Mother, Mother

In her electrifying debut novel, Mother, Mother, Koren Zailckas explores the unsettling dynamics of the Hurst family, ostensibly perfect but increasingly unraveling under the weight of their matriarch, Josephine. As her oldest daughter, Rose, escapes with a mysterious boyfriend, Josephine's control intensifies, causing her other children—Violet, who delves into risky practices, and Will, struggling with autism and epilepsy—to confront their own crises. The family's façade begins to crack, drawing the attention of child protective services and revealing the darker realities beneath their polished exterior. This captivating narrative combines dark wit and psychological insight, drawing comparisons to classic suspenseful tales.