Like Mother | Cassandra Austin

Reviewed by her: May 24 2021 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I sound just like my mother” The publishers notes question this familiar refrain asking “why is it derisive? What is it about mothers that women are afraid of emulating?”

Austin explores this concept in her scintillating domestic novel, taking the reader back to 1969 where new mother Louise Ashland is struggling with the effects of sleep deprivation, an oppressive helicopter mother of her own and her absent travelling salesman husband.

In the modern day you would expect Louise to be diagnosed with Post Natal Depression and the author does a spectacular job of portraying the loneliness and overwhelming fear associated with new babies, mental health and the tension truly mounts as we question Louises reliability as a narrator and ask What HAS happened to baby Delores??

This book hit so many high notes for me and I love the way the plot unfolds in one frantic day exposing lies and historic tragedies that creates so many atmospheric layers I felt enveloped in the story.

The plot cleverly reveals the unreliability of you own memory and the effects this bias has on evolving relationships and the exploration of a women’s role in a domestic setting will be one that is examined for years to come.

My only let down is Steven - I found myself skimming a few of his monologues as, once the scene is set as him being a cheating scoundrel, I didn’t care much for his story or how he felt I wanted to rush back to hear more from Louise!

There are so many themes and concepts to explore in this book it would make a great choice for a book club to dissect!

With thanks to @penguinrandomhouse for the copy in exchange for my review, I adored the book and won’t hesitate to recommend.

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