A review by roses_are_read
Strike Your Heart by Amélie Nothomb

3.5

Striking directly into the heart of the theme - a speedy snapshot of mama trauma and its psychological effects with betrayal bonuses and the ever-present patriarchy. 

The sensitive and precocious protagonist is born to a narcissistic, jealous, immature, and insecure mother who neglects her need for love and attention. Recognizing that her needs will not be addressed, the protagonist stops seeking fulfillment and is, ultimately, criticized for being "cold". Her younger siblings experience vastly different relationships with the mother. The protagonist replaces her emotional needs with academic and career pursuits. Unhealed wounds are exposed when she enters into a friendship with a female professor/mentor. 

"What would be the point of reproaching someone who was incapable of self-analysis..." 

Nothomb pierces sharply and quickly into characters, themes, and progression. She surprisingly and successfully covers significant territory in such a short length. Based on this, I am giving her a pass on the abrupt, dramatic, and predictable ending. 

"At university and at the hospital she had often observed people's incredible ability to forget: they forgot what didn't suit them, or rather, they forgot when it suited them to forget--in other words, very often."