A review by maevebm
The Push by Ashley Audrain

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

4.0

I could not put this book down. The Push was complicated, upsetting, honest, and human. The dynamic between Blythe and Violet was intense, often leaving the reader guessing what was true and what was bias. Interweaving the grandmother and mother’s stories helped see the roots of Blythe’s fears and give way to understanding how trauma seeps through generations. More than anything, I applaud this story for showcasing a woman who wasn’t enamored by motherhood without casting her as a villain. Not everyone likes everyone, which includes parents not liking their kids and vice versa, but obviously, there is a duty for parents to parent their children. What Audrain was able to do was show someone fulfilling that duty despite the loneliness and fears that accompanied her.
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