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chemistreadingonthejob 's review for:
The Push
by Ashley Audrain
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Visceral, Haunting, and Unforgettable
The Push by Ashley Audrain is a domestic thriller debut about motherhood that leaves a lasting impression. The novel follows the perspective of Blythe, a reluctant new mother from a line of mothers who were either absent or abusive. There are a few chapters in Blythe's mother's point of view that add to the intensity of the story. From the very beginning, you learn that the woman in her family are different. Blythe gives birth to Violet, who makes it known that she hates her mother and wants to be the center of her father's attention. When Blythe gives birth to a son, she finally feels the deep connection between a mother and child. She begins to wonder if she is the problem, or if something is truly wrong with her daughter. The entire time she gets gaslighted by everyone around her. I found this novel to be very thought provoking with themes centered around societal preconceptions of women. For example, when she speaks up about the terrible things her daughter says or does, she immediately gets looks of pity and questions about her sanity. Thus, suggesting that we label women crazy without a second thought. Blythe comes from a line of mothers who didn't want to be mothers in the first place. We see being the perfect wife as synonymous with being a perfect mother, meaning woman can't be good enough for their husbands without also being the mother of their children. Furthermore, the social pressure of being the perfect mother is stifling and relentless. This is what makes this novel unique and riveting. I've never read anything so honest about motherhood. The author's writing is powerful and poetic. The plot, although being fictional, feels like it could be reality. It made me wonder about the mothers of serial killers or school shooters. I always believed murderers are made not born, but can we really only point a finger at the mothers? I'm sure I'll still be thinking about this story for days to come. I recommend this to all readers who enjoy domestic thrillers. However, I feel obligated to point out a trigger warning for child death. This is not a happy story and you will be haunted by it even after putting it down.
The Push by Ashley Audrain is a domestic thriller debut about motherhood that leaves a lasting impression. The novel follows the perspective of Blythe, a reluctant new mother from a line of mothers who were either absent or abusive. There are a few chapters in Blythe's mother's point of view that add to the intensity of the story. From the very beginning, you learn that the woman in her family are different. Blythe gives birth to Violet, who makes it known that she hates her mother and wants to be the center of her father's attention. When Blythe gives birth to a son, she finally feels the deep connection between a mother and child. She begins to wonder if she is the problem, or if something is truly wrong with her daughter. The entire time she gets gaslighted by everyone around her. I found this novel to be very thought provoking with themes centered around societal preconceptions of women. For example, when she speaks up about the terrible things her daughter says or does, she immediately gets looks of pity and questions about her sanity. Thus, suggesting that we label women crazy without a second thought. Blythe comes from a line of mothers who didn't want to be mothers in the first place. We see being the perfect wife as synonymous with being a perfect mother, meaning woman can't be good enough for their husbands without also being the mother of their children. Furthermore, the social pressure of being the perfect mother is stifling and relentless. This is what makes this novel unique and riveting. I've never read anything so honest about motherhood. The author's writing is powerful and poetic. The plot, although being fictional, feels like it could be reality. It made me wonder about the mothers of serial killers or school shooters. I always believed murderers are made not born, but can we really only point a finger at the mothers? I'm sure I'll still be thinking about this story for days to come. I recommend this to all readers who enjoy domestic thrillers. However, I feel obligated to point out a trigger warning for child death. This is not a happy story and you will be haunted by it even after putting it down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death