The Push is a book that may or may not be for everyone. You may not be in the right frame of mind or time in your life to read it. Initially, I was not sure I was emotionally ready for this book. Despite my reservations, I continued on.
The Push is more than just an exploration of a mother daughter relationship.
I dived into this book, not knowing much other than the dynamic between a mother and daughter is explored. The Push offers up a suspenseful and a unique storytelling experience that is enjoyable. It is a slow build up so if you are looking for an action-packed experience right out of the gate– this may not be the book for you. However, the character development offered along the way makes up for any slowness of pace.
Sins of the mother cause a burden for the daughter to bear.
Blythe is a young woman that grows up in an anything but happy household with an emotionally scarred mother coming from a disastrous childhood in her own right. There are chapters that go back to when Cecilia (Blythe’s mother) was a young girl which can be difficult to swallow at times. These chapters, while difficult, are necessary to provide some sort of idea and perspective as to why Cecilia is the way she is with Blythe.
Going to the chapel and we’re going to get married.
Blythe’s journey to becoming a married woman and soon to be mother is explored in present day. She is understandably worried about her ability to be successful at both considering the experience that she had as a young child in her family home and what she came to know as “normal.” However, Blythe is determined to be anything but her mother and from the beginning narrates “We all expect to have, and to marry, and to be, good mothers.” Blythe’s husband Fox, meanwhile, has the exact opposite childhood and is raised with a warm, loving family. We see the differences in Fox and Blythe’s upbringing start to cause friction especially when it comes to parenting.
Self-doubts make it hard to be the mother and wife she strives to be.
When Blythe’s child Violet is born, she tries to push aside her doubts and to be the mother she and everyone else believes she should be. Blythe is facing an internal struggle as she attempts to find herself and begin writing again after Violet is born. I get the impression that Blythe is going through some post-partum depression. Sadly, she does not have the support system needed to take on this this critical time of her life. Despite her hardships and struggle, Blythe attempts to be the “perfect” wife; however, deep down she knows that this is merely a façade.
Who really is my daughter and what is she capable of?
Despite Blythe being hyper focused on being the perfect mom, she starts to have intrusive thoughts and begins to think that something might be off with Violet. Violet is described as “cyclonic”, and Blythe becomes increasingly scared of her. As Blythe and Fox start to grow their little family, we see Blythe’s anxiety worsen. Fox brushes off incidents and exchanges that occur causing Blythe to have lingering doubts and to second guess herself as to whether things are as serious with Violet as she believes them to be.
A second chance at motherhood begins.
When Blythe gives birth to her son Sam, she is alive with energy. Her mind is clearer, and she is more confident in herself as a mother than initially with Violet. Despite her happiness and feeling like she is being given a “second chance” with Sam, her continued inability to bond with Violet and concerns about her daughter’s mental wellbeing continue to pervade her mind. Blythe is trying to be better for Violet and learning from her new experience with Sam – but despite her efforts, things worsen and her anxiety heightens.
Is The Push worth the read?
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I appreciate all the dynamics explored in this book and how there are chapters going back to when Blythe was a child as well as Cecilia and Etta (Cecilia’s mother). I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars as it really reeled me in, when in the beginning, I was worried I might not finish it at all. Is there something wrong with Violet or is Blythe’s perspective on Violet and the things happening around her misshapen to some degree by Blythe’s traumatic childhood? Give this book a try. It will not disappoint.
Where to buy: The Push
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