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“Motherthing” by Ainslie Hogarth

--Staff Picks General

Motherthing

Ainslie Hogarth
Published: 2022
Age Range: Adult
Genre: horror, fiction, thriller

Abby Lamb has found the love of her life in Ralph. But when they have to move into her mother-in-law’s home to take care of Ralph’s depressed mother, Laura, she has to act as the intermediary in their codependent relationship. But then Laura takes her own life and starts to haunt Abby and Ralph in profound ways. Abby must overcome this terror to save her family as well as her own life.

This book definitely goes out to the weird girlies, it is VERY strange. I personally expected it to lean more horror but it read to me more like a domestic thriller with a few horror elements. I would certainly not recommend this book to anyone with a weak stomach or who cannot stand unlikable characters since the narrator is one of the most frustrating, confusing characters I have encountered in a long time. But if you appreciate a weird story that shocks you and keeps you guessing on what is real, I would definitely recommend this book. If you’ve ever read anything by Ottessa Moshfegh I get those vibes from this book as it’s hold on reality is tentative at best. But “Motherthing” in particular is more unsettling in a horror way than any Moshfegh book I’ve read. I am really excited to see the direction this author takes in the future.