'Motherthing' by Ainslie Hogarth is a darkly humorous exploration of complex family dynamics, mental illness, and intergenerational trauma. The story follows Abby, who moves in with her husband Ralph to care for his mother, Laura, after her suicide. As Ralph spirals into depression following his mother's death, Abby grapples with her own troubled past and the eerie presence of Laura's ghost. The narrative delves into themes of parental rejection, dysfunctional relationships, and the desperate search for love and validation.

The book is narrated from Abby's perspective, providing a nuanced portrayal of her struggles with self-worth, emotional instability, and the desire for familial connection. Through Abby's interactions with various characters, including Mrs. Bondy, her workplace surrogate mother, and Ralph, the author navigates the delicate balance between dark humor and disturbing scenes, creating a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Characters:

The characters are deeply flawed and complex, particularly Abby, whose quest for approval and maternal connections drives much of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is marked by a stream of consciousness that offers a darkly humorous yet provocative exploration of mental illness and familial relationships.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Abby as she navigates her husband Ralph's deep depression after his mother's suicide, delving into themes of intergenerational trauma and the potential haunting by her late mother-in-law.

Setting:

The setting revolves around the family home and a care center, highlighting domestic life and the conflicts that arise within it.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow, picking up towards the end but suffers from repetitive elements that hinder overall momentum.

The night Ralph’s mother flayed her forearms, a woman in a red dress handed him a business card. I know how woman in a red dress sounds because I thought the same thing at first. When I got back to th...

Notes:

The story is narrated by Abby, who moves in with her partner Ralph and his mother Laura, who has just committed suicide.

Ralph spirals into depression after Laura's death and relied heavily on her, creating tension in their relationship.

Abby feels anxious and uncertain about her place in the family, especially since she never had a good relationship with her own mother.

Abby is emotionally stunted, struggles with low self-esteem, and seeks validation through others, particularly her husband.

After Laura's suicide, Abby grapples with guilt and conflicting feelings about her mother-in-law.

The book features dark humor, though not all readers find it effective.

It is a slow read that picks up pace in the final third, revealing deeper themes and character development.

The narrative includes supernatural elements, questioning if the characters are haunted by Laura's spirit or if there's a rational explanation.

Abby's obsession with her nursing patient, Mrs. Bondy, highlights her desire for maternal connection and validation.

The novel explores themes of intergenerational trauma and dysfunctional family dynamics, especially between mothers and daughters.

Reviews indicate that readers find the book both unsettling and impactful, often reflecting on their own family experiences.

The writing style has been compared to early works of Stephen King, particularly for its unhinged, stream-of-consciousness approach.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers and content warnings for Motherthing include themes of suicide, mental illness, and depression, as well as the exploration of complex family relationships and emotional abuse.

From The Publisher:

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

A darkly funny take on mothers and daughters, about a woman who must take drastic measures to save her husband and herself from the vengeful ghost of her mother-in-law

"A quirky, gruesome, utterly original feminist horror experience." - The New York Times Book Review

When Ralph and Abby Lamb move in with Ralph's mother, Laura, Abby hopes it's just what she and her mother-in-law need to finally connect. After a traumatic childhood, Abby is desperate for a mother figure, especially now that she and Ralph are trying to become parents themselves. Abby just has so much love to give-to Ralph, to Laura, and to Mrs. Bondy, her favorite resident at the long-term care home where she works. But Laura isn't interested in bonding with her daughter-in-law. She's venomous and cruel, especially to Abby, and life with her is hellish.

When Laura takes her own life, her ghost haunts Abby and Ralph in very different ways: Ralph is plunged into depression, and Abby is terrorized by a force intent on destroying everything she loves. To make matters worse, Mrs. Bondy's daughter is threatening to move Mrs. Bondy from the home, leaving Abby totally alone. With everything on the line, Abby comes up with a chilling plan that will allow her to keep Mrs. Bondy, rescue Ralph from his tortured mind, and break Laura's hold on the family for good. All it requires is a little ingenuity, a lot of determination, and a unique recipe for chicken à la king…

A VINTAGE BOOKS ORIGINAL

Ratings (23)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (5)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (76):

Read It (23)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (41)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (9)

1 comment(s)

eboods

It Was OK

3 months

Trippy!

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Motherthing

Ainslie Hogarth