The Illustrated Mum

The Illustrated Mum cover
Good Books rating 4.25

Technical:
  • ID: 844
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9780440867814
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 3
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Dolphin's mother is a colorful and eccentric figure, adorned with tattoos and a flair for the dramatic. Her love for her mother is unwavering, but her older sister, Star, starts to see the cracks in their seemingly perfect life. As the story unfolds, the complexities of their relationship and the mother's unpredictable nature come to light, revealing a world that is as beautiful as it is troubled. Through vivid descriptions and emotional depth, 'The Illustrated Mum' explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of a parent's choices on their children. The novel delves into the nuances of love and the struggles of growing up in an unconventional household, making it a compelling read for those interested in family dynamics and coming-of-age stories.

Reviews
B's Book Inspector · 2022-12-28
moving 4.00

The book delves into heavy topics like abandonment and loneliness through the eyes of children, highlighting their innocence and naivety. The exploration of male fixation and obsession adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The reviewer appreciates how the book tackles profound themes such as abandonment and loneliness, which are particularly poignant when viewed through the lens of childhood innocence. They note that the story does not shy away from difficult subjects, including male fixation and obsession, which adds depth and realism to the narrative. The reviewer finds the portrayal of these themes to be both moving and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read. The book's ability to balance serious topics with the perspective of young characters is commended, making it a compelling exploration of family dynamics and emotional struggles.


Quick quotes

    The topics discussed in the book were abandonment and loneliness, childish naivety, innocence of children, male fixation and obsession, serious ...

    The story does not shy away from difficult subjects.

    The book's ability to balance serious topics with the perspective of young characters is commended.

Mum of Three World · 2018-10-26
emotional 4.25

The book is described as very moving and particularly suitable for children dealing with parental mental health issues. It offers a realistic and relatable portrayal of family life.

The reviewer finds the book to be deeply moving and believes it would be particularly impactful for children who are living with a parent with mental health problems. They appreciate the realistic portrayal of family life and the way the story addresses complex issues with sensitivity and understanding. The reviewer commends the book for its ability to make these topics accessible and relatable to young readers, providing a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by families in such situations. The emotional depth and authenticity of the narrative are highlighted as key strengths.


Quick quotes

    The Illustrated Mum is a very moving book.

    It would be a really good read for children who are living with a parent with mental health problems.

    The reviewer commends the book for its ability to make these topics accessible and relatable to young readers.

The Guardian · 2014-02-20
poignant 4.50

The story evokes deep reflections on family life, showcasing how happiness and sadness can intertwine in unpredictable ways. The emotional journey of the characters resonates strongly with readers.

The reviewer highlights how the story prompts readers to reflect on their own family experiences, noting the abrupt shifts between happiness and sadness that life can bring. They find the emotional journey of the characters to be particularly resonant, making the book a poignant exploration of family dynamics. The reviewer appreciates the way the narrative captures the complexities of relationships and the impact of mental health issues on family life. The story's ability to evoke empathy and understanding is praised, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.


Quick quotes

    The story really makes you think about your own family and how life can be happy one moment and sad the next.

    The emotional journey of the characters resonates strongly with readers.

    The story's ability to evoke empathy and understanding is praised.