The Push : Book review


Book review

 

Title: The Push

Author: Ashley Audrain

Genre: Psychological fiction/Thriller

 

The Push is an intense psychological drama that captures a woman’s experience with motherhood and its implications on a family. 

 

It chronicles the story of Blythe Connor who is eager to be a warm and loving mother to her daughter Violet. As time passes. Blythe discovers something wrong with Violet while her husband Fox thinks it’s all in her head. When her son Sam is born, Blythe finally attains the bliss of motherhood that she always yearned for. Just when things began to look normal, a devastating incident changes their lives and Blythe is forced to confront the truth. Is Blythe really telling the truth about her life? Is something really wrong with Violet? 

 

The Push is complex with several layers to the multigenerational characters. It also explores their traumatic experiences of being isolated and neglected by their own mothers. The author also attempts to explore some of the troubles associated with motherhood such as postpartum depression along with other mental health issues. Written in first person and third person, it alternates between Blythe’s, her mother’s and grandmothers stories. Blythe’s character elicits sympathy from the readers. You cry with her and feel for her in many instances. 

 

This is a book that is definitely dark, chilling and has you hooked to the pages right from the beginning. It may be unsettling, depressing but thought provoking and immersive. Worth a read! 

 

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