A review by birdbrainbooks
The Push by Ashley Audrain

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

 Such a dark book! That ending!!🔥😱 I’ve been extremely excited to read this since it’s release last month and it did NOT disappoint. First of all, Audrain’s writing alone is fantastic. I would also emphasize that I’ve seen this categorized as a thriller some places—this is not a thriller, it’s a psychological drama. There’s so much to unpack, starting with the many meanings of “the push” itself throughout the book—from women feeling pushed to be mothers, to literal pushing in childbirth, to Mom Life pushing strollers, to particular incidents. The character studies of protagonist Blythe, her daughter Violet, husband Fox to whom the book is addressed—it’s just so well done. This would be a great book club book. The interludes flashing back to Blythe growing up with own mother, Cecilia; as well as the flashbacks to Cecilia’s childhood with her mother Etta, added interesting context but I don’t know how much they actually added to the story. All in all, I will be thinking of this one for a while to come. Major trigger warnings.
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