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LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER BY SUSAN RIEGER | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 29, 2024 THE DIAL PRESS | GENRE: WOMEN FICTION RATING: ★★★★ |
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An enthralling novel about three generations of strong-willed women, unknowingly shaped by the secrets buried in their family’s past.
Detroit, 1960. Lila Pereira is two years old when her angry, abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum. Lila never sees her mother again. Three decades later, having mustered everything she has—brains, charm, talent, blond hair—Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. Lila unapologetically prioritizes her career, leaving the rearing of her daughters to her generous husband, Joe. He doesn’t mind—until he does.
But Grace, their youngest daughter, feels abandoned. She wishes her mother would attend PTA meetings, not White House correspondents’ dinners. As she grows up, she cannot shake her resentment. She wants out from under Lila’s shadow, yet the more she resists, the more Lila seems to shape her life. Grace becomes a successful reporter, even publishing a bestselling book about her mother. In the process of writing it, she realizes how little she knows about her own family. Did Lila’s mother, Grace’s grandmother, die in that asylum? Is refusal to look back the only way to create a future? How can you ever be yourself, Grace wonders, if you don’t know where you came from?
Spanning generations, and populated by complex, unforgettable characters, Like Mother, Like Mother is an exhilarating, portrait of family, marriage, ambition, power, the stories we inherit, and the lies we tell to become the people we believe we’re meant to be.
Detroit, 1960. Lila Pereira is two years old when her angry, abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum. Lila never sees her mother again. Three decades later, having mustered everything she has—brains, charm, talent, blond hair—Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. Lila unapologetically prioritizes her career, leaving the rearing of her daughters to her generous husband, Joe. He doesn’t mind—until he does.
But Grace, their youngest daughter, feels abandoned. She wishes her mother would attend PTA meetings, not White House correspondents’ dinners. As she grows up, she cannot shake her resentment. She wants out from under Lila’s shadow, yet the more she resists, the more Lila seems to shape her life. Grace becomes a successful reporter, even publishing a bestselling book about her mother. In the process of writing it, she realizes how little she knows about her own family. Did Lila’s mother, Grace’s grandmother, die in that asylum? Is refusal to look back the only way to create a future? How can you ever be yourself, Grace wonders, if you don’t know where you came from?
Spanning generations, and populated by complex, unforgettable characters, Like Mother, Like Mother is an exhilarating, portrait of family, marriage, ambition, power, the stories we inherit, and the lies we tell to become the people we believe we’re meant to be.
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Of Motherhood and Survival
Susan Rieger's novel LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER delves into the intricate tapestry of mother-daughter relationships, exploring the themes of abandonment, survival, and the enduring impact of familial bonds. The story follows Lila, a successful media executive who, despite her professional triumphs, grapples with the shadows of her past and the choices she makes as a mother.
Lila's journey is a poignant reflection of the sacrifices and decisions made in the name of survival and ambition. Her character, though flawed, is portrayed with a depth that invites readers to ponder the societal expectations of motherhood. Rieger's portrayal of Lila challenges the conventional narrative, presenting a woman whose approach to motherhood is unorthodox and unrepentant, yet undeniably human.
The novel's pace and structure allow readers to immerse themselves in the multigenerational saga, with each character's imperfections adding to the richness of the narrative. Rieger's skilful writing ensures that the characters' hardships resonate with authenticity, particularly in the depiction of domestic abuse. The author handles these sensitive topics with care, bringing them to the forefront and compelling readers to confront the harsh realities faced by the characters.
One of the most captivating aspects of the book is the mystery surrounding Lila's mother. This element serves as a subtle yet persistent force driving the narrative forward, culminating in a conclusion that, while not providing all the answers, mirrors the often-unresolved nature of real-life family dynamics.
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER reflects the complexity of human relationships and the resilience of the spirit. Its narrative invites introspection, asking readers to consider the multifaceted nature of motherhood and the indelible marks it leaves on both the giver and the receiver of that profound love. Rieger's novel is a compelling read for anyone interested in the nuanced portrayal of family, identity, and the enduring question of what it means to truly understand one another.
Susan Rieger's novel LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER delves into the intricate tapestry of mother-daughter relationships, exploring the themes of abandonment, survival, and the enduring impact of familial bonds. The story follows Lila, a successful media executive who, despite her professional triumphs, grapples with the shadows of her past and the choices she makes as a mother.
Lila's journey is a poignant reflection of the sacrifices and decisions made in the name of survival and ambition. Her character, though flawed, is portrayed with a depth that invites readers to ponder the societal expectations of motherhood. Rieger's portrayal of Lila challenges the conventional narrative, presenting a woman whose approach to motherhood is unorthodox and unrepentant, yet undeniably human.
The novel's pace and structure allow readers to immerse themselves in the multigenerational saga, with each character's imperfections adding to the richness of the narrative. Rieger's skilful writing ensures that the characters' hardships resonate with authenticity, particularly in the depiction of domestic abuse. The author handles these sensitive topics with care, bringing them to the forefront and compelling readers to confront the harsh realities faced by the characters.
One of the most captivating aspects of the book is the mystery surrounding Lila's mother. This element serves as a subtle yet persistent force driving the narrative forward, culminating in a conclusion that, while not providing all the answers, mirrors the often-unresolved nature of real-life family dynamics.
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER reflects the complexity of human relationships and the resilience of the spirit. Its narrative invites introspection, asking readers to consider the multifaceted nature of motherhood and the indelible marks it leaves on both the giver and the receiver of that profound love. Rieger's novel is a compelling read for anyone interested in the nuanced portrayal of family, identity, and the enduring question of what it means to truly understand one another.
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About the Author:
Susan Rieger is a graduate of Columbia Law School. She has worked as a residential college dean at Yale and as an associate provost at Columbia. She has taught law to undergraduates at both schools and written frequently about the law for newspapers and magazines. She is the author of The Heirs and The Divorce Papers. She lives in New York City with her husband.
Photo by Nina Subin
*Thanks to Penguin Random House CA for the egalley
in exchange for this unbiased review.
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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