"Some houses filled with sickness, some with sin, others with sorrow. But hers? It probably just seemed empty. The silent, uncluttered rooms, the whole house open like a wound that would never scab over."

I have come to adore Brit Bennett's writing style. The way she crafts her stories, her characters and the words she uses draw me in from the very first page. The Mothers was Brit Bennett's debut book and whilst I would say you can clearly see the development in her characterisation, themes and writing in [b:The Vanishing Half|51791252|The Vanishing Half|Brit Bennett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577090827l/51791252._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73423787]. I loved this book no less and felt that it was still incredibly beautiful.

The book follows Nadia Turner who loses her mother to suicide at 17. It examines themes of grief, motherhood, family, community and ambition. As it follows Nadia through her relationship with Luke Sheppard, the former football star who now waits tables, and the breakdown of this. Her friendship with god-fearing Aubrey and her eventual journey to college and adulthood. It also examines her difficult and distanced relationship with her father as they both cope with the loss of her mother in different ways, and how events can both part and draw family back together. As the story continues we see how secrets begin to unravel and cause rifts in friendships, relationships and the community.

"Grief was not a line, carrying you infinitely further from loss. You never knew when you would be sling-shot backward into its grip."

The Mothers is heartfelt and heartbreaking tale and examines how our life choices can change our life course and alter our futures. It examines the impact of choices and secrets on those around us. It also examines how adulthood, motherhood and life can be difficult and distressing. It speaks of love and loss, and family and hardships. It's a book that spoke to me and broke my heart just a little bit. I'd definitely recommend reading this and then The Vanishing Half as Bennett's writing only blossoms further with each book. I cannot wait for what she is next to write.