As this multi-generational story begins, its central character, Lila Pereria, has passed away, soon after retiring from her powerful position as the executive editor of the Washington Globe. In addition to her husband Joe, she has left behind three daughters including her youngest, Grace, who has just published a novel based on Lila's complex life. Through narratives in the past and present, it's revealed that Lila, her sister, and her brother were raised by their abusive father and were told that their mother Zelda had died in a mental institution. Lila overcame her difficult upbringing by rising to the top of her profession, but she was a distant parent, leaving most of the children's upbringing to Joe. As Grace grew, she grappled with her own relationship issues. She was determined to learn whether her grandmother died in the asylum or managed to run away and escape her abuse.
Susan Rieger's Like Mother, Like Mother is a complex tale of family, especially motherhood. A large cast of characters illustrates how despite the scars and trauma caused by absent or difficult parental relationships, the love and support from extended family, close friends, and associates can create special bonds that can help compensate for the lack of traditional family. The author's sharp, clever dialogue provides a good balance with the story's intensity. It's a good choice for book clubs as there's lots to discuss.
Many thanks to The Dial Press | Random House for providing an advance copy.
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Contemporary / Literary Fiction.
Publication Date: October 29, 2024.
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Nice review.
I really enjoyed this book.