From the Walkley Award winning journalist, social commentator and author comes a gripping domestic thriller with a moral dilemma at its core.
Recently widowed, Miriam Duffy is a respectable North Shore real estate agent and devoted mother and grandmother. She was thrilled when her younger daughter Ally married her true love, but as time goes by Miriam wonders whether all is well with Ally, as she moves to the country and gradually withdraws, finding excuses every time Miriam offers to visit. Their relationship has always had its ups and downs, and Miriam tries to give her daughter the distance she so clearly wants. But is all as it seems?
When the truth of her daughter’s situation is revealed, Miriam watches in disbelief as Ally and her children find themselves increasingly vulnerable and cut off from the world. As the situation escalates and the law proves incapable of protecting them, Miriam is faced with an unthinkable decision. But she will do anything for the people she loves most in the world. Wouldn’t you?
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Wow, if I seem a little incoherent in this review it is because I stayed up half the night reading this. I could not put it down. On the surface an intelligent, well written domestic thriller. It opens with a scene which foresees the trouble ahead for the main character Miriam and makes no secret of the direction the plot will take. I found it nerve wracking to see how Miriam would end up at that point and the pivotal decisions she made. The will-she, won’t-she, what-will-she-do aspect was very believable. The book also had some underpinning themes and according to the back blurb was the motivation for the author to write it. Domestic and family violence, grief and loss, ageing and grandmothers and mother-daughter relationships. I have seen Jane Caro speaking a few times, she comes across as passionate, intelligent and articulate. This is exactly the novel I would expect her to write. “It is awful to think that so many relationships embarked on with love and hope can become so toxic” I loved this and can see it becoming one of the highlights of my year. Rebecca, QLD, 5 Stars
This book had me hook, line and sinker. I could not put it down. It had humour, it had sadness and in parts of the book, I found myself saying out loud “What? No Way!, How can that be?” Miriam is the mother and the main character of the book. She is gentle, yet strong, even after a tragic event that leaves her all alone in her big house. I loved her wit, her no-nonsense attitude, her straight forwardness and the love for her two daughters, albeit strained at times. Fiona, her first born, married with a daughter, lives close by. Ally, her youngest has just married Nick and has moved away but Miriam soon realises that something is just not quite right in their relationship. Even through hard times, Miriam is always around for her family, doing whatever she can to help. They are her life and she will try to protect them, no matter what it takes, but Miriam reaches boiling point and after reading this book, it got me thinking. Could I ever do what she did in order to protect her family? What did Miriam do? You’ll have to read the book to find out. Lucy, SA, 5 Stars
The wonderful Jane Caro has written a powerful story of the devastation of domestic violence, coercive control and the desperation of a mother to protect her kin. I felt quite emotional reading this and was often left holding back tears, with a lump in my throat, recognising that this is a reality for some. The intertwine of non-fiction information throughout giving the reader insight into the insidious nature of violence against women and children, helped to make this a must-read. This is an important book for our times as it is another way that we can include this in conversation and continue to raise this important issue so that we can navigate ways to call this out and put an end to this violence. The main character, Miriam Duffy, is such a strong female lead. I related to the relationships she had with her daughters, which can be difficult to navigate sometimes. When she faces a devastating loss, she is forced to rethink how she will interact with others and to reflect on how she viewed her domestic life. How brave she is when faced with the actions of the perpetrator and what she believes to be the only way out of a horrendous situation. Alyssa, VIC, 5 Stars
What a timely, powerful and important narrative. Hopefully this complex but all-too-believable novel will reignite and sustain debate about the dire need to support women in abusive relationships and thus avoid some of the very real headline stories Caro references. We need to recognise our society’s tendency for victim blaming, and for allowing victims to shoulder responsibility for their heartbreaking situations. It is difficult to write a review without spoiling the plot, but suffice to say this book was superb. Visceral, yet highly recommended. Heidi, VIC, 5 Stars
