“The Push” by Ashely Audrain delves into profound themes of grief, motherhood, and the complexities of raising a daughter. Written in the first person, the narrative unfolds from Blythe’s perspective as a mother and a child to her own mother in flashbacks. Additionally, the novel incorporates snippets of historical context regarding Blythe’s mother’s mother’s relationship. Overall, it presents a story spanning generations, exploring the challenges and grief of motherhood.

While the novel centres around motherhood, it is not a lighthearted tale. Instead, it delves into darkness, encompassing grief, hatred, and even death. I must admit, I was left questioning the nature of what I had just read, yet I found myself compelled to continue turning the pages, seeking answers to the underlying darkness. Ultimately, I craved a more satisfying resolution to the challenging mother-daughter relationship, but Audrain leaves us with the possibility of further exploration, even if that may be self-exploration. 

This psychological thriller may not be suitable for everyone. I would advise against reading it if you have experienced the loss of a child, as it plays a significant role in the book and is not handled in a healthy manner by the main character.

Despite being Audrain’s debut novel, I commend her for crafting this gripping psychological thriller that kept me engaged and eager to discover its secrets.