Are you looking for a new thriller to add to your reading list? Look no further than “The Push” by Ashley Audrain. This thrilling novel tells the story of a mother laboring to deal with her complicated relationship with her daughter. With themes of motherhood, mental health, and the complexities of family dynamics, “The Push” is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.
1. The Plot
The novel follows Blythe Connor, a new mother struggling to connect with her daughter, Violet. From the beginning, Blythe feels something is not quite right about her daughter, and as Violet grows older, her behavior becomes increasingly alarming. Blythe’s husband, Fox, dismisses her concerns as postpartum anxiety, but Blythe can’t shake the feeling that Violet is seriously wrong.
As the story progresses, Blythe’s mental health deteriorates, and she struggles to separate reality from her fears and anxieties. Meanwhile, Violet’s behavior becomes increasingly dangerous, and Blythe must fight to protect herself and her family from her daughter.
2. The Themes
At its core, “The Push” is a novel about motherhood and the many ways it can go wrong. Blythe’s troubled relationship with her mother looms large over the novel, and her fears about Violet’s behavior manifest in many ways in her anxieties about motherhood. The novel also explores themes of mental health and how it can be stigmatized and dismissed, particularly in the context of motherhood.
3. The Writing
Ashley Audrain’s writing is taut and suspenseful, keeping readers on the corner of their seats from beginning to end. The novel is structured around three different narrators – Blythe, her mother, and eventually Violet- which adds more complexity to the story. Audrain’s prose is spare and precise, lending the novel an almost clinical feel that makes the story’s events chilling.
4. The Reception
“The Push” has garnered widespread critical acclaim since its release in early 2021. Publishers Weekly called it a “gripping debut” that is “as heartbreaking as it is terrifying,” while Kirkus Reviews praised Audrain’s “sharp prose and excellent pacing.” The novel has also been optioned for television by the production company behind HBO’s “Big Little Lies,” so it’s safe to say that “The Push” is one of the most buzzed-about releases of the year.
5. Should You Read It?
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that will keep you up all night, then “The Push” is worth a read. Audrain’s writing is sharp and suspenseful, and the novel’s exploration of motherhood and mental health is timely and thought-provoking. Just be prepared to be kept up all night wondering if you know your child.
FAQs
1. Is “The Push” a standalone novel?
“The Push” is a standalone novel with no sequels or spin-offs.
2. What age group is “The Push” appropriate for?
“The Push” is marketed for adults and deals with mature themes such as motherhood, mental health, and violence.
3. Is “The Push” a slow burn or a fast-paced thriller?
“The Push” is a slow-burn thriller that builds tension gradually throughout the novel.
4. What sets “The Push” apart from other psychological thrillers?
“The Push” is unique in exploring motherhood and the complicated.
5. Does The Push have a movie adaptation?
At this point, there is no news of a movie adaptation for The Push. However, with its gripping storyline and well-developed characters, it certainly has the potential to make a great movie.
