Like Mother, Like Mother

Susan Rieger’s latest novel, Like Mother, Like Mother is an intricate exploration of family secrets, generational trauma, and the complex bonds between mothers and daughters.  Set initially in 1960s Detroit, this compelling narrative weaves together the stories of three generations of strong-willed women whose lives are profoundly shaped by buried family history.

The story begins with a haunting premise: two-year-old Lila Pereira’s life is upended when her abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum.  This traumatic event sets in motion a multigenerational saga that examines how trauma, resilience, and identity ripple through time. Rieger handles these heavy themes with remarkable sensitivity and nuance, creating a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging.

The novel's greatest strength lies in the character development.  The writing is brilliant in its portrayal of complex, flawed characters who feel authentically human in their struggles and aspirations.  Each woman in the story grapples with her own demons while navigating the delicate balance between personal ambition and family obligations.  Rieger particularly excels at examining the tension between career ambitions and family responsibilities, a theme that resonates strongly in today’s context.

The author’s writing style is sophisticated yet accessible.  While the prose can be considered “highbrow” it remains deeply engaging, pulling readers into the story from the first page.  Rieger’s background as a Colombia University Law School graduate and former Associate Provost brings a sharp analytical edge to her storytelling, while never sacrificing emotional depth.  Her prose is sharp and efficient, matching the journalistic background of her protagonist.

The novel excels in its exploration of themes including family dynamics, marriage, ambition, and motherhood.  The Kirkus Reviews praises it as “both snappy and sprawling, psychologically sharp”, noting how successfully it captures both cultural and political details of its various time periods.  The author’s careful attention to historical context enriches the narrative without overwhelming it.

However, potential readers should be aware that the novel deals with some challenging subject matter.  As some reviewers note, there are trigger warnings for certain content, particularly in the backstory.  While these elements are handled with care, they may be difficult for sensitive readers.

The novel has been praised for being “immersive” and “powerful” in its portrayal of families lost and found, broken and irreparable.  Rieger’s ability to maintain narrative tension while exploring deep psychological territories is impressive.  The story “held readers’ hearts from the very first page”, according to Fresh Fiction, a testament to its emotional impact.

What makes “Like Mother, Like Mother” particularly noteworthy is its refusal to offer easy answers or neat resolutions.  Instead, it presents an examination of how family histories shape us, sometimes in ways we don’t fully understand.  The novel proves especially compelling for readers interested in nuanced portrayals of family, identity, and enduring questions about what it means to be shaped by our past.

In conclusion, “Like Mother, Like Mother” is a masterfully crafted novel that succeeds on multiple levels:  as a family saga, as a psychological study, and as a commentary on motherhood and identity.   While it may challenge readers with its subject matter, the rewards of engaging with this thoughtful and beautifully written work far outweigh any difficulties. It’s a significant achievement in contemporary literary fiction that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.