anti abortion message dampens the enjoyment

First of all, the prose is lyrical and beautiful, and the narration is solemn and coy. These are interlocking charactef storylines whivh are realistic and at times overbearingly spiritual. it speaks to a subculture that is dying as previous earlier generations leave this plane of existence. That said, the anti-abortion sentiment leaks throughout. Consistently, it is associated with shame, regret, and wondering of what could have been . . . it is referred to as a sin over and over, and the character who chooses reproductive freedom is ostracized from her community and family. Because of this, I am not sure I can recommend this book in good faith because I feel that too much of popular culture ferishizes and celebrates what is a alreqdy a heavy private decision. It is too easy to portray this aspect of abortion and many many many times the author felt it necessary to repeat these sentinents in an unnecessary way. The book is beautiful and ugly simultaneously, but in attempting to portray the nuances, the author relies too much on the negative aspects.

33 people found this helpful

Disappointed

This book is nothing but pro life propaganda. If I had known this I would not have wasted my time and listened to this book. It is a good thing that I read The Vanishing Half first because that book was excellent. This book is a total waste of time. However the narration was very good.

14 people found this helpful

Great story!

Great story about innonence, regrets and life coming full circle. Great addition to my audible collection!

10 people found this helpful

An amazing story that takes you on a ride

I loved this story and this audio book! The author took me on an emotional roller coaster of a girl growing into a woman, the mistakes she makes, the relationships she develops, and the acceptance of the life and choices she has lived.

7 people found this helpful

Like Looking in a Mirror

The book is beautiful in a tragic, train-wreck-you-can’t-look-away-from sort of way. Listening to this book felt like exactly what it feels like to grow up as a Christian-adjacent woman. I’m not a black woman, but I strongly suspect Ojo got that feeling exactly right too. I was saddened by my own life while listening to the character’s lives play out before me. It makes me want to assign this book to men in Feminist Studies classes in college.

7 people found this helpful

anti-choice propaganda

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

it should come it a warning. it is for the anti-choice public only...and one that heavily leans misogynistic at that

Has The Mothers turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

How could the performance have been better?

by not implying the the life of a successful, well traveled female lawyer life would have been better if she stayed behind with her looser drunk boyfriend

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

no, no redeeming qualities. how can one prescribe the idea of dismissing academic and career success that elevates one above their conditions. horrible message for girls. that hard work ans success will not give you happiness... only babies can do that. ouch!!!!

Any additional comments?

I kept listening the book thinking, that the story would turn around, surely... it did not.

23 people found this helpful

Great book

I was able to relate to so much in this book. great voice and writing.

6 people found this helpful

Preachy Cautionary Tale about Abortion

While the story was engaging enough, ultimately it was too preachy for me. The chapters start with church mothers talking but honestly those sections detracted rather than added to the story. The characters weren't really believable to me. I didn't care for the way the reader over enunciated words. In sum, I just didn't like this book

12 people found this helpful

Why friendships go awry over a man

"We all have loved an ain't shit man. 2 types of men in this world, men that are and men who ain't about shit. A girl nowadays got get up close to tell if her man ain't shit and by then it may be too late. It's something to love somebody that can never love you back... it's kind of freeing in it's own way. Ain't nothing wrong with loving an ain't shit man as long as you get it out of your system. " This book is my far one of the best books I've read this year. I'm beating myself up for overlooking it. Two friends Nadia and Audrey, go through some of the worst things, like molestation, and death of a mother. Nadia and Luke the pastors son, messed around when they were young and got pregnant, not wanting to disappoint their family they had an abortion. Luke's parent's give him the money for the abortion, and his mom starts to treat Nadia bad. Aubrey came into the picture after her mother's boyfriend was molesting her, she left her moms and went to live with her lesbian sister and mate. The girls became the best of friends, then Nadia goes off to college and lives a great life. while away luke and Aubrey starts dating, later getting married. Time had flown by and they never told Aubrey that they had something between them. The story gets juicier......I'm not gonna tell you it all, go get you a copy and read this book. #book21of2019 #bookworm #whatsnext #highlyrecommended

3 people found this helpful

Lacks understanding, depth and compassion

Would you try another book from Brit Bennett and/or Adenrele Ojo?

I would absolutely not try another book by the author.

Has The Mothers turned you off from other books in this genre?

No.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The reading was fine.

Any additional comments?

This book failed to capture any real nuance, understanding or compassion for the main character. There are already enough voices projecting onto women how they feel or ought to feel about abortion, especially by people who have never faced the decision themselves. Unfortunately now there is one more. The writing wasn't anything special. Lots of attempts at illuminating analogies that fell flat.

9 people found this helpful