Oh, I still adore COSTALEGRE! It has a special spot in the bookshelves next to my writing desk. And now I'm dying to know how your script translation worked out--one week, eek. I was just thinking about translation. As in, it's hard to know if you love an author, love the translator, or both. I'm crushing on Dorthe Nors at the moment. (Her A LINE IN THE WORLD is helping me think about how I might write about my ancestor who was the first woman lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes.) I've taken a class from Nors, so I know her spoken English is impeccable. Still, her translator on that writing project, Caroline Waight, contributes much to the book's success. (I'm sure--though I can't read it in Danish to confirm.) And thanks for the compression sock tips--I love that your posts are as wide-ranging as they need to be! That's a good idea. I also recently discovered Dansko clogs (found cheap at a thrift store). They are atrocious-looking but work wonders for days when my legs feel heavy.
Another book that is on this theme although not specific to mothers is Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, by Lindsay Gibson. She gave a great interview on this podcast episode: https://spotify.link/hBxvfusBqIb
I just finished Banyan Moon by Thao Thai, which chronicles the mother-daughter relationship between three generations of Vietnamese women. It is beautifully told, rich in cultural details, and impressive in scope--ranging from Vietnam during the war to present day Florida.
My favorite book about complicated mothers and daughters is Lit by Mary Karr, actually that whole series, Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit, I’ve read them all, loved them all.
Beautyland (I can't wait for the interview with Marie-Helene Bertino!). I'm a single mom and felt so seen in so many ways by the mother-daughter relationship in this book.
A few months ago I read Sally Field's memoir "In Pieces" and among other elements of her very unGidgety life was a very complex mother-daughter relationship. Her mother was mostly wonderful, but managed not to see what she did not want to see when it came to here second husband's abuse of Sally. And this clearly informed Sally's life, which was marked by depression, poor man-choices, and a terrible capacity for managing her finances. She's a pretty good writer though, and finally found a great therapist who helped a lot.
I have to wear compression stockings every day for a medical condition and Juzo are the best! Also, I’m Sorry You Feel that Way by Rebecca Wait hits those mother daughter vibes with humour and atmosphere
"Concerning My Daughter" by Kim Hye-jin brilliantly tracked the political awakening of a Korean mother coming to terms with her troubled relationship with her daughter with a rhyming narrative of her work as caregiver for an aging former activist, for whom she serves as a sort of surrogate daughter. I see others have mentioned "Crying in H-Mart," and this would make an interesting novella to pair with that memoir. There are some similar scenes of maternal concern that comes cloaked in casual cruelty. It's somber for sure, but I always find some hope in characters who find their way to more open-mindedness later in life.
Fierce Attachments, by Vivian Gornick, about her and her mother. It made a big impression on me when I was young, maybe because I didn't get to have an adult relationship with my mother.
ooh, the prospect of "craft from the couch" is very exciting, and i'll be tuning in! already own (and loved) COSTALEGRE but a terrific book about mother/daughter relationships is MY PHANTOMS by gwendolyn riley. so scathing, tense, hilarious and sad.
Shadow Daughter by Harriet Brown. From this brave woman who set herself free at the age of 53 I learned about estrangement. Before this book, I didn't have a word for it, although it's a condition I chose for myself without knowing what I was doing, and it was forced upon my sister. Harriet interviews dozens of daughters (and sons) combining research with her story and the story of other people dealing with difficult parent relationships. I can only read this book in small bites but it has changed my interior landscape and given me a new way to process my difficult family relationships.
Also - I ordered the socks! Woo hoo! Thanks for the rec. Love all you guys - I've been reading your comments on platform and can't wait to join you in class.
There are so many things I love about this post (even compression socks..) I’m intrigued by the book recommendation, and the translation you’re doing for Diego! You know me, I love anything cowgirl. I won’t be entering for Costelegre… I read it and LOVED it when it first came out. Everyone here, it’s a GREAT read. So glad for the ripeness of mangos and art heiresses, and Pina Colada’s by the sea. 💕
Oh, I still adore COSTALEGRE! It has a special spot in the bookshelves next to my writing desk. And now I'm dying to know how your script translation worked out--one week, eek. I was just thinking about translation. As in, it's hard to know if you love an author, love the translator, or both. I'm crushing on Dorthe Nors at the moment. (Her A LINE IN THE WORLD is helping me think about how I might write about my ancestor who was the first woman lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes.) I've taken a class from Nors, so I know her spoken English is impeccable. Still, her translator on that writing project, Caroline Waight, contributes much to the book's success. (I'm sure--though I can't read it in Danish to confirm.) And thanks for the compression sock tips--I love that your posts are as wide-ranging as they need to be! That's a good idea. I also recently discovered Dansko clogs (found cheap at a thrift store). They are atrocious-looking but work wonders for days when my legs feel heavy.
