The Push by Ashley Audrain explores the complexities of motherhood and the generational trauma that can shape a family. The story follows a mother grappling with her own fears and insecurities as she navigates the challenges of raising her daughter, Waverly. Set against a backdrop of emotional turmoil, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the haunting question of whether certain traits are inherited or learned. This gripping psychological drama captivates readers who enjoy contemporary fiction and stories that challenge perceptions of parenting. Ideal for fans of literary fiction and psychological thrillers, The Push invites readers to confront their own beliefs about motherhood and the impact of family dynamics.

Key Points

  • Explores the psychological complexities of motherhood and familial relationships
  • Delves into themes of generational trauma and inherited traits
  • Follows the protagonist's emotional journey as she raises her daughter Waverly
  • Captivates readers with a gripping narrative that blends literary and psychological fiction
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Ashley Audrain
261 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Accounting
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Ashley Audrain
261 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Accounting
279
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Y
S
1
ou slid your chair over and tapped my textbook with the end of your
pencil and I stared at the page, hesitant to look up. “Hello?” I had
answered you like a phone call. This made you laugh. And so we sat
there, giggling, two strangers in a school library, studying for the same
elective subject. There must have been hundreds of students in the class—I
had never seen you before. The curls in your hair fell over your eyes and
you twirled them with your pencil. You had such a peculiar name. You
walked me home later in the afternoon and we were quiet with each other.
You didn’t hide how smitten you were, smiling right at me every so often; I
looked away each time. I had never experienced attention like that from
anyone before. You kissed my hand outside my dorm and this made us
laugh all over again.
•••
oon we were twenty-one and we were inseparable. We had less than a
year left until we graduated. We spent it sleeping together in my raft of
a dorm bed, and studying at opposite ends of the couch with our legs
intertwined. We’d go out to the bar with your friends, but we always ended
up home early, in bed, in the novelty of each other’s warmth. I barely drank,
and you’d had enough of the party scene—you wanted only me. Nobody in
my world seemed to mind much. I had a small circle of friends who were
more like acquaintances. I was so focused on maintaining my grades for my
scholarship that I didn’t have the time or the interest for a typical college
social life. I suppose I hadn’t grown very close to anyone in those years, not
O
until I met you. You offered me something different. We slipped out of the
social orbit and were happily all each other needed.
The comfort I found in you was consuming—I had nothing when I met
you, and so you effortlessly became my everything. This didn’t mean you
weren’t worthy of it—you were. You were gentle and thoughtful and
supportive. You were the first person I’d told that I wanted to be a writer,
and you replied, “I can’t imagine you being anyone else.” I reveled in the
way girls looked at us, like they had something to be jealous about. I
smelled your head of waxy dark hair while you slept at night and traced the
line of your fuzzy jaw to wake you up in the morning. You were an
addiction.
For my birthday, you wrote down one hundred things you loved about
me. 14. I love that you snore a little bit right when you fall asleep. 27. I love
the beautiful way you write. 39. I love tracing my name on your back. 59. I
love sharing a muffin with you on the way to class. 72. I love the mood you
wake up in on Sundays. 80. I love watching you finish a good book and then
hold it to your chest at the end. 92. I love what a good mother you’ll be one
day.
“Why do you think I’ll be a good mother?” I put down the list and felt
for a moment like maybe you didn’t know me at all.
“Why wouldn’t you be a good mother?” You poked me playfully in the
belly. “You’re caring. And sweet. I can’t wait to have little babies with
you.”
There was nothing to do but force myself to smile.
I’d never met someone with a heart as eager as yours.
•••
ne day you’ll understand, Blythe. The women in this family... we’re
different.”
I can still see my mother’s tangerine lipstick on the cigarette filter. The
ash falling into the cup, swimming in the last sip of my orange juice. The
smell of my burnt toast.
You asked about my mother, Cecilia, only on a few occasions. I told you
only the facts: (1) she left when I was eleven years old, (2) I only ever saw
her twice after that, and (3) I had no idea where she was.
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FAQs

What is the main theme of The Push by Ashley Audrain?
The Push explores the complexities of motherhood, examining the expectations and fears that come with it. It delves into the psychological struggles of Blythe, the protagonist, as she grapples with her own traumatic past and the challenges of raising her daughter, Violet. The novel raises questions about nature versus nurture, the impact of familial legacies, and the darker sides of maternal instincts.
Who are the main characters in The Push?
The main characters in The Push include Blythe, the mother struggling with her identity and fears; Violet, her daughter, who becomes the center of Blythe's anxieties; and Fox, Blythe's husband, who represents a contrasting perspective on parenting. Other characters include Etta, Blythe's mother, whose own troubled history influences Blythe's fears about motherhood.
How does Blythe's relationship with her mother affect her parenting?
Blythe's relationship with her mother, Etta, plays a significant role in shaping her fears and insecurities as a parent. Etta's unpredictable behavior and abandonment of Blythe create a shadow over Blythe's own motherhood. This history leads Blythe to question her ability to be a good mother to Violet, fearing that she might repeat her mother's mistakes.
What events lead to Sam's death in The Push?
Sam's death occurs during a tragic accident at a playground. Blythe recalls the moment when Violet, her daughter, was playing on the equipment. In a moment of chaos, Violet's actions inadvertently lead to the stroller rolling into the path of oncoming traffic, resulting in Sam's fatal injuries. This incident serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, deeply affecting Blythe and her relationship with Violet.
What role does the setting play in The Push?
The setting in The Push, particularly the suburban environment, amplifies the themes of isolation and the pressures of motherhood. The contrast between the seemingly perfect family life and the underlying tensions within Blythe's home highlights her struggles. The playground, where the tragic accident occurs, symbolizes both innocence and danger, serving as a backdrop for the unfolding drama.
How does Violet's character evolve throughout The Push?
Violet's character evolves from a young girl who is the center of Blythe's anxieties to a more independent figure as she grows older. Initially, she is portrayed as a sweet child, but as the story progresses, her behavior becomes more complex, reflecting Blythe's fears and the impact of their tumultuous relationship. Violet's development raises questions about her own identity and the influence of her mother's past.
What psychological themes are explored in The Push?
The Push delves into psychological themes such as maternal anxiety, the impact of trauma on parenting, and the struggle between love and fear. Blythe's internal conflicts and her relationship with her mother shape her perception of motherhood, leading to a profound exploration of how past experiences influence present behaviors. The novel examines the darker aspects of maternal instincts and the fear of failure.

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