Mother, Mother

Mother, Mother

A Novel

by Koren Zailckas

400 pages· 2013· ISBN 9780385347242
About
From Koren Zailckas, author of the iconic memoir SMASHED: an electrifying debut novel about a family being torn apart by the woman who claims to love them most Josephine Hurst has her family under control. With two beautiful daughters, a brilliantly intelligent son, a tech-guru of a husband, and a historical landmark home, her life is picture perfect. But living in this matriarch’s determinedly cheerful, yet subtly controlling domain hasn’t been easy for her family, and when her oldest daughter, Rose, runs off with a mysterious boyfriend, Josephine tightens her grip, gradually turning her flawless home into a darker sort of prison. Resentful of her sister’s newfound freedom, Violet turns to eastern philosophy, hallucinogenic drugs, and extreme fasting, eventually landing herself in a psych ward. Meanwhile, her brother, Will, recently diagnosed with Asperger's, shrinks further into a world of self-doubt. Their father, Douglas, finds resolve in the bottom of a bottle—an addict craving his own chance to escape. Josephine struggles to maintain the family’s impeccable façade, but when a violent incident leads to a visit from child protective services, the truth about the Hursts might finally be revealed. Now with Extra Libris material, including a reader’s guide and bonus content

Discuss Mother, Mother with other readers

Join or start a book club for Mother, Mother on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.

Frequently asked questions

How do I join a book club for Mother, Mother?

Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with Mother, Mother as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.

Can I discuss Mother, Mother with other readers online?

Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about Mother, Mother with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.

Is Readfeed free?

Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.