Book Review: The Push by Ashley Audrain

The Push

by Ashley Audrain

Synopsis:

A tense, page-turning psychological drama about the making and breaking of a family–and a woman whose experience of motherhood is nothing at all what she hoped for–and everything she feared.

Blythe Connor is determined that she will be the warm, comforting mother to her new baby Violet that she herself never had.

But in the thick of motherhood’s exhausting early days, Blythe becomes convinced that something is wrong with her daughter–she doesn’t behave like most children do.

Or is it all in Blythe’s head? Her husband, Fox, says she’s imagining things. The more Fox dismisses her fears, the more Blythe begins to question her own sanity, and the more we begin to question what Blythe is telling us about her life as well.

Then their son Sam is born–and with him, Blythe has the blissful connection she’d always imagined with her child. Even Violet seems to love her little brother. But when life as they know it is changed in an instant, the devastating fall-out forces Blythe to face the truth.

The Push is a tour de force you will read in a sitting, an utterly immersive novel that will challenge everything you think you know about motherhood, about what we owe our children, and what it feels like when women are not believed.

Review:

"The Push" by Ashley Audrain is a haunting and gripping psychological thriller that explores the complex and often challenging nature of motherhood. The novel delves deep into the psyche of Blythe, a young mother who struggles to connect with her daughter, Violet. Blythe's own troubled childhood and strained relationship with her own mother make it difficult for her to form a strong bond with Violet, and she begins to question her ability to be a good parent.

As the story unfolds, Blythe becomes increasingly convinced that there is something wrong with her daughter. Her fears consume her, and she becomes obsessed with the idea that Violet is a difficult and even dangerous child. As her world begins to unravel, Blythe struggles to maintain her sanity and grapples with the dark secrets that lie at the heart of her family.

One of the strengths of "The Push" is its exploration of the darker side of motherhood. The novel raises important questions about the expectations placed on women to be perfect mothers, and the toll that this can take on their mental health. The pressure on women to prioritise their children over their own desires and needs is a common theme throughout the book, and Audrain's writing is powerful and evocative in its portrayal of the complex emotions and struggles that many mothers face.

Audrain's skillful writing and expertly crafted narrative make "The Push" a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. The twists and turns of the plot will keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the exploration of the darker aspects of motherhood will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the complexities of parenting.

Overall, "The Push" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. With its powerful and emotive writing, this is a book that is sure to be popular with fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who is looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

That’s all for now ~

- Jay xx

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