The Push

Ashley Audrain's novel, The Push, was not what I was expecting. At all. I'd heard that it was disturbing, but a worthwhile read. I'm not sure why I avoided reading any summaries or blurbs before I picked it up. But there you go.

Blythe comes from a long line of bad mothers. After marrying her college sweetheart and starting a family, things start to unravel. Being a mother doesn't come naturally to Blythe nor does she find mothering easy. While adjusting to her new role, she's overwhelmed and exhausted. Things don't get easier. She wonders if there is something wrong with her daughter, is it in her head, or is there something wrong with Blythe. Her husband and her mother-in-law tell her it's all in her head.

Blythe and her husband, Fox, plod along and decide that they'd like a second child. Blythe's experience with her second, a son, is so completely different from her experience with her older daughter. That further convinces her that the problems with her daughter are her daughter, not herself.

In an instant, life changes for the family. Roles are redefined. New friendships are formed. Personal history is remembered. 

A real page turner. Not for the faint at heart since some of the scenes where motherhood is its worst are a little difficult to read.