Dearest

Jeepers Creepers, this book didn’t tip toe, it plowed through what-did-I-just-read territory!?! Seriously, I wasn’t quite sure the entire time I was listening to the audiobook what to make of it, yet I could not stop thinking about this book when I put it down. Plus, the author narrated the audiobook and did a fabulous job! This book takes being a new mother and motherhood to a whole new level. She had me questioning if Flora is experiencing postpartum psychosis (different from postpartum depression and involves hallucinations) or some other mental health diagnosis, or was something sinister happening? One thing is certain, exhaustion can really mess with one’s mind.

Flora is a new mother whose husband is deployed. When her daughter comes early, Flora must care for her newborn while experiencing lack of sleep, breastfeeding issues, loneliness, and misses her estranged mother. Thankfully, Flora’s mother shows up to help but will it be the reunion she hoped for??

Wowza! Bizarre books begin to go delve further into the mother daughter relationship; bizarre, horrific things begin occurring at an alarming pace. Is Flora in danger? Is she a danger to her daughter? Is what is happening real? Is she hallucinating? I couldn’t help thinking repeatedly, this woman needs help! When her husband suddenly appears and wanted to tell him “Get her help now!” But does she need help or is something else at play????

Again, this is a strange one that I had a hard time rating. Hats off to the author for creating a unique and unsettling book which kept this reader thinking about it even after finishing the audiobook.

*This book does touch on motherhood, difficulty breastfeeding, exhaustion, family secrets, and mental health.
**There are also times where Flora and readers question if her baby daughter is safe, this may be triggering for some.

Thank you to Hachette Audio | Mulholland Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.