Blythe recalls how she stopped relying on her father as much when Fox came into the picture, and she feels ashamed because she knew that she was all he really had. Later in the book, Blythe has a moment of clarity where she realizes that she may be at risk of harming herself: The thought entered my mind that I could hurt myselfI pushed the thought away as quickly as it had come, but it left a residue of fear that made me feel like I was standing on the edge of a cliff. (Chapter 25). The early years of their marriage are dreamy, hopeful and carefree. At seven months, Violet starts napping for longer periods of time, and Blythe lies to Fox about napping. The ending of The Push confuses me : r/books - Reddit Meanwhile, the narration is interspersed with information about the women in Blythe's family and her childhood. She tells Violet that shes happy that Violet has someone to talk to that she trusts, even if it isnt her. [I don't feel like there was a good answer, so I'll throw in my 2 cents. For the next few months, Blythe is exhausted. Cecilia dislikes being a mother, and she leaves permanently when Blythe is 12. This passage suggests that Blythe is struggling to maintain a sense of identity and that she feels like shes losing herself. Afterwards, Foxs mother comforts Violet and comforts Blythe, telling her to hang in there. Its not the most unpredictable ending, but whats so haunting about it is the chilling truth that Violet is the culmination of generations of parental trauma. Blythe Conner grew up in a home where she was unnurtured and uncertain what her own mothers feelings were for her. Error rating book. The last conversation that Blythe has with her ex-friend and Fox's wife is bone-chilling and made my mouth drop. What did you think of Blythes relationship with Foxs mother? Blythe wants to send Violet to day care, but Fox is against the idea because his own mother had never needed to do so. When Cecilia (Blythe's mother) is born, Etta marries her second husband Henry, but Etta struggles with motherhood and is often intentionally cruel to Cecilia. For example, when Blythe grabs her arm, she narrates that Violet looks satisfied? "The Push" Book Ending Explained. One day, she asks Violet about Gemma, but Violet just says shes fine. I'm a reader of 100+ books per year, I studied English literature, and I've been on The Today Show's Read with Jenna Book Club, Oprah's Book Club, Reese's Book Club, and media outlets including Buzzfeed, The Atlantic, and Esquire. She pushed her real brother Sam's stroller killing him and now she has done something to her half-brother Jet. These actions demonstrate a willingness to change and to take responsibility for her own actions. Cecilia is scared and shits herself. That night, Blythe finds the painting of Mother and Child on Blythes doorstep with a note. The Push | Bookreporter.com Blythes relationship with Violet remains strained and eventually, Blythe loses visitation rights. Blythe ends up looking for photos online to find ones of a four-year-old that can serve as a stand-in for Sam. After Fox leaves, Blythe secretly uses a fake name to befriend Fox's girlfriend, Gemma, to learn about their life. Join our community of book lovers and receive the best book recommendations straight to your inbox . When Cecilia gets her period, she wakes Etta from her nap to tell her, but Etta merely gives her two pills and goes back to sleep. 11. When their infant son Sam is killed, Blythe blames Violet. or ask your favorite author a question with She is surprised, but curious. She was determined that when she had . Also, maybe how mothers birth babies. If Fox had done things different? When Blythe suggests couples therapy, Fox suggests that Blythe should see someone by herself instead. Like, not every comment from a child needs to have a 24-hour reaction time. The one-paragraph summary of this book: Blythe and Fox have a daughter, Violet. The arrival of a child also alters the relationship you have with your partner forever . Three months after the discovery of the affair, Blythe packs up Foxs things. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. She buys a replica painting of Mother and Child by Mary Cassatt to put in his nursery. The Graveyard Book: Your family is made of ghosts. [Violet is at it again. But that didn't bother me. At one point, Cecilia tells a young Blythe that theres a lot about ourselves that we cant changeits just the way were born. Even though they are not married, Gemma refers to Fox as her husband. Blythe lets go of the stroller, and Violet pushes it into the road. The book ends by implying that Gemma suspects Violet has now harmed Jet. Later, Seb tells Blythe that people will believe untrue things about you, but the only thing that matters is what you think about yourself. Why do you think Audrain shifts POVs (from first person to third person) for the epilogue? As the date nears, Blythe becomes more unsure what whats to come. Its now been seven months since Sams death. The Connors go to the zoo. Do you think the portrayal is accurate, and do you think the way other mothers act toward each other has changed over the years? Inspire others by sharing your book on this blog. Throughout the book, Blythe grapples with the