Motherhood is complicated. The hopes and joy are in constant competition with the mental and emotional load. Losing yourself in the life of a fictional mother may be just what you need this year. Below are four novels about complicated mother relationships.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett: The protagonist’s two adult daughters discover their mother’s life before becoming their parents.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: The author explores the very complicated relationship between mothers. It reads like a thriller. Trigger warnings: miscarriage and racism.
A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum: Four women respond very differently to the strict patriarchal culture in this story about a conservative Arab family living in America. Trigger warning: domestic violence
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin: The main character must choose between family loyalty and her own values. Trigger warning: sexual harassment
Look for books at Knox County Online Library or your local independent bookstore each week.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to inspire you to become one, too. For more recommendations or to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook and Instagram. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our Free Newsletter.
