Reviews

Mother's Milk by Edward St Aubyn

jessplayin's review against another edition

1.0

I had severe trouble getting through this one. The writing has always saved the other novels but this one seemed lackluster and all over the place. Patrick Melrose takes a backseat to his children which works for the plot but not for the reader's pleasure. I severely disliked them and the dynamic they shared with the other characters. This was a struggle to get through.

erickibler4's review against another edition

4.0

This novel, like the preceding ones in the series, concerns a family of very rich people whining about not being fabulously rich, since the matriarch of the family has given away the family home in the south of France to a charitable foundation. Patrick Melrose (a stand-in for the author) is such a man-baby he'd be completely annoying if he wasn't so witty and self-aware. St. Aubyn is certainly honest about his feelings and failings, if this series is as autobiographical as it claims to be.

St. Aubyn also writes perceptively from the viewpoints of his other family members, and has a real flair for catching the inner lives of children.

The novel detours near the end into the subject of assisted suicide, and does so frankly, compassionately, and with humor.

thayawar's review against another edition

3.0

I loved the narrative line flowing from each family member - however, was v unconvinced by the genius narrative of 5yr old son.. I know that is the point but it was very dubious..

santorini's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

3.25

edlord's review against another edition

dark emotional funny reflective sad 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

ufoparts's review against another edition

challenging funny reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.25

I think Mother’s Milk is the strongest of the Patrick Melrose books I’ve read so far. Much like Never Mind, it really feels like it encompasses the thoughts and feelings of an entire family. This time round though there’s more depth to it as each person grapples with the downward spiral of their relationships. Edward St. Aubyn digs deep into the thoughts of each character very well, creating a satisfying portrait of a dysfunctional family.

Patrick is at his most deplorable and horrific here, which is quite a feat considering the chaotic binge he goes on in Bad News. It’s interesting to read the self loathing he experiences in the wake of starting a family. The unresolved psychological issues and trauma from his past seem more rampant than ever, which ultimately sparks up a stint of alcoholism. Mary, his wife, also offers up a fascinating perspective as a woman who feels overwhelmed with responsibility and only finds comfort within her parental duties. We’re also treated to the thoughts of Patrick’s child Robert, which starts the book off. I see from a few reviews that this section is a bit love/hate. It’s wholly unique and not written in a childish dialogue, so I can see why it has put people off.

I’m interested to finally read At Last, the final instalment in this series. It’s been a joy to spent a lifetime with Patrick, warts and all.

iancarpenter's review against another edition

1.0

20 pages was all I did. Great writing. The thinking baby and three year old stuff drove me crazy.

alexandragporter's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

zordrac's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

faintgirl's review against another edition

3.0

Robert is the exceedingly precocious child of a once wealthy British family. After narrating his own birth, we are introduced to the rest of his family, his attachment parenting mother who has forsaken her husband for her children and his father, who feels injured by both his wife and mother and their inability to notice how important he is. As the father gets more and more sozzled, his wit gets more acerbic, and we realise that all their behavior stems from a reaction to their own mothers and the care they received growing up. However nobody is particularly sympathetic and the whole thing is a little strained aside from some snarky but amusing observations.