The Book of Mother: Violaine Huisman

A prize-winning tour de force when it came out in France, this brilliant translation of Violaine Huisman`s `witty, immersive autofiction showcases a Parisian childhood with a charismatic, depressed parent` (Oprah Daily. Beautiful and magnetic, Catherine, aka `Maman`, smokes too much, drives too fast, laughs too hard and loves too extravagantly. During a joyful and chaotic childhood, her daughter Violaine wouldn`t have it any other way.

But when Maman is hospitalised after a third divorce and breakdown, everything changes. Even as Violaine and her sister long for their mother`s return, once she`s back Maman`s violent mood swings and flagrant disregard for personal boundaries soon turn their home into an emotional landmine. As the story of Catherine`s own traumatic childhood and coming of age unfolds, the pieces come together to form an indelible portrait of a mother as irresistible as she is impossible, as triumphant as she is transgressive.

With spectacular ferocity of language, a streak of dark humor and stunning emotional bravery, The Book of Mother is an exquisitely wrought story of a mother`s dizzying heights and devastating lows, and a daughter who must hold her memory close in order to let go.