that will twist their relationships with each other, with Nadia’s friend Aubrey, with their parents and community.

A Greek chorus of elder church mothers provides a thread throughout the years that the novel spans.

This was such a great debut. Brit Bennett polishes her craft in The Vanishing Half, and I will definitely get my hands on anything else she writes.

mnm1015's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

allisonmc's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

chavion's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense 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

3.25