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A review by owlliecat
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I felt this book on a very personal emotional level. I could feel Frida's desperation for her child.
While the premise of a dystopian school for mothers is likely a distant fantasy, it's a very good analogy for the scrutiny mothers experience everyday. Mothers are expected to be perfect in every way, While less is expected of fathers. This book made me so angry and sad, which is exactly what the author probably wanted us to feel. We should be more forgiving towards mothers as a society, obviously removing children from harmful parents, but also understanding that moms need break and alone time. And not judging for silly things like non organic food and watching tablets.
While the premise of a dystopian school for mothers is likely a distant fantasy, it's a very good analogy for the scrutiny mothers experience everyday. Mothers are expected to be perfect in every way, While less is expected of fathers. This book made me so angry and sad, which is exactly what the author probably wanted us to feel. We should be more forgiving towards mothers as a society, obviously removing children from harmful parents, but also understanding that moms need break and alone time. And not judging for silly things like non organic food and watching tablets.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia