Hello and welcome to the Booklicious podcast. I’m your host, and today we’ll be discussing “Mothered” written by Zoje Stage.
Grace finally purchases her first home, but the pandemic sets in motion, and she is let go from her hairdressing job, leaving her panicking about how she’ll make mortgage payments. Her mother, Jackie, suggests that she moves in with Grace, relieving some of her stress.
However, when Grace was a child, she was left to care for her twin sister, Hope, who had cerebral palsy while Jackie worked to support them as a single mother. Hope had a dark side and liked to torment Grace. Meanwhile, Jackie doted on Hope and made sure Grace knew who her favorite daughter was.
In “Mothered,” we see mother and daughter quarantined together, pitting them against each other once and for all. Who will be the victor, and who will be the victim? Let’s dive deeper into this intriguing book.
One of the most striking aspects of this book is the dream sequences that occur throughout the story. The book utilizes one of the biggest pet peeves of many readers, the confusion of not knowing if what’s happening is real or just a dream. However, it’s important to note that these sequences add a layer of suspense and fear to the book, making it all the more chilling.
Another interesting element of the story is the portrayal of the disabled sister, Hope, as a villain. This is a controversial decision, as some readers may not be comfortable with it. Nevertheless, it does add an unusual twist to the story and make it stand out from others in the same genre.
On the positive side, the book has some well-done creepy scenes that will give you shivers. The characters of Grace and Jackie are well-written, and the author does a good job of making the reader question who they should trust.
While the pandemic side plot may be a bit overwhelming for some readers, those who enjoy a good psychological Thriller will appreciate what Zoje Stage has done with “Mothered.” The book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
That’s all we have time for today. Thank you for listening to the Booklicious podcast. I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it informative. Tune in next time for more exciting discussions about great Books.
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