On reading the back cover i was prepared for what might happen but what i wasn’t prepared for was the wave of emotions that the author Jane Caro was able to invoke. I couldn’t wait to read The Mother every chance i got and wanted to plough through each moment. The descriptive words made me feel like i was living along side the families as they underwent their journey. Some moments were obvious and others i wasn’t ready for. Powerful use of language had me questioning myself about what i would do in the situation, not only from Miriam’s (the Mother) but also Ally’s (the daughter). The Acknowledgement at the end was also insightful and it is evident that quite a bit of research went into writing the novel to ensure it was as real as possible. Sharnee, QLD, 5 Stars
This is a without a doubt a book for our times, even though it is a fictional account, it is a common story too often seen in the news with much more devastating effects. Jane Caro’s debut fiction novel had me hooked from the start. The main characters Ally and her mother Miriam, as well as Nick, had great depth. The dynamic between Ally and Miriam is not an uncommon for mothers out there. Nick is pivotal in the story with his actions, words and overall persona coming through chillingly. The peripheral characters of the extended families, workmates and neighbours added to the dialogue and were rich and compelling in their own way. This is certainly a story that needs to be communicated and in a fictional sense I felt it was done superbly in this book. Jane’s style of writing was captivating, full of intricacies within the varied relationships throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book to readers of all genres. Gillian, QLD, 5 Stars
The Mother is a very thought provoking book by Jane Caro. It gives the reader an insight into mental abuse. The book portrays how the abuser uses their power of control and cunning to intimidate, ridicule and suppress victims into submission. The characters are family members thought to be living normal lives. However, when unusual and controlling behaviour becomes evident, their secrets are revealed as to what they are subject to in the privacy of their home. When aware of threats and mental abuse, the bond between mother and daughter is strengthened. My reaction to this book is one of sadness for the victims. They are left with low self-esteem and feeling worthless. It makes me aware that our justice system leaves victims with very little help from law enforcement until actual crimes are committed by the perpetrators. The reason I like this book is the fact that it tells how hard it is for victims to speak out and find help for themselves and children. It highlights how helpless and terrified victims are made to feel by their abusers. The author, Jane Caro, has written a book well worth reading for a better understanding into this type of abuse. Cherylene, QLD, 5 Stars
I was very excited to receive Jane’s book to review for Better Reading as I have admired her for many years; her advocacy for women, her obvious sense of social justice and her passion for Public Education. As I was reading THE MOTHER, I started to feel anxious. What awful events was I going to read? Could I cope emotionally with this book? Would this story trigger unwanted memories of traumatic experiences? The answer is “Yes!” At different times I felt upset, sad, frightened, perplexed, hopeful, anxious and ANGRY for the characters. The content is current and very REAL in our society. This book should be read! There are urgent messages for our law-makers and justice system. Jane Caro has written a fictional account that, tragically, describes the lives of too many women and their families in today’s world. Her characters could be someone you know; family, friends, neighbours or colleagues. The situations described ooze with reality. I read 2/3 of the book slowly over 3-4 days then finished it in an afternoon. WOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Congratulations Jane Caro and Thank you Better Reading. Sandra, NSW, 5 Stars
Peter and Miriam Duffy were delighted when their younger daughter Allison married the love of her life . Peter dies suddenly shortly after and Miriam a respected Real Estate Agent’s world is turned upside down. Miriam becomes worried when Allison changes from the happy daughter who married to someone completely different who she hardly was able to speak to and hardly saw. Visits were restricted by her husband Nick even after the two children were born. put up obstacles all the time. He even rang Miriam asking if Ally had mental health issues .Miriam started to worry more when Allison arrives on her doorstep unannounced saying she has left her husband. None of us knows what goes on behind closed doors. Things spiral downwards after that. Miriam is faced with the dilemma of how to protect her family and do what she thinks is best for them. Elizabeth, VIC, 5 Stars
Thank you for the opportunity to review The Mother by Jane Caro. I loved this book. Brilliantly written novel about a difficult but very real topic, domestic violence. It shows the strength women, in this case mothers have when faced with a situation that has no good obvious solutions. A great and thought provoking book. Gai, NSW, 5 Stars
A beautiful book cleverly written with a strong message for us all. Very well researched and a book I could not put down, bravo! Gayle, NSW, 5 Stars
Jane Caro, congratulations this is a great book, The Mother is certainly an eye opener into domestic violence and how the authorities are limited in how they can assist the victims and the families, Miriam is a great character who would do anything for her daughter Ally. This book certainly had an impact on myself. Gavin, NSW, 5 Stars
