Such a page turner. I was addicted. I'm not a parent, but the writing is so absorbing that you understand completely what the characters are going through and feeling. The characters aren't particularly likeable, but they are real, relatable, and fully realised. I cared what happened to them. It's dark. It's tense. And some bits made me sob. Incredible writing, that left me wanting more. It's not an easy read subject wise, but it made me think about what I would do in similar situations. Such a different book about motherhood than I have read before. Expertly done!

This is one of those books that will leave you thinking of the story for days to come after you have finished it. The writing is excellent, The tension builds and the story just grips you from the first page until that last sentence. I have a feeling this will be a big talked about novel in 2021 I could not put it down once I started it. . The story is an honest and at times brutal look at motherhood. Not every woman it maternal, not every woman wants children. Fox and Blythe had met whilst doing their last years in education they hit it off straight away, their romance continued and the got married. But Fox wanted children where’s for Blythe she worried she would not be a good mother. She had not had good role models, her mother Cecelia had left when she was 10, and she had only seen her once when she was 13. But equally Cecelia had also not had a good role model in her mother Etta who had spent most of her life in bed, unable to cope with what life had dealt her. When Blythe is pregnant with her daughter she tries to be enthusiastic, they attend ante natal classes, but when Violet is born, Blythe doesn’t want to hold her. Fox holds her, however once home she tries to feed the baby but she constantly screams when in Blythe’s arms. She adores her daddy Fox. Blythe tries some of the time but also some of the time she tries to clock the baby out. She feels inadequate, when Fox’s mother comes to stay Violet behaves so well it is only for Blythe that she doesn’t. But then there is more to come from Violet which makes you think of the nature/nurture debate, is the behaviour she exhibits inherited or is it being taught by some negligence and learned behaviours. The story is told through the eyes of Blythe, how reliable is she as a witness? Fox never seems to back Blythe up in anyway at all, he always refers to his mum. When they have another child Blythe is determined things will go better this time and that they will be a happy family unit. When baby Sam arrives Blythe adores him and so does Violet, she holds her doll in the same way that Blythe holds Sam. Until one day tragedy strikes and their lives will never be the same again. The marriage was struggling can it survive this loss. The story is also interspersed with details of Blythe relationship with her mother Cecelia as well as Cecelia’s relationship with her mother Etta and these women seem to fail as mothers is it any wonder that Blythe doubts her own capabilities. The only compassion and caring Blythe is shown is by a family in the neighbourhood the Ellinghams, especially Mrs Ellingham who has two boys one at the same age as Blythe and she welcomes Blythe into their home as if she is her daughter. This is such an emotional read, it’s covers some very complex matters when it comes to having and raising children, no two children when born are the same, if you read every guide book on child rearing there is it still doesn’t mean you will have raised your child right for them. But can Fox really not see what Blythe can see? Or is he burying his head in the sand not wanting to see Made up of short punchy chapter that raise the tension the further you get in, you really get to feel Blythe desperation from fear of her daughter and the fear of what her daughter is possibly capable of doing, but with no one ever listening. At times it is heartbreaking but puts forward some very clear message. I loved the fact that the characters are are all relatable, believable and each are trying to do their best for their families. This is one powerful debut novel by Ashley Audrain that will really make you think. I look forward to reading whatever she writes next.

The Push was not quite the book I expected it to be - it's more of a thriller than literary fiction. But I found this was actually its strength - the short, sharp sentences and breathless pacing make it all the more compelling. It's deceptively simple. The story revolves around the core theme of motherhood. But what at first seems straightforward becomes increasingly tangled. The perspective is intimate and disingenous, slipping from first to second person and between three generations of women. While the plot may be a little predictable, the narration is not, and that is what makes it a real page-turner. Taught and compelling, The Push makes for a compulsive read.

The Push is a thought provoking novel that tackles many difficult issues, the main one being what should a mother do if she knows her child is dangerous? When Blythe becomes pregnant, she worries that she won’t be a good mother. The book examines her relationship with her husband and new daughter Violet, while also telling the story of her mother and grandmother. The history shows they were not naturally maternal and in some situations, abusive and neglectful to their daughters. Blythe and Violet do not bond and although Blythe cares for her infant, she feels disconnected and can see her husband has a more natural relationship with her. Blythe’s instincts tell her that Violet isn’t like other children, and after a serious incident at a playground, these concerns are confirmed. The story continues as baby Sam comes into their lives and Blythe suddenly feels all the emotions she knows were missing with Violet. I found this to be an intense read that provoked many emotions in me. The no holds barred descriptions of pregnancy, birth and motherhood, as well as the close examination of marriage and relationships was brutally honest and refreshing. The story is also terrifying in parts and created many questions in my mind regarding a mother’s love and loyalty.

I had no expectations when beginning this novel, and sometimes, that's even better. I knew it was meant to be good, but didn't know which direction the book would take me down. This book gave me chills. Actual chills. It was SO unsettling and the child character Violet will stay with me for a very long time. The audiobook was absolutely fantastic and I loved the narrator's voice. She captured the anxiety and stress of every situation perfectly. I am astounded that this is a debut novel. Audrain is one to watch.