A review by rchristine11
The Push by Ashley Audrain

dark reflective tense fast-paced

3.25

Interesting read. A lot going on. Although this is a thriller, I think what was most interesting about this book was the consideration given to how our parents’ actions affect who we become. But it was their parents who shaped them. The book gives nonlinear snapshot of Blythe (our narrator) interacting with her daughter Violet, Blythe recalling interactions with her mother Cecelia, and an omniscient narrator showing scenes of Etta interacting with her daughter Cecelia. Actions and habits can build generationally and it can take generations to heal from severe trauma because, although we may heal from some of our childhood trauma, the rest will be passed down to our children. And they, in turn, will heal in part but pass down what remains. The author offers no significant commentary on this - she just presents it and allows the reader to reflect and draw their own conclusions. 

Edit: as time passes, I find myself fixating on one scene that I  particularly disliked and have lowered my rating because of it. 
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