That brand is so so comfortable! I'm not aware of Nors' work-- thank you for the recommendation, Rebecca!
Another book that is on this theme although not specific to mothers is Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, by Lindsay Gibson. She gave a great interview on this podcast episode: https://spotify.link/hBxvfusBqIb
Ooh - a great rec, thank you!
I just finished Banyan Moon by Thao Thai, which chronicles the mother-daughter relationship between three generations of Vietnamese women. It is beautifully told, rich in cultural details, and impressive in scope--ranging from Vietnam during the war to present day Florida.
Oh that sounds incredible!
My favorite book about complicated mothers and daughters is Lit by Mary Karr, actually that whole series, Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit, I’ve read them all, loved them all.
I just finished Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin!
Beautyland (I can't wait for the interview with Marie-Helene Bertino!). I'm a single mom and felt so seen in so many ways by the mother-daughter relationship in this book.
A few months ago I read Sally Field's memoir "In Pieces" and among other elements of her very unGidgety life was a very complex mother-daughter relationship. Her mother was mostly wonderful, but managed not to see what she did not want to see when it came to here second husband's abuse of Sally. And this clearly informed Sally's life, which was marked by depression, poor man-choices, and a terrible capacity for managing her finances. She's a pretty good writer though, and finally found a great therapist who helped a lot.
Oh wow! That sounds tough but also like a compelling read. Thank you for sharing!
I have to wear compression stockings every day for a medical condition and Juzo are the best! Also, I’m Sorry You Feel that Way by Rebecca Wait hits those mother daughter vibes with humour and atmosphere
"Concerning My Daughter" by Kim Hye-jin brilliantly tracked the political awakening of a Korean mother coming to terms with her troubled relationship with her daughter with a rhyming narrative of her work as caregiver for an aging former activist, for whom she serves as a sort of surrogate daughter. I see others have mentioned "Crying in H-Mart," and this would make an interesting novella to pair with that memoir. There are some similar scenes of maternal concern that comes cloaked in casual cruelty. It's somber for sure, but I always find some hope in characters who find their way to more open-mindedness later in life.
Oooh, and it's a novella? This sounds incredible.
Jamie Chang was the translator, and she has another Kim Hye-Jin book coming out soon. I'm looking forward to reading that one, as well.
I love when and author and their teams sticks with a great translator!
Fierce Attachments, by Vivian Gornick, about her and her mother. It made a big impression on me when I was young, maybe because I didn't get to have an adult relationship with my mother.
Oh man, I love Vivian Gornick. So many exceptional recommendations in these comments. Thank you for sharing.
ooh, the prospect of "craft from the couch" is very exciting, and i'll be tuning in! already own (and loved) COSTALEGRE but a terrific book about mother/daughter relationships is MY PHANTOMS by gwendolyn riley. so scathing, tense, hilarious and sad.
Oooh- sounds wonderful! The recommendations in the comments are so good.
Shadow Daughter by Harriet Brown. From this brave woman who set herself free at the age of 53 I learned about estrangement. Before this book, I didn't have a word for it, although it's a condition I chose for myself without knowing what I was doing, and it was forced upon my sister. Harriet interviews dozens of daughters (and sons) combining research with her story and the story of other people dealing with difficult parent relationships. I can only read this book in small bites but it has changed my interior landscape and given me a new way to process my difficult family relationships.
Also - I ordered the socks! Woo hoo! Thanks for the rec. Love all you guys - I've been reading your comments on platform and can't wait to join you in class.
Thank you so much for sharing, Carol! Let me know how it goes with the socks ;) See you tonight! With compression socks on!
Graceland by Nancy Crochiere
Thanks. Rules are rules. Je respecte.
what about mothers/sons?
Feel free to share a book(s) you would like to, but to enter the giveaway, I'm looking specifically for books exploring mother/daughter relationships.
There are so many things I love about this post (even compression socks..) I’m intrigued by the book recommendation, and the translation you’re doing for Diego! You know me, I love anything cowgirl. I won’t be entering for Costelegre… I read it and LOVED it when it first came out. Everyone here, it’s a GREAT read. So glad for the ripeness of mangos and art heiresses, and Pina Colada’s by the sea. 💕
Thank you, dearest Barbara!