A review by lizmart88
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

challenging dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I can't say that I totally love this book because it infuriated me! It was so incredibly thought-provoking and frustrating and wise at the same time. Content warning if you're a parent or have experience with the child protective service system, read with caution as this may be very triggering. 

The review of this book seem to be mixed, but I think it was brilliant. The characters were well developed and the plot moved along quickly. My main critique is the portrayal of the social workers felt a little out of proportion to the reality of social workers, who usually have good intentions even if they end up jaded and overworked, all too often. 

The book reminded me of Chain Gang All Stars in that it protrayed a world that is absolutely ours and also isn't. It's both a fortune telling book that we all hope doesn't come true, and a loose metaphor for what is already happening to a lesser degree. 

The ending was a little bit ambiguous but also felt like the culmination of the entire book's events, especially the mantra about mothers at the school, that has seeped into her bones and her understanding of herself as a bad mother. 
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