Scan barcode
A review by selendrea
The Push by Ashley Audrain
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Violet cried only when she was with me; it felt like a betrayal.
We were supposed to want each other."
The Push will be a novel that sticks with me for a long time. As someone petrified at the thought of being a mother myself, the visceral way this book approaches that very fear was enthralling to me. Experiencing how Blythe painfully second-guesses her own perception alongside her was both incredibly sad yet so engaging. The themes of nature vs. nurture, generational trauma, the decay of a family, the lies we're sold about motherhood, and giving up identity to pursue the service of others were all so expertly woven into the plot. While I didn't agree with everything Blythe did, I actually appreciated that she was a flawed protagonist. I saw a bit of myself and my own mother in this novel, for better or worse.
The Push is certainly more of a slow-burn drama than an action-packed thriller/horror. I think its strengths come from its ability to fully flesh out a complicated character, as well as evoke emotion in the reader. If that sounds up your alley, I can't recommend it enough!
We were supposed to want each other."
The Push will be a novel that sticks with me for a long time. As someone petrified at the thought of being a mother myself, the visceral way this book approaches that very fear was enthralling to me. Experiencing how Blythe painfully second-guesses her own perception alongside her was both incredibly sad yet so engaging. The themes of nature vs. nurture, generational trauma, the decay of a family, the lies we're sold about motherhood, and giving up identity to pursue the service of others were all so expertly woven into the plot. While I didn't agree with everything Blythe did, I actually appreciated that she was a flawed protagonist. I saw a bit of myself and my own mother in this novel, for better or worse.
The Push is certainly more of a slow-burn drama than an action-packed thriller/horror. I think its strengths come from its ability to fully flesh out a complicated character, as well as evoke emotion in the reader. If that sounds up your alley, I can't recommend it enough!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and Gaslighting