Mother, Mother

A Novel

By: Koren Zailckas

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

From Koren Zailckas, author of the iconic memoir Smashed: an electrifying debut novel about a family being torn apart by the woman who claims to love them most.

Josephine Hurst has her family under control. With two beautiful daughters, a brilliantly intelligent son, a tech-guru of a husband and a historical landmark home, her life is picture perfect. She has everything she wants; all she has to do is keep it that way. But living in this matriarch's determinedly cheerful, yet subtly controlling domain hasn't been easy for her family, and when her oldest daughter, Rose, runs off with a mysterious boyfriend, Josephine tightens her grip, gradually turning her flawless home into a darker sort of prison.

Resentful of her sister's newfound freedom, Violet turns to eastern philosophy, hallucinogenic drugs, and extreme fasting, eventually landing herself in the psych ward. Meanwhile, her brother Will shrinks further into a world of self-doubt. Recently diagnosed with Aspergers and epilepsy, he's separated from the other kids around town and is homeschooled to ensure his safety. Their father, Douglas, finds resolve in the bottom of the bottle—an addict craving his own chance to escape. Josephine struggles to maintain the family's impeccable façade, but when a violent incident leads to a visit from child protective services, the truth about the Hursts might finally be revealed.

Written with the style, dark wit and shrewd psychological insight that made Smashed a best seller, Zailckas's first novel is unforgettable. In the spirit of classic suspense novels by Shirley Jackson and Daphne DuMaurier, Mother, Mother is the terrifying story of a mother's love gone too far, and the introduction of a commanding new voice in fiction.

©2013 Koren Zailckas (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A riveting fiction debut…it's the kind of book that keeps you up at night, featuring a mother to rival Medea or Mrs. Bates…The shocking and violent denouement shows Zailckas to be a consummate storyteller." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Zailckas crafts an intriguing mystery surrounding this family that will keep readers on edge as she slowly peels back layer after layer of deception." ( Booklist)

"A hall of mirrors reflecting chaotic maternal psychological mayhem reminiscent of Mommie Dearest or Push or Ordinary People." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Something to think about

This was such an eye opening, relatable and intriguing novel. Loving how the author allowed you to see the difference perspectives of all of the characters made it so much more animated to not only visually see as you read and listened but almost be where they were in the moment of the story.

It was sad and disheartening (the story line that is) because people actually have to live and go through what this family faced. I greatly and enjoyed it and will definitely recommend it.

Wow, I could not stop listening!

What made the experience of listening to Mother, Mother the most enjoyable?

Yes, the Mother was despicable, but in a real life -not over the top --way, and I found her a fascinating character. The book was performed the best of any audio book I have ever heard and I really commend the speaker, she was amazing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Violet was by far my favorite character. She is a 16 yr old girl trying to find her way in and out of the world's most dysfunctional family. As the mother of a 16 yr old myself, I found her character realistic and lovable. I was cheering her on all the way.

Which character – as performed by Rebecca Lowman – was your favorite?

Awesome work by Ms. Lowman! I was kind of amazed at the different ways she portrayed the different characters. She portrayed Josephine (mother) the best and literally gave me chills. Plus, she did not sound weird doing the male voices like some performers do when acting for the opposite sex.

Any additional comments?

If you are interested in psychological profiles --this is the book for you. I loved it.

Decent read, but predictable.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It was too predictable.

What about Rebecca Lowman’s performance did you like?

Performance was good. Definitely helped make the story better.

Was Mother, Mother worth the listening time?

Was worth listening to. Decent book but not a page turner.

Any additional comments?

Good story, but wouldn't listen to it twice.

Haunting and fun -- a great listen!

Any additional comments?

Great writing, great story,and a cast of wonderfully disturbing characters. Narrator was great, too. Best book I've listened to in a while.

captivating

fascinating psychological thriller, the end was not what I imagined, keep me guessing and surprised me

Listened to on the road. Great diversion

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mother, Mother?

The moment when I realized that Rose was dead and that Josephine was the one that had been writing to Victoria all along.

Which character – as performed by Rebecca Lowman – was your favorite?

Victoria

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me frustrated and angry with touches of sadness for the characters

Narration at it's best

Would you listen to Mother, Mother again? Why?

Yes, the narrator's voice is so engaging

What other book might you compare Mother, Mother to and why?

Gone Girl

What about Rebecca Lowman’s performance did you like?

She is my favorite narrator, the majority of my audiobooks are narrated by Rebecca Lowman

If you could take any character from Mother, Mother out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Violet

Hang in There

Would read the author again. Would listen to Lowman again. No reason to read the book a second time. The book and the narrator got off to a slow start. By chapter 8 I was ready for a refund. I kept listening. The book got twisty and I got curious as to what the outcome would be. Happy I listed all the way. Some suspense readers might give this book a five. My problem is a personal one in that the middle of most books satisfy more than the beginnings and endings.

Unnecessary

Great story except the part that describes what Will (a child) does to calm himself. That part was completely unnecessary and doesn’t help the story at all so I don’t understand why the author would put that. Borderline inappropriate to hear that about a child.

This mom is a real mother ...

So this book starts out kinda slow but hang on. It is definately worth the wait. You will find yourself going wait. what??? Not a huge mystery but a really good story of a disfuntuctional family. The charaters told from the point of view of two of the children in the family. It is really a true two sides of the same story. I don't want to give to much of the book away but really, this is not a waste of your credit A bonus is Rebecca Lowman who is always great she is amazing in this book too.