A review by dr_dr_olshakes
The Push by Ashley Audrain

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

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

3.5

I've waited a bit to review this because I wanted to see if I would like it more with some time between me and the book. It has such high reviews, but it didn't land for me. I was just engaged enough the whole time to finish it. I think I was hoping for more horror than, idk, thriller? I did like the generational trauma line, and appreciated the context of each of the mothers POVs. I also liked the ending and got to experience the full impact of the cliffhanger. 

That said, the book meandered, and the passage of time was inconsistent, and her marriage with Fox felt textbook "sahm and ungrateful husband." A lot of people have said that this book was filled with twists, and maybe it was, but those also felt predictable and frankly rote for this kind of story. 

I have a fascination with horror novels about motherhood, so this did scratch that itch, even though it's not really horror.