A review by jesscoast
The Push by Ashley Audrain

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

4.5

Chilling and harrowing. This novel examines nature vs nurture and intergenerational trauma passed from woman to woman. The story and prose are incredibly upsetting but intensely memorable and visceral, some passages hurt to read. Every worst fear is confronted. So many things are written that are rarely said or even thought. Shame, resentment, failed reinvention, broken trust are all examined. Yet somehow I couldn't put it down, reading each dark chapter was like a wreck I couldn't look away from. 
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