I read this book in a day! It was thought-provoking, heart-wrenching whilst staying punchy. The characters were so relatable, I could see my own relationship with my daughter reflected in this book. The sheer helplessness can be felt throughout the book, without it making you feel like the characters are weak or clueless. I would highly recommend this smooth but confronting take on a modern issue that seems to be more and more apparent in our everyday lives. Great writing! Elaine, WA, 5 Stars
Wow! This book is powerful. It’s focused on such a current issue, something so many can relate to. I began this book just after receiving a cancer diagnosis for my husband, so the first few chapters (dealing with widowhood) were pretty confronting for me. However, from there, the story just grabs you and refuses to let you go. I found myself sneaking away, for just a few more pages, every chance I got. Jane Caro absolutely nailed the frustrations, the fear and the strength of victims. You can’t let this book go unread. Lee, ACT, 5 Stars
Miriam Duffy seems to have it all, a successful real estate business, home on the north shore, loving husband, both daughters married, until fate stepped in and life was never the same! Jane Caro has written an exceptional novel from a mother’s point of view; would you do anything to protect your own children and grandchildren? As cases of domestic violence become more and more prevalent in our society. The Mother is a story of love, courage and consequences. I was immediately drawn into the story and each of the characters, especially the sometime prickly relationship between mothers and daughters and the role of mothers in law. I particularly enjoyed reading the book, couldn’t put it down really. I believe that the story provides the reader with a scenario that each of us could face and asks the question; what would you do in the same situation! Thank you Better Reading for giving me the chance to review this marvellous book by Jane Caro. I thoroughly recommend reading this novel. Larelle, QLD, 5 Stars
Miriam Duffy lives a successful and comfortable life. When her daughter, Ally, marries veterinarian, Nick, she is delighted and feels they are well matched. After being widowed, Miriam is bereft and wonders why she’s rarely welcomed to help with Ally’s growing family. Even when Nick tells Miriam that Ally is having mental health issues, she doesn’t question him. Only when alerted to the truth by a therapist, followed by Ally’s desperate arrival on the doorstep, does Miriam realise how wrong she has been. The law fails to protect the family as the situation escalates with Nick’s increasingly sinister tactics. A crisis point is reached. The lives of those she loves are on the line and Miriam decides to take matters into her own hands. The narrative is brisk and well-constructed, but not easy reading: it isn’t meant to be. Although fiction, it reflects the reality of domestic violence in our community in which cunning perpetrators manipulate and skirt the law. On other levels, it also explores our perceptions of self, and whether events in our past can ever be an excuse for actions in the present. A brave, confronting and dynamic novel that is bound to get readers talking. Marina, VIC, 5 Stars
This is a fascinating story as it slowly unravels. It tells the story of Miriam Duffy a real estate agent who lives a very privileged life until gradually her life changes. She has to learn to deal with grief and a tricky mother – daughter relationship and increasing memories of a childhood that wasn’t perfect. Soon she is dealing with family violence and coercive control, ineffectual AVOs and more. The characters in this book are feisty and a little flawed but very likeable. I found this book a real page turner and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Merry, TAS, 5 Stars
A thoroughly enjoyable read. The plot gives the reader a realistic insight into the sensitive subject of domestic violence. Miriam’s life is changed forever when confronted with a mother’s natural instinct to protect her children. Her account of unfolding events is realistic and believable. A confident independent woman, Miriam is forced to face a situation which has her doubting her role as a mother. The action she takes to resolve the issue left the reader asking “What would I do?” Diane, VIC, 5 Stars
The Mother by Jane Caro is a topical read of domestic violence, both emotional and physical. and opened my eyes to a frightening possibility in any family. It takes a while to warm to The Mother herself, who is opinionated and critical, however as the story develops you can’t help thinking deeply about how you would react if you were placed in the position Miriam was in trying to protect her family. Jane Caro has addressed this difficult subject expertly and has obviously done a lot of research. Part 2 is where all the action really starts after a fairly slow build up, and I couldn’t put the book down, reading into the small hours. Liz, NSW, 5 Stars
