After thoroughly enjoying The Vanishing Half, I decided to read this book by the same author. I love the way Bennett creates characters with messy realistic problems and unclear solutions. 

The Mothers follows a small group of friends through experiences with unplanned pregnancy, abortion, and later infertility. I really liked the way these topics were handled and the nuance that was given to the situations and the characters’ feelings. However, I think Bennett intentionally created characters that were a bit closed off and that made it hard for me to connect. I felt much more invested in the characters in The Vanishing Half. 

So while I thought this book was beautifully written and intelligent, it didn’t draw an emotional experience out of me in the way that I had hoped. Perhaps this is just the timing that I came into the book with or perhaps it shows that the author has grown since her debut. I think I may revisit this book one day to see if I experience it differently.