A few days ago I finished the Schaefer Public Library Book Club selection for August – “The Perfect Mother” by Aimee Molloy. I will give my usual ramble. Not really a review because on my misstep regarding “We Need to Talk About Kevin”. I spoiled that book for a very irate person and I have gone to extremes to never do that again.
I really wanted to like this book … “The Perfect Mother”. Though my kids are adults, I remember what it felt like to be a new mom. I assumed I would stroll down memory lane which being thrilled by the scenes. Alas, that was not the case. This book tried to do way too much. In the story, we had every cliche out there.
The chapters were titled by dates and most started with the mommy newsletter. Trite and irritating. I won’t name character names because basically they are all interchangeable.
Mysterious main character mommy. She is “friends” with perfect mommy with perfect doting husband but baby not reaching milestones. Another mommy with stereotypical do nothing husband. The mommy with a secret which includes being the cause of a politician’s career ender. We have single parent mommy. Stay-at- home dad who tries to fit in. Mommy who’s child was stillborn. Typical mothers-in-law and moms to moms. We have both a teacher and a doctor who took advantage of young girls. Tragically sad. We have someone talking to themselves in much like the book/movie “Gone Girl”. Nothing original and nothing surprising in what is supposed to be a psychological thriller.
The typical negative feedback from those who know grammar. The stuff I miss since I must read stream of consciousness too. Repeating dialog that is not wrong but unnecessary and other assorted faux pas. Goodreads gives the book 3.54 stars. I gave it 3 stars which was generous. Two stars was probably more fitting.
As always, more to come.
J-Dub's Grin and Bear It 