A review by jeanpatterson2
The Mothers by Brit Bennett

4.0

This is a beautifully written book by a first time novelist, Britt Bennett, an impressive young (very young!) writer. Bennett skillfully weaves together a story about motherhood on multiple levels, with the church mothers serving as a Greek chorus that shapes and moves the story forward. These mothers are simultaneously supportive and caring as well as judgmental and gossipy. Motherhood is examined and refracted in several dimensions, revolving around a young woman, Nadia, who lost her own mother to suicide and struggles to understand her mother's choice. Nadia finds herself pregnant by Luke, the pastor's son, and makes the decision to have an abortion. The consequences that decision sets into motion affect Nadia and Luke's lives in unexpected ways. Luke's own mother is implicated in Nadia's decision to have an abortion and Luke turns to other women who can mother him. The story is finely drawn and complex with no resolution at the end. She certainly leaves you wanting more.