Ahead of Mother’s Day, we look at literature that highlights motherhood and mother-child relationships. From fiction to non-fiction, here are the books that portray the experience from different angles
There’s no denying that society's standards for being a “good” mum are hard—if not impossible—to achieve, and often cause mothers to sacrifice personal freedom, health and professional fulfillment for the unrealistic pursuit of “ideal motherhood”.
With Mother’s Day in Hong Kong approaching, we take a moment to recognise and celebrate this complex role through literature. Many authors have explored this multifaceted human experience through memoirs, novels and guides, and here are ten books depicting the good and bad, as well as the beautiful and ugly sides of motherhood.
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‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ by Jennette McCurdy (non-fiction)
One of 2022’s bestsellers, Jennette McCurdy’s jaw-dropping memoir sold out within 24 hours of going on sale in the US, topped The New York Times’ bestselling list for non-fiction in both hardcover and ebook categories, and sold over 200,000 copies across all formats in its first week of release.
McCurdy is best known as the Nickelodeon child-star who played Sam Puckett in iCarly, a sitcom on the network that earnt four Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Her memoir is based on her one-woman comedy show, and it’s an unflinching yet humorous look at her rise to fame at such a young age, and her relationship with her overbearing and emotionally abusive mother who cared more about her daughter’s earning potential than her health. Narrated with candour and dark humour, it’s a refreshing take on resilience and independence.