Friday, August 2, 2019

Book Review - What my Mother and I Don't Talk About

What My Mother and I Don't Talk About edited by Michele Filgate is an interesting collection of essays. Various writers explore their estranged relationships or their very close ones. Others explore trying to have a conversation with their mother that doesn't involve their father. One has a deaf mother - that had different ramifications in growing up.

The editor Filgate says in the cover blurb, "Our mothers are our first homes, and that's why we're always trying to return to them. There's relief in breaking the silence. Acknowledging what we couldn't say for so long is one way to heal relationships with others, and perhaps most important, with ourselves."

I found this book and the essays quite touching. There was such a huge variety. I have to say - I loved my mother but took her for granted. I did move to Texas after college at age twenty-one. I came back to visit my mom and dad twice a year, taking so much for granted.

My mother passed away when I was thirty four years old. Frankly, that has affected me for the rest of my life. Conversations we could have had as adults, questions I did have, etc - no chance for them. I think that's why this book hit a nerve with me.   A winner from my library.

 I will say - if you don't talk to your mother.....consider doing so...before it's too late.

9 comments:

  1. That sounds like a stunning... maybe even a heartbreaking... kinda book. My mother's been gone a lot of years, but there are still times I feel the overwhelming urge to call her and tell her... or ask her... something.

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    1. yep - and reading these essays, I feel sad for those who had a crappy relationship with their mothers. It was an interesting read

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  2. My mother was wonderful, she was widowed at only thirty six yrs of age.....I was just three.
    We were very close at my husband's suggestion we got wed on her birthday. Thanks Joanne for this post about mothers wish my two could read this.
    Have a great weekend.

    Yvonne.

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    1. It does strike a nerve. Glad you and your mother were close. I can tell from pics you show - she looks kind.

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  3. Sure sounds like one that really makes people open their eyes, if they need it, and get to talking to their mother.

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    1. I guess talk - good or bad. Don't hold it in

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  4. Hi Joanne - it sounds a very interesting book ... our family was happy, yet there were things happening that made discussing things with my mother difficult - wish I had done ... but that was life - and having no kids I haven't had the opportunity to fill the gaps. But over the years I've opened up a lot ... cheers and I will try and get a copy to read - Hilary

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    1. hey - we all have/had issues and it's easy to look back and second guess stuff. This book was just interesting and made me think.

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  5. This sounds like a moving book. My mother passed when she was 80, and I was 50 years old. We were close, and we talked together frequently. I so often still wish she was here for me to talk to.

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