Reviews

La Madre by Maxim Gorky, Maxim Gorky

terrortwilight's review against another edition

dark hopeful reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Police brutality

bridgeman98's review against another edition

reflective slow-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? No

3.0

yeshi's review against another edition

3.0

This autobiographical story by Maxim Gorky sat on our common bookshelf for as long as I remember and picking it up to break my reading slump felt just about right. A socialist realist story seen and felt through eyes of a mother- a woman who knew no better life than that filled with domestic abuse, illiteracy, hunger, poverty and constant toil. Nilovna, affectionately called 'the mother' by all, overcomes political ignorance as her son becomes a revolutionary leader among factory workers (based on 1905 Russian revolution). Courage, fear, maternal softness and vision for greater good- all intermingle together and we see the mother evolve.
Though the story loses its pace in the middle, the content is heartfelt and definitely emanates the *heat* of people struggling for equality and freedom.

phantom42's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Μια ταλαιπωρημένη μάνα βρίσκει σκοπό στην ζωή της μέσα από την επαναστατική δράση του γιού της. Ένα βιβλίο για το σοσιαλιστικό όνειρο και αγώνα. Το γεγονός ότι είναι από την σκοπιά της ανήξερης αρχικά μάνας πετυχαίνει την αποτελεσματική σύνδεση των ιδεών με αναγνώστες που δεν έχουν ξαναέρθει σε επαφή με τον σοσιαλισμό και τον κομμουνισμό. Έχει δράση και συγκίνηση. Κάνει πολλούς παραλληλισμούς με τον χριστιανισμό. Δείχνει την βάναυση καταστολή κατά των πρωτοπόρων αλλά πάντα με έναν αέρα αισιοδοξίας και ηθικής ανωτερότητας.

lyindis's review against another edition

informative reflective tense medium-paced

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

2.75

yohanab's review against another edition

3.0

This book is recognized as a must-read in Sri Lankan culture, although I don't see the same worldwide recognition in the international book world. So, I tried to give it a go when I was in grade 9. But it didn't fit my taste back then. But I still remember the vague memory of how it felt: the gloomy environment, the pressured citizens, and the afraid households. But I definitely should give it a re-read again.

fbroom's review against another edition

I would’ve given it 5 stars if it were shorter. It was way too long.
The author goes on to explain every single detail in every scene. too much.

irisfilipaafonso's review against another edition

challenging dark informative inspiring tense slow-paced

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

2.5

matin45's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

guillermorales's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0