Mother, Mother, by Koren Zailckas

Sometimes, what looks like a picture perfect family is really a portrait of dysfunction.  Violet is your typical rebellious teenager.  As the middle child, she is stuck between an older sister who fled to freedom, and a younger brother who is diagnosed with autism.  And controlling the whole family situation is Mother.  What lengths will Mother go to, in order to keep the family in order?

This book is, in a word, explosive.  For anyone who has encountered a controlling, and mentally ill person, this book rings very true.  Particularly if you have encountered someone with borderline personality disorder.  I thought the mother, Josephine, was an incredibly character, the kind you love to hate.  And my heart just ached for Violet.  Yes, she is troubled, and yes, she does some things that are wrong, but the hurt and manipulation that she endures in unbelievable.

I thought the storyline was well developed.  There were several plot twists that I did not anticipate.  The author writes with a very honest style, one that speaks from places of deep pain and healing.  That is what lends so much depth to this book; you are certain there are parts of the author imbedded in the story.  Fans of psychological thrillers, suspense, and drama will all find something to love in this book.

I received a review copy courtesy of TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.  See the rest of the tour here.

  

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