The Push by Ashley Audrain: Book Review

If I had to use one word to describe my feelings for this book, that word would be outstanding. The Push by Ashley Audrain is a memorable thriller which examines the world of parenting like no book I have ever read has.  I absolutely loved it.

Plot Summary

The book is told in the second-person narrative of Blythe Connor and her husband Fox. Blythe has grown up in a dysfunctional home parented by a mother suffering from mental health problems and a father in denial of the household’s issues. She is determined to create a warm, maternal environment for her family, but has problems with bonding to her first-born Violet. In fact, she fears there is something wrong with this child that no one else can see. Fox and others tell Blythe that this is all in her head.

When Blythe’s second child Sam is born, she experiences the bliss of motherhood that she had always desired. The maternal bond between the two is strong, and Blythe falls absolutely in love with Sam – a much different feeling than she ever has had with Violet. She continues to see evidence of the sociopathic tendencies that Violet has shown. When tragedy occurs, it sets Blythe not only on a journey of self exploration, but also on a mission to make herself heard before it is too late.

Book Review

To say The Push was an engaging read is an understatement. The fact that the book was written in the second person makes it unique in itself. The story has elements of women’s fiction, particularly in first half of the book which discusses the challenges of early motherhood. There is also an important conversation about perinatal depression which I valued. The second half of the book is all thriller, taking the reader on an emotional ride. The character development is superb and the conclusion of the book was satisfying. The messaging about parent-child bonds and ways of parenting being passed from generation to generation was important and relevant.

Audiobook Review

I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Marin Ireland whose performance was magnificent. She brings the expression, tone and cadence to the story that made it thoroughly believable and enjoyable. I highly recommend this format to those of you who enjoy audiobooks.

What I Liked About The Push:

• The character development

• It was highly engaging

• It was interesting to read a book told from the second-person narrative

• It has elements of both Women’s Fiction and Thrillers (two of my favourite genres)

I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers that enjoy family-based thrillers.

Content Warnings: Child abuse, perinatal depression, child death.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

Add The Push by Ashley Audrain to your Goodreads Shelf

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

Don’t Look for Me by Wendy Walker

The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle

Sisters by Michelle Frances

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