legacy of her own difficult childhood and the impact it has on her relationship with Violet. I need to know how it ends before I decide if I want to read it. Blythe loves the night nurse. All rights reserved. Violet has trouble getting along with other kids and there's incidences of violence towards them, too. Its not a perfect book, and there are things you could nitpick about it if you were inclined to do so. The Push by Ashley Audrain | Book Club Discussion Questions The way the book is left open leaving questions about just what happened. On the trip, Blythe notices how Violet is an outcast. I don't love cliffhangers so Margot's ending bothered me a bit" Something in me felt for Krissy the entire time. Cecilia instead takes money from Ettas purse and goes to the store to buy pads. Blythe still tells Gemma her suspicions about Violet anyway. Or is it all in Blythe's head? Seb tells Blythe that Cecilia has had a procedure, and Blythe finds blood in the bathroom. Why do you think he is reluctant to send Violet to day care initially? A few days later, at the age of 32, Etta hangs herself with Henrys belt on a tree out front. Crime Junkie Fan's Bookclub - All Good People Here: Caution: Spoilers Blythes grandmother, Etta, was born the day WWII began. Be advised that there are spoilers ahead, obviously, so be entirely sure you want to continue reading. Moreover, Blythe didnt realize till now that it bothered Violet. This passage suggests that Blythe recognizes the impact of her own trauma on her parenting and is struggling to break the cycle of abuse. When she is 18, Etta plans to marry Louis, the son of the town doctor. The one-paragraph summary of this book: Blythe and Fox have a daughter, Violet. The Push by Ashley Audrain review - the dark side of motherhood We will examine the different theories that have emerged and analyze key quotes and scenes from the book to shed light on the authors intentions. Discover new authors, explore different genres, and join us on a literary journey through book reviews, discussion guides, and author interviews. Do you think Gemma was always being truthful with Blythe about her feelings for Violet? Rating: 4.5/5 stars. I appreciate someone being straightforward. Do you think Foxs mother handled things well? Cecilia is determined to make some money and leave town after graduation. When the baby is born, Blythe feels euphoric. Blythe's pain when she lost her son was absolutely heartbreaking. When Blythe leaves the kids with a sitter to get a pedicure with a friend, she worries Violet will hurt Sam. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); In this blog post, we will dive deep into the ending of The Push and explore some of the possible meanings and implications. By delving into these themes, Ashley Audrain has created a novel that is both gripping and thought-provoking. When their infant son Sam is killed, Blythe blames Violet. He is supportive and thoughtful. I was really impressed by The Push by Ashley Audrain. One night Violet asks if Blythe loves Sam more than her, and Blythe wonders if she has overheard Foxs comments. Book Review: The Push by Ashley Audrain - Criminal Element 2 years ago. Then, Gemma asks about what happened with Sam, saying that Fox doesnt like to talk about it. Blythe Connor is determined that she will be the warm, comforting mother to her new baby Violet that she herself never had. A woman observes a house where a family of four lives. I hope you enjoy it if you end up reading it :). Blythe remembers her father telling Cecilia that Youll end up just like Etta before finally giving her a drink to calm her down. She was someone else entirely, someone who felt like she was fading away into nothingness. (Chapter 22). Blythes own mother, Cecilia, left when she was 11, and she has only seen her twice since then. The Push is a domestic-slash-family thriller that can appeal to most adults, and its a book I imagine a lot of people can benefit from reading. But Violets behavior seems off. Blythe thinks Violet hates her and may even be malicious. Blythe thinks Violet is violent and lacks empathy, but Fox thinks Blythe's insufficient love for Violet is the problem. Even when Cecilia is seven, she still clings to her doll, Beth-Anne. Audrain's debut is a stunning, devastating novel and, frankly, one hell of a way to start a year of reading. Foxs parents send over boxes of his old baby things. The book is also a bit of a downer, and I would go so far as to say it occasionally toes the line into feeling like misery lit (or misery pn, for a less proper term), wrapped up in a thriller-esque package. But for the big things, I think Audrain does a good job with aspects of the book that really matter like the plotting of it or the substance in digging deep into the difficulties and uncertainties of motherhood. When Violet asks about the poison sign on the bottle of bleach (and whether it could kill someone), Blythe calls Gemma to let her know. After that weekend, Blythe gets the idea to drive over to Foxs house to watch them at night. I didn't think it was her. One day, Blythe is having a silly moment with a delighted Violet, and Fox sees this. Blythe's kind neighbor Mrs. Ellington instead acts as a maternal figure to her.