Why would Miriam Duffy, self-absorbed, pretentious, real estate agent and North Shore snob be buying a gun? Her daughter Ally’s whirlwind romance with charming vet Nick leads to their marriage, a move to the country NSW town of Dungog, and a remoteness from the family attributed to being newlyweds. Ally quickly falls pregnant, bringing an end to her professional aspirations, starts dressing dowdily, and is uncommunicative. The baby arrives and Miriam, finally allowed to visit, is alarmed to discover that Ally’s car has been sold, a peculiar security system has been installed and Nick has arranged mental health appointments for her daughter. She views the marriage vows ‘to have and to hold till death us do part’ as nothing less than sinister. What can end their domestic violence nightmare? Thelma, QLD, 4 Stars
When Miriam’s daughter marries Nick, a charming vet, she and her husband are delighted that Ally is at last settling down. However, before long Miriam senses that not all is not well. After she is kept at arm’s length and discouraged from visiting her daughter and grandchildren, it becomes apparent that Nick is controlling Ally in a highly toxic relationship. Four years later Ally has fled to live with her mother and is struggling to gain full custody of her children. Nick continues to threaten and intimidate not just Ally, but also Miriam and the children. The author feels very strongly about the issue of abuse within marriage and the family, as well as how the legal system can fail to protect the vulnerable in time to avoid tragedy. Although there are times that the plot is a little contrived, Miriam as the main character is well-rounded in her passionate protection of her daughter and grandchildren. As a fan of ‘domestic noir’, I found the novel compelling enough to read it in almost one sitting. Jenni, SA, 4 Stars
I have to admit that I found the set up and introduction to the plot and characters a little bit of a slog. However, once I got past this, the story line blew me away. There is a clear message of the horrors that men subjugate their partners to in Australia. I think Jane does a brilliant job of showing the insidiousness that many woman are forced to deal with. Overall, I think this is a great book, and I would recommend it. Shebby, QLD, 4 Stars
This book was a pleasure to read, though scarily relatable on many levels. The characters felt like they were your own family; drawing you into the story, making you put yourself into their minds, feeling the emotion and ultimately questioning what you would do if in their shoes. Set locally in New South Wales the themes and locations bring a firm realness to the story line which in turn invests you further. Brings to light poignant issues in todays world but paints it with care, compassion and realism. Would not hesitate in recommending this book – a very gripping, well written piece of work. Kelly, NSW, 4 Stars
Mother and wife Miriam Duffy has always loved her girls, Ally and Fiona. So when Ally marries Nick, Miriam starts to notice her once vibrant, independent daughter transform into an unrecognisable ghost. While at first the changes in Ally are subtle, the pace quickly intensifies, especially after the births of her two babies. As a reader, you are right there alongside Miriam, watching her daughter’s life get sucked right out of her as Nick controls, manipulates and confuses her. So, what is Miriam to do to save her daughter and grandchildren from Nick? She feels the law has let them down, her husband has passed away and all she has left is her love for her daughter’s and their happiness….so what will she do? It is certainly clear that she is willing to do anything for them…… anything….. This is such a strong powerful novel by Jane Caro. A novel that is frightening, sad and intense all at once. Once you start it you have to finish it. You become more and more invested in Miriam and need to know just what will or what can she do to protect her loved ones…and her decisions will change everything. Sarah, VIC, 4 Stars
A story about the complex relationships between a mother and her daughters which shows both the strength and fragility of that bond. This book also shows how far a mother will go to protect her child. From the initial prologue, the style of writing had me hooked and wanting to know more. I found the way the story developed compelling and read the whole thing in one weekend. I particularly liked that the issues and the consequences of actions were addressed realistically, as well as the way real life experts, such as Jess Hill were woven into the story. This story rang very true and the build-up of fear leading to the eventual conclusion was very well done. I realise that it would have made the book impossibly long to go deeper into some of the issues, but it occasionally felt like there were other relationships such as that of the main protagonist and her husband and other daughter where I was left wanting just a little more. I absolutely devoured this book and would recommend it very highly indeed. Yasmin, NSW, 4 Stars
An interesting concept of how a Mother may react to the knowledge of her daughter’s relationship with an abusive partner. I thought the storyline had good subject content (questioning the mother – daughter relationship) as well as the impact the outcomes have on other parties involved. A thought provoking read. Mandy, VIC, 4 Stars
