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A review by sarahrob
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-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
4.25
It took me a few sittings to get into Mothers, but once I did I was caught. The narration style was a bit frustrating in the opening chapters, I found it difficult to follow timeline and characters, however, grew to appreciate this voice as the book progressed.
This book is a thoughtful reflection on motherhood and mothering. Readers ache for the women in this story; Aubrey and her longing to become a mother and for Nadia and her decision to not. We see each character “mother” in her own way, from Mo protecting Aubrey, to Nadia eventually caring for her father. I found this to be a beautiful representation of mother as a verb and not simply a noun. That mothers hold families and communities alike together by both protecting them, and loving them.
The relationship these two women form is as tragic and it is beautiful. I loved the friendship while knowing that it would be torn apart.
We are hurt along with Aubrey when Luke and Nadia betray her, but also completely understand their need to explore the way they are interconnected.
As an agnostic, I sometimes found I had a hard time understanding the weight of some characters actions, but tried to understand them within the community of the Upper Room and their deep faith. But, in the same vein I really enjoyed reading a book that demonstrated a church community. As this is not a space I occupy, I found it enjoyable to peek inside and see the way they support each other, but also the insidious nature of secrets and gossip, and how The Mothers bring down the one thing they love most, Upper Room, because of this.
Overall I found this story to be thoughtful and engaging. It has me contemplating motherhood, relationships and race all at the same time.
This book is a thoughtful reflection on motherhood and mothering. Readers ache for the women in this story; Aubrey and her longing to become a mother and for Nadia and her decision to not. We see each character “mother” in her own way, from Mo protecting Aubrey, to Nadia eventually caring for her father. I found this to be a beautiful representation of mother as a verb and not simply a noun. That mothers hold families and communities alike together by both protecting them, and loving them.
The relationship these two women form is as tragic and it is beautiful. I loved the friendship while knowing that it would be torn apart.
We are hurt along with Aubrey when Luke and Nadia betray her, but also completely understand their need to explore the way they are interconnected.
As an agnostic, I sometimes found I had a hard time understanding the weight of some characters actions, but tried to understand them within the community of the Upper Room and their deep faith. But, in the same vein I really enjoyed reading a book that demonstrated a church community. As this is not a space I occupy, I found it enjoyable to peek inside and see the way they support each other, but also the insidious nature of secrets and gossip, and how The Mothers bring down the one thing they love most, Upper Room, because of this.
Overall I found this story to be thoughtful and engaging. It has me contemplating motherhood, relationships and race all at the same time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Rape, and Abortion