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danaslitlist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The School for Good Mothers is a book with a much deeper meaning and set of themes than it presents itself as. Like I said above it focuses on intersectional feminism and race; how mothers of color are specifically put at a disadvantage within any system we place them. They will always be help to a higher standard and even upon beating that standard it isn't enough. Meanwhile white women will always be the exception to the rule, especially if they have a money or connections. The hierarchy of womanhood will always value white, wealthy women over women of color and poor women (and God forbid you happen to be both).
This is also a book that has a direct commentary on how Western conservative values have embedded themselves into every aspect of our society. The dog whistles and blatant rejection of any ideals that do not align with what is considered a typical conservative Christian ideal is rejected and punished. And I think the book demonstrates that beautifully within in the text and plot.
The look into the consequences Frida's moment of desperation and exhaustion that haunt her long after the incident had my heart aching for her as well as wanting to shake her. She is a perfectly flawed character and even in her moments of unlikability you feel sympathetic to her.
Graphic: Child abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Abandonment
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
eve_reads's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
⁕ The sci-fi, dystopian bits don't really develop until about 25% into the book. It will feel like a contemporary piece at first, but give it time and things get wild.
⁕ Chan peels back all the layers of motherhood and explores how it is impacted by not only one's identities (including sexual orientation, culture, race, etc.), but also systemic sexism and white supremacy.
⁕ Moments that I thought were emotionally important to the story were completely skipped over and explained after the fact, such as Frida's final court ruling. It was frustrating to miss out on those key plot points that had been built up to throughout the story.
⁕ There are SO many characters of different ages and genders in this book. Catherine Ho's narration distinguishes each of them without detracting from the overall story
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
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Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
jet's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Excrement, Grief, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Pedophilia and Racism