What My Mother and I Don't Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence

In the early 2000s, Michele Filgate wrote an essay about being abused by her stepfather, which eventually led to the creation of an anthology that explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. The anthology received widespread attention and was shared on social media by notable writers.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 03 September 2020
\n Publisher: Simon & Schuster
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In the early 2000s, as an undergraduate, Michele Filgate embarked on the writing of an essay that delved into the profound impact of her stepfather's abuse on her relationship with her mother. It took her numerous years to fully comprehend the essence of what she sought to convey: the profound fracture that had formed within her bond with her mother. However, when her essay, titled "What My Mother and I Don't Talk About," was published by Longreads in October 2017, it garnered immense popularity and was widely shared on social media platforms by renowned writers such as Anne Lamott, Rebecca Solnit, Lidia Yuknavitch, and others. These writers, too, had their own personal codes of silence to break.

The overwhelming response to Filgate's essay gave her a newfound inspiration, leading to the creation of the resulting anthology. This collection offers an intimate, therapeutic, and universally resonant exploration of our relationships with our mothers. As Filgate poignantly writes, "Our mothers are our first homes, and that's why we're always striving to return to them."

Contributions to this anthology come from a diverse range of writers, including Cathi Hanauer, Melissa Febos, Alexander Chee, Dylan Landis, Bernice L. McFadden, Julianna Baggott, Lynn Steger Strong, Kiese Laymon, Carmen Maria Machado, André Aciman, Sari Botton, Nayomi Munaweera, Brandon Taylor, and Leslie Jamison. Each essay offers a unique perspective and deep insight into the complex dynamics of mother-child relationships, shedding light on the challenges, complexities, and profound rewards of these vital connections.

Through their words, these writers invite readers to reflect on their own relationships with their mothers, exploring the nuances of love, forgiveness, resilience, and healing. They challenge societal norms and stereotypes, offering a compassionate and empathetic portrayal of mothers as complex individuals with their own set of struggles and triumphs.

The anthology serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to connect people across different backgrounds and experiences. It reminds us of the importance of acknowledging and addressing the trauma that can arise from abuse, and the healing that can be found through open communication and understanding.

In conclusion, "What My Mother and I Don't Talk About" is a powerful and thought-provoking essay that delves into the complex and often taboo subject of mother-child relationships. Through the anthology, Filgate and her contributors offer a compassionate and insightful exploration of these relationships, challenging societal norms and providing a platform for healing and understanding. This anthology is a must-read for anyone who seeks to deepen their understanding of the mother-child bond and explore the complexities of human relationships.

\n Weight: 238g\n
Dimension: 140 x 211 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781982107352\n \n