Mommy issues!

Mother, Mother by Koren Zailckas

Broadway Books // July 2014

paperback, 400 pgs

ISBN: 978-0385347259

source: Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review

About the book:

Josephine Hurst has her family under control. With two beautiful daughters, a brilliantly intelligent son, a tech-guru of a husband, and a historical landmark home, her life is picture perfect. But living in this matriarch’s determinedly cheerful, yet subtly controlling domain hasn’t been easy for her family, and when her oldest daughter, Rose, runs off with a mysterious boyfriend, Josephine tightens her grip, gradually turning her flawless home into a darker sort of prison.

Resentful of her sister’s newfound freedom, Violet turns to eastern philosophy, hallucinogenic drugs, and extreme fasting, eventually landing herself in a psych ward. Meanwhile, her brother, Will, recently diagnosed with Asperger's, shrinks further into a world of self-doubt. Their father, Douglas, finds resolve in the bottom of a bottle—an addict craving his own chance to escape. Josephine struggles to maintain the family’s impeccable façade, but when a violent incident leads to a visit from child protective services, the truth about the Hursts might finally be revealed.

My thoughts:
Wow! I am so glad I finally got around to taking this off my tbr pile and reading. Mother, Mother is a twisted tale that will suck you in, chew you up, and spit you back out. The concept of a horrible mother is one that most likely shocks - not so much for me. My line of work involves dealing with the fallout from lots of sociopathic and narcissistic parents. Even still, I was on the edge of my seat and did gasp in horror at Josephine. She's a horrible human being and watching her unfold on the pages from the dual perspectives of her children was intense. This book is phenomenal- the trauma induced within is so real it's scary. I almost feel like I've suffered secondary trauma as a result! (No, I haven't really, but damn does it feel a bit like it. Maybe emotional fatigue is a better descriptor. Look them up, you'll see what I mean.)
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I say it is a highly recommended book and will suggest that fans of psychological thrillers and psychology in general should definitely read this. Oh, and anyone with mommy issues or Psycho fans.

write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow

Book image and synopsis from Amazon.com