When her happy outgoing daughter Ally begins to withdraw and avoid conversations, Miriam is slow to notice due to overwhelming changes in her own life. What follows is a seemingly endless campaign of terror where Miriam is forced to take the solution into her own hands. A gripping read that kept me engrossed from the first page. Helen, QLD, 4 Stars
As much as I gripped by this book I was equally filled with dread that domestic violence is all too real for so many people. Jane Caro did a fantastic job of writing a story that all too easily could have been ripped from the headlines. Emma, VIC, 4 Stars
An enthralling read as the reader sees how things changed with Ally and her husband Nick. Miriam is grieving the death of her husband Pete. But over time Miriam hears less and less from Ally and she is at times stopped from visiting their home in the Australian town of Dungog where Nick is a vet. Although only a few hours away from Sydney, Miriam hardly gets to see her grandson. Then Ally is pregnant again. Suspicions form in Miriam’s mind that all is far from well in the marriage and that Nick is abusive. Since it seems the law is powerless to help, Miriam makes plans to intervene if necessary. But will she be able to do what is needed to stop the abuse? And what will be the consequences if she does? The tension builds through as the reader waits to see what will happen. While not agreeing with Miriam’s plans it is easy to empathise with her. This is confronting look at domestic violence, although I have to say I could have done without the use of the f and c word in this novel. Despite that, a great read that had me turning pages. Dale, NSW, 4 Stars
A powerful story of what a mother will do to protect her family, confronting and makes the reader think how far would I or could I go to protect those I love. A well researched book by the author to make the reader understand what some women/men go through in an abusive relationship, scary. I found this to be a book I just couldn’t put down and well worth the read. Sally, VIC, 4 Stars
Some books evoke stronger emotions in me, particularly when domestic violence is a major theme. “The Mother” was a challenging book, predominantly because Miriam and Ally’s story could easily be someone’s reality, and that is exactly why it needs to be read. Domestic violence is not comfortable and manifests itself in both visible and invisible ways. Ally was deceived from the beginning as to her husband’s character, but equally so was her mother, Miriam. As the story proceeds, we see two threads of awareness, first from Miriam, and then from Ally as her understanding of the increasing fear induced control intensifies. We see what people sacrifice to protect their family, especially when the laws that exist to protect the vulnerable seem to give more scope to the perpetrator. I shifted from feeling intense loathing towards Ally’s husband and the sinister environment of fear he created, to shaking my head in disbelief at others’ denial of the situation. While I found the plot jump of 4 years unexpected, I can see how it helped to make the story more realistic. Miriam’s turmoil and internal struggle made me want to keep reading to see if justice prevailed. Kath, VIC, 4 Stars
A book where I wanted to keep reading to find out where it was going. Although I didn’t like the main character’s “voice” in the beginning and thought she was very self absorbed and that in some parts the book sounded “journalistic” (although this was only for a paragraph or two) the story made me want to continue reading to see what was going to happen. I enjoyed the book more as I continued reading and Miriam (the main character) thought of her daughter more and not so much herself. The first part of the book set up for the events in the second part, with the events in the second part moving quickly. A believable story which showcases what people dealing with domestic abuse have to endure, not only the abuse but the police and court system. Kim, TAS, 4 Stars
A mother’s struggle to connect with her daughter becomes her struggle to save her. While at times heavy handed, this portrayal of the insidious nature of domestic violence and coercive control is undeniably terrifying and all too real. It was easy to identify with Miriam’s frustration with the limits of law enforcement and desperation to keep her family safe. Jane Caro shows just how easy it is to miss the individual and collective red flags of abuse. How we prefer to explain things away rather than admit something might be wrong. But she also explores the theme of parental guilt, and how it can cloud one’s judgement. And it is sadly this that haunts Miriam’s relationship with her youngest daughter and impairs her ability to recognise Ally’s marriage for what it is. While not particularly suspenseful (I don’t think it was intended to be), this novel definitely has its ‘what will happen next?’ moments. This is an important text in demonstrating that abuse is psychological not just physical, that it is incredibly complicated, and that more needs to be done to protect victims. Nicki, VIC, 3 Stars
I was very disappointed in this book. Characters were under developed and unbelievable. The plot should have been thought provoking but ended up dull and flat. Normally I would not have finished this book but as I was reviewing it I preserved. I hoped it would improve but that did not happen. Such a shame. Jennifer, NSW, 2 Stars
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