Reviews

The Whispers by Ashley Audrain

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mikkareads's review against another edition

challenging mysterious reflective tense slow-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

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.