A review by goldenelegy
Motherhood by Kanae Minato

dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

at first i was struggling to continue reading this book, but im glad i managed to finish it! this book deals with such important topics that makes you reflect about it as well. in portraying the mother-daughter dynamics, the author provides the point of view of both the mother and the daughter. the mother in this story confuses her role as a daughter and as a mother. she still seeks validation and love from her mother, and she would be jealous of what her own daughter has and she couldn't accept it when her daughter doesn't live up to her expectations. but then her daughter also seeks her love but she cannot show her love as her mother and it breaks my heart. 

there's a whole discussion regarding motherhood that i found interesting, a question whether motherliness is an inherited trait or something that is affected by the environment, and if it is related to the patriarchal culture that force women to have this trait. 

it's also heartbreaking and infuriating to see her in-laws overworks her and blames her for everything. her husband does not even side her.
he even cheats.
such a cruel world for the mother and her daughter. 

it's something that not everyone can read but still worth to read. i haven't read any of minato kanae's books before this, but im interested to read more!



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