A review by momadvice
The Other Mother by Rachel M. Harper

challenging emotional mysterious reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This emotional generational saga was a contender for this year's book club because it tackled important themes around race, identity, family, and forgiveness. Basically, it had the perfect recipe to bake up the perfect book club discussion.

The Other Mother weaves over thirty years of two families' history together, opening with Jentry's first day of college. This school is notable because it is his mother's alma mater (who raised him alone) and his famous ballet dancer father (who he never knew). 

The mystery for Jentry is why he never knew his dad and uncovering all the people who could have been a part of his life if they had been given a chance.

The secrets, I believe, should be uncovered by the reader, and it brought into play some significant themes that would be so big and beautiful to unbox with a book club. I loved the elements of multigenerational storytelling; how it challenged readers to examine what it means to be family; I loved Jentry's earnest quest to find out who he was. 

What didn't work for me was that the story meandered. The plot needed some tightening by about a hundred pages. Had this been trimmed, it would have easily been a five-star read. 

Please read this for the themes, the challenging viewpoints, and the reminders of what it means to be family. When it moved me, it moved me deeply. So for these themes and emotions, it gave me, it remains on the contender list for next year.