A review by thenovelmaura
The Mothers by Brit Bennett

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

3.0

Beautifully written, but I'm not usually drawn to this type of character-driven story. I'm glad I was able to read it on audio because the passive listening really helped me get through the slower parts. And while I am capable of loving a complex character who makes questionable choices, it was just too much to make basically every character an adulterer and then ask me to keep caring about them.

I enjoyed the writing style, the Greek-chorus of church ladies, and how the community of Upper Room acted as the beating heart of the novel. The complicated nature of motherhood was a binding thematic thread that kept me engaged despite my ambivalence towards these characters. Although this wasn't a standout read for me, it was a deeply reflective one.
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