The Mothers by Brit Bennett
Goodreads Summary: “A dazzling debut novel from an exciting new voice, The Mothers is a surprising story about young love, a big secret in a small community—and the things that ultimately haunt us most. Set within a contemporary black community in Southern California, Brit Bennett’s mesmerizing first novel is an emotionally perceptive story about community, love, and ambition. It begins with a secret.
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Similar to Everything I Never Told You, this book explores the ramifications of keeping secrets and not asking for help. However, in this case I found myself very annoyed with the characters of this novel. In a church setting, Bennett explores how the gossipy nature of a close knit society can force individuals to keep secrets that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Although race is touched on in this novel, it is not the main topic. Rather race is seamlessly integrated with the topic of abortion. Bennett aptly explores all viewpoints on abortion – the religious side, the practical side of can a mother take care of her child, family support, money. A woman can be “unpregnant” – a particularly poignant term in this novel.
I did find some of the characterization lacking. I felt that we need more of the history behind the youth of the characters – although repeatedly touched-on, I feel as if there was more to be explored.
Bennett also employs the use of a chorus in this novel, but because it was not clearly delineated, e.g. italicized, it was a confusing switch. The chorus had the potential to add so much more to this novel – to be a perfect portrayal of the church’s role in this matter. But instead the chorus could have been removed altogether and we would be left with a better story. And perhaps a more climactic ending?
3 Stars from Me.
Beth's Book Blurbs 