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A review by erica_reads_things
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Heartwrenching and infuriating. The type of dystopian that doesn't really seem that dystopian compared to the realities under the surface of child protective services and the unrealistic expectations on mothers today. A great look into generational immigrant trauma, motherhood (especially compared to fatherhood), mistakes, and love. The midsection could have been tightened up a bit, but I still appreciated how the details of daily life highlighted just how long this felt to the mothers too.
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Miscarriage, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Suicide, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Body shaming, Physical abuse, and Sexual content