Nightshade Mother

by Gwyneth Lewis
Nightshade Mother cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 3968
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781915279903
  • Publisher: Calon
  • Published: 2025-01-14
  • Reviews: 3

Gwyneth Lewis, the inaugural National Poet of Wales, delves into her traumatic childhood in this striking memoir. Through her childhood diaries, she interrogates the emotionally abusive relationship with her controlling mother, creating a dialogue between her past and present selves. The book is a testament to the power of art and language in navigating pain and finding a path to self-discovery. /n/nLewis uses metaphors of intense haunting and quotes from art and literature to guide her through her journey. Nightshade Mother is not just a story of suffering but also of forgiveness and love, ultimately leading to a homecoming after a lifetime of exile from herself.

Reviews
Nation.Cymru · 2025-05-26
profound 4.25

The memoir is a courageous and profound exploration of pain and healing. It is a testament to the author's strength and resilience.

The reviewer from Nation.Cymru describes Nightshade Mother as a courageous and profound exploration of pain and healing. The memoir is praised for its raw honesty and the author's ability to confront her past with bravery. The reviewer notes that Lewis's use of metaphors and literary references adds depth to the narrative, making it a rich and rewarding read. The book is seen as a powerful testament to the human spirit and the power of forgiveness.

Quick quotes

    Nightshade Mother is her third memoir, following Sunbathing in the Rain, and Two in a Boat. Here is a courageous author examining the painful realities of her past.

    Metaphors of haunting intensity help her confront what happened to her; quotations from art and literature help to guide and steady her.

    It is a profoundly moving and beautiful work; questing, forgiving and loving in its approach.

Caught by the River · Pamela Petro · 2024-11-02
brilliant 4.75

The book is a brilliant blend of intelligence, wit, and insight. It offers a unique perspective on the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.

Pamela Petro praises Gwyneth Lewis's ability to weave intelligence, wit, and insight into her memoir. The book is described as a sparkling read that delves into the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship. Petro highlights how Lewis's poetic prowess enhances the narrative, making it both engaging and thought-provoking. The memoir is not just a personal story but also a broader exploration of the human condition, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the power of storytelling.

Quick quotes

    It is always pure pleasure to read a book that crackles with intelligence, sparks of wit and insight flying like static electricity as you turn the pages.

    Lewis's poetic sensibilities elevate the narrative, making it a deeply engaging read.

    This memoir offers a unique and insightful perspective on the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.

The Guardian · Gwyneth Lewis · 2024-09-24
moving 4.50

The memoir is a raw and honest exploration of emotional abuse and its lasting impact. It highlights the power of writing as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

Gwyneth Lewis shares her personal journey of dealing with emotional abuse from her mother. The memoir is not just a recounting of painful experiences but also a testament to the healing power of writing. Lewis uses her skills as a poet to craft a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Her ability to transform pain into art is evident throughout the book, making it a compelling read. The memoir is a powerful exploration of resilience and the human spirit.

Quick quotes

    Having been repeatedly annihilated by my mother, I'm constantly surprised by my own resilience.

    Writing this book has been a way of disentangling myself from the past.

    The power of language to heal and transform is at the heart of this memoir.

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