Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger @randomhouse #bookreview

Overview

Detroit, 1960. Lila Pereira is two years old when her angry, abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum. Lila never sees her mother again. Three decades later, having mustered everything she has—brains, charm, talent, blond hair—Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. Lila unapologetically prioritizes her career, leaving the rearing of her daughters to her generous husband, Joe. He doesn’t mind—until he does.

But Grace, their youngest daughter, feels abandoned. She wishes her mother would attend PTA meetings, not White House correspondents’ dinners. As she grows up, she cannot shake her resentment. She wants out from under Lila’s shadow, yet the more she resists, the more Lila seems to shape her life. Grace becomes a successful reporter, even publishing a bestselling book about her mother. In the process of writing it, she realizes how little she knows about her own family. Did Lila’s mother, Grace’s grandmother, die in that asylum? Is refusal to look back the only way to create a future? How can you ever be yourself, Grace wonders, if you don’t know where you came from?

Spanning generations, and populated by complex, unforgettable characters, Like Mother, Like Mother is an exhilarating, portrait of family, marriage, ambition, power, the stories we inherit, and the lies we tell to become the people we believe we’re meant to be.

Review

Grace is a character that I was a bit ambiguous about. I didn’t really feel sorry for her but I understood her needs. I am sure this is a design by the author. I did feel her sisters were cold and distant, like her mom, Lila.

Lila is a strong woman. Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. But she had a terrible childhood. She was told her mother died in an asylum and she was abused by her terrible father. So, I believe she could not mother her children the way most mothers do. But her husband was able to step in a take up the slack. Needless to say, Grace wanted more.

There is quite a bit that I enjoyed about this tale. I enjoyed the hunt for Lila’s mother. And no, it is not what you think. I also enjoyed Lila. No, she is not the mother she should have been. But, I truly believe her past is the reason why.

Need an intricate family tale which will have you passionate for all involved…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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About fredreeca

I am an avid reader and paper crafter. I am a mom of 2 children, 5 dogs and 1 cat. I am a huge St. Louis Cardinals Fan
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