ARA Review by Balisa Mosisa Ejeta of Dear Mom

[Balisa Mosisa Ejeta]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, Dear Mom.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Title: Dear Mom: A letter I will never send, to a mother who would never read it anyway
Author: Eva Tillman
Year of publication: 2022
Publisher House: Random House
Genre: Memoir, Non-fiction

Synopsis: Dear Mom is a poignant memoir that delves into the complex relationship between a daughter and her mother. Through a series of heartfelt letters addressed to her deceased mother, Eva Tillman explores the pain, love, and longing that defined their relationship, offering readers a raw and unflinching look at the impact of maternal abandonment and emotional abuse.

Plot: The plot of Dear Mom unfolds through a series of intimate letters written by Eva Tillman to her mother. As she reflects on her childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, Eva recounts the pivotal moments that shaped her relationship with her mother, from their early years together to their eventual estrangement. The narrative is deeply personal and emotionally resonant, drawing the reader into Eva's world and inviting them to bear witness to her journey of healing and self-discovery.

Character: While Dear Mom is primarily focused on Eva Tillman's relationship with her mother, the book also offers glimpses into the lives of other family members and loved ones who played a role in shaping her identity. Each character is depicted with honesty and compassion, with their flaws and strengths laid bare for all to see.

Ideal audiences: This book is ideal for readers who enjoy intimate and introspective memoirs that explore themes of family, identity, and resilience. It will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of parental abandonment or emotional abuse, offering a sense of validation and understanding to those who have struggled with similar issues.

Writing Style: Eva Tillman's writing style is candid and confessional, with each letter written in a voice that is both vulnerable and powerful. Her prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader into her world with its vivid imagery and emotional depth.

Themes and Messages: Dear Mom explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and the search for closure in the aftermath of trauma. It delves into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the lasting impact of parental abandonment, offering a message of hope and resilience to those who have faced similar struggles.

Originality: While memoirs exploring themes of family dysfunction and trauma are not uncommon, Dear Mom stands out for its raw honesty and emotional depth. Eva Tillman's willingness to confront her own pain and vulnerability sets this book apart, offering readers a deeply personal and authentic glimpse into her world.

Pacing: The pacing of Dear Mom is steady and deliberate, allowing for moments of reflection and introspection without ever feeling stagnant. Each letter builds upon the last, drawing the reader deeper into Eva's story and keeping them engaged from start to finish.

Emotional Impact: This book packs a powerful emotional punch, with Eva Tillman's raw honesty and vulnerability evoking a range of feelings from empathy to heartbreak. Her words resonate long after the final page is turned, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's heart and mind.

Enjoyment: Overall, I found Dear Mom to be a deeply moving and impactful memoir that left a lasting impression on me. While the subject matter is undeniably heavy, Eva Tillman's courage and resilience shine through, offering a message of hope and healing to anyone who has struggled with similar issues.

Alternative books: Readers who enjoy Dear Mom may also appreciate other memoirs exploring themes of family dysfunction and trauma, such as Educated by Tara Westover, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, and Wild by Cheryl Strayed.

Overall Assessment: I give Dear Mom 4.5 out of 5 stars. This memoir is a powerful and emotionally resonant exploration of the impact of maternal abandonment and emotional abuse, offering a message of hope and resilience to anyone who has faced similar struggles. The only reason it doesn't receive a perfect score is because some readers may find the subject matter too heavy or triggering, but overall it's a beautifully written and deeply moving book that deserves to be read and appreciated.

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