Her Mother's Daughter

Her Mother's Daughter is a novel that follows the lives of a troubled and emotionally abusive mother and her innocent ten-year-old daughter over two decades in London and Ireland. The mother, Josephine, flees her home in Ireland in 1980, hoping never to return, but seventeen years and two children later, she is summoned to her mother's bedside in 1997. The book explores the effects of family secrets and trauma on a family, and how they can be passed down through generations. Readers have praised the novel for its beautiful writing, its emotional impact, and its exploration of important themes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2019
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Her Mother's Daughter is a novel that spans two decades, taking place in London and Ireland. The story revolves around Josephine, a troubled and emotionally abusive mother, and her innocent ten-year-old daughter, Clare. Josephine fled her home in Ireland in 1980, hoping to escape her past and start a new life in London. However, the trauma of her childhood follows her, and she struggles to leave it behind.

Seventeen years later, Josephine receives a call from her sister, informing her that their mother is dying and wants to see her before she passes away. Josephine cannot refuse the summons, and she returns to Ireland to be with her family.

Clare is excited about the summer holidays, as she is going to meet her grandparents in Ireland for the first time. She hopes that this trip will put an end to her mother's dark moods and drinking. However, family secrets cannot stay buried forever, and as the revelations unfold in Ireland, everything starts to unravel.

The novel explores the complex relationship between Josephine and Clare, as well as the impact of Josephine's past on their lives. It also delves into themes of mental health, parenting, and formative experiences.

Readers have praised Her Mother's Daughter for its beautifully written prose, which draws them in and keeps them engrossed until the very end. The novel is described as heartbreaking, but it also leaves a sense of hope. Many readers have expressed their recommendation of the book, stating that it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with deep emotional resonance.

The novel has also received recognition from literary critics. Writing.ie praised it as an impressive debut, stating that it will make readers stop and think about important issues. The book is also said to reflect on a wider exploration of mental health, the role of a mother, parenting, and formative experiences.

Bibliomaniac described the novel as a deft evocation of the damage caused by family secrets and the consequences of emotional abuse. The book is said to be disturbing yet engaging, and readers have found themselves deeply invested in the characters and their struggles.

NeverImitate praised the novel for its ability to engage readers as a reader, stating that it kept them hooked from the first page to the last. The book is also described as a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the power of forgiveness.

In conclusion, Her Mother's Daughter is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that explores the lives of a troubled mother and her innocent daughter. The story is beautifully written, and it leaves readers with a sense of hope and understanding. The novel has received praise from readers and critics alike, and it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with deep emotional resonance.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 202 x 128 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781760630652
Edition number: Main