The Push

by Ashley Audrain
The Push cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 921
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781405945059
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2021-01-07
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 4

The Push delves into the complex and often terrifying bond between a mother and daughter, Blythe and Violet. As Blythe begins to suspect that her daughter may be a monster, she grapples with the isolation and doubt that comes with her suspicions. The novel has been praised for its suspenseful narrative and inventive take on the psychological thriller genre, with comparisons to classics like We Need to Talk About Kevin. It's a chilling exploration of the lengths a mother will go to protect her family and the shocking truths that can emerge from the darkest corners of the human psyche. This international bestseller has captivated readers worldwide, with its taut pacing and expertly sustained suspense. The book has been recommended by major publications and is soon to be adapted for the screen, further cementing its place as a must-read thriller. Its thought-provoking themes and immersive storytelling make it a standout in contemporary fiction.

Reviews
What Is Quinn Reading? · 2025-07-23
melancholic 3.50

The book is more of a melancholy family drama than a straightforward thriller. It's a profound exploration of family dynamics and mental health.

The reviewer was surprised to find that the book is more of a melancholy family drama rather than a straightforward thriller. They appreciate the profound exploration of family dynamics and mental health, noting the emotional depth and complexity of the characters. The book's ability to evoke a range of emotions is particularly highlighted.

Quick quotes

    The Push is more of a melancholy family drama than I was expecting going into it.

    It's a profound exploration of family dynamics and mental health.

    The book's ability to evoke a range of emotions is particularly highlighted.

Confetti Bookshelf · 2025-03-06
heavy 3.50

The book is a challenging read that delves into dark themes, leaving a lasting impact on the reader's mood. It's not a light or easy read, but it's a powerful exploration of complex emotions.

The reviewer from Confetti Bookshelf found 'The Push' to be a challenging and dark read. They mentioned that the book's intense themes and heavy mood made it a difficult but impactful experience. The reviewer appreciated the depth of emotion and the raw exploration of motherhood, even though it wasn't an easy or enjoyable read. They acknowledged the book's power and its ability to leave a lasting impression, making it a memorable, albeit heavy, reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The Push is not an easy read by any means, and I even felt my mood darken more and more with each passing page.

    The book's intense themes and heavy mood made it a difficult but impactful experience.

    It's a powerful exploration of complex emotions that will leave a lasting impression.

Books on the 747 · 2021-05-13
thought-provoking 4.50

The novel offers a unique perspective on motherhood, exploring the experiences of women who never wanted to be mothers. It's a thought-provoking and intense psychological drama.

The reviewer from Books on the 747 found 'The Push' to be a unique and thought-provoking exploration of motherhood. They appreciated the novel's focus on the experiences of women who never wanted to be mothers, finding it a fresh and compelling take on the subject. The reviewer also noted the book's intense and psychological nature, making it a gripping and unforgettable read. They praised Audrain's ability to delve deep into the complexities of motherhood and the emotions that come with it.

Quick quotes

    The Push explores motherhood from the point of view of a generation of women – grandmother, mother and daughter – who actually never wanted to be mothers.

    It's a thought-provoking and intense psychological drama that delves deep into the complexities of motherhood.

    Audrain's ability to explore the raw and often disturbing aspects of motherhood is both compelling and unforgettable.

Goodreads · 2021-01-05
riveting 4.00

The plot is riveting and twisted, making it a dark psychological thriller. It's a gripping exploration of the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.

The reviewer found the plot of the book to be riveting and twisted, making it a gripping read. They particularly appreciate the dark psychological elements and the exploration of the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The book's ability to keep the reader engaged and guessing is highly praised.

Quick quotes

    The Push is a tautly written, dark psychological thriller about mothers and daughters.

    I found the plot riveting and twisted.

    The book's ability to keep the reader engaged and guessing is highly praised.

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