The novel starts out with a group of new mothers meeting in the park and discussing their babies various habits. We're introduced to their personalities and learn more about each of them but you can tell from the first few lines that Winnie and Midas are the main characters.
The "May Mothers" as they have dubbed themselves decide to go out at night for once, leaving the babies behind to treat themselves to a well deserved night out. Winnie, a single mother, was hesitant to leave her son, Midas, at home but after some convincing from the May Mothers, she agrees.
Of course drama follows and Midas is snatched from his crib while the babysitter is in the other room. Winnie and the May Mothers run to her house after receiving the horrible news and as you would expect, all hell breaks loose.
The police are looking at everyone, including Winnie and the Mothers, as suspects and everything starts to unravel.
Throughout the novel, we switch back and forth between the Mothers' points of view so we can get a better inside look at their individual lives and how they play into this mystery.
By the end, you kind of have a feeling of what is going to happen but like all good domestic thrillers, the rug is pulled out from under you and you're left stunned. Toward the end of the book, there are a few twists you don't see coming and when the mystery is solved, it's not what you were expecting at all.
Now for my thoughts...
I wasn't overly impressed with this book and that is mostly due to the fact that I really disliked the characters. Not one of them was likable expect for Collette (one of the May Mothers) because she seemed to be the most rational.
Some of the mothers are breaking the law and hiding secrets just to solve this case, which gets them into more trouble and it was just really frustrating to read.
I also cannot stand the 'modern mother mentality" where everyone is trying so hard to be the PERFECT mother with the organic diapers and sleep training and everything else that is wrong with raising a child in 2019. None of us had that and we're all simply fine! *This is my personal belief and I don't have children so I'm sure if/when I do, I will feel differently but it's part of the book.*
However, I also think that is the message of the book so I struggle with it. Everyone is trying their hardest to be the perfect mother but there is no such thing as one.
It was really interesting to see the different lives of all the May Mothers and how they were all so different. A group of women like that would never end up in the same place if it weren't for their kids.
Aside from the characters (which I guess is a huge point of any book), I liked the story. I like any story that is hard to figure out yet easy to follow. I wasn't confused or over stimulated while reading it -- it was straightforward, good writing and Aimee Molloy is someone I would definitely read again.
If you like domestic thrillers with a truly modern twist and aren't too bothered by modern motherhood, you will like "The Perfect Mother".
Have you read this book? What were your thoughts?
xoxo
B
Add your comment