This sample was very short, so it is difficult to say much about it.

However, reading this sample definitely gave me a lot of questions which made me want to read on. Furthermore, I loved that the sample ended with: "This is my side of the story". That line grabs the attention of the reader and creates intrigue. I would love to keep reading!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for a sampler of this book.

This short sample was well written and intriguing, although not long enough to really understand much. I'd like to know how the story develops.

I love books about motherhood, particularly unconventional and even disturbing relationships between mother and child, so this sounds exactly the sort of thing I'd love. So far so good though I wish the sample was a little longer. I'm not sure how I feel about the second person narration at the start but it's definitely made me want to read the whole novel!

Wow this is only a sampler with a few chapters and I am hooked! It is disturbing to read about the mother’s thoughts and behavior towards her child and yet I couldn’t look away. I cannot wait to read the rest of the book! Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.

The Push is a chilling depiction of mother-child relationships and how they can go horribly wrong. What I really loved about this book was the short chapters along with Blythe's raw and honest feelings towards her daughter and then those towards her son. You also get glimpses of Blythe's mother, Cecilia and her upbringing as well as Cecilia's mother, Etta and her upbringing. The trials and tribulations each woman goes through clearly affects her parenting style and it is chilling to think that people actually go through the horrors depicted in this novel.

I don't want to give too much away but I found myself siding with Blythe the whole time, I wanted everyone to believe her. And wow was that ending so perfect! If you like character driven psychological thrillers then this is the book for you!

I’ve read a number of reviews of this title and was keen to discover more for myself. This sampler has certainly left me wanting to read more of Audrain’s writing. Such a tense and chilling extract of what looks to be an excellent read.

Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the sampler.

I originally listened to this on audiobook and I didn't engage with it. I wasn't 100% on what was going on yet still found myself curious. This isn't the sort of title I would usually pick up so I think it would very much be interesting to those who read more literary fiction and I think it might be better suited to physically reading rather than listening as I found myself more intrigued physically reading the first few pages than I had listening but it's not enticed me enough to try and reread the whole book again.

The Push really intrigued me from the very first start and it was one of those books I devoured in a day, needing to know the next chapter. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, it will not let you down.

Synopsis:
Blythe is afraid that history will repeat itself when her first child, Violet, is born. Having a complicated relationship with her own mother, she is dedicated to give all the love and attention to Violet.

But Violet is not an easy child, and something is not right. She doesn’t smile at all, and no matter how much Blythe tried, Violet seems to not like her at all. Blythe’s husband, Fox, is certain that Blythe is just imagining this. But he cannot understand what Blythe has experienced as a child.

Fighting a battle that she might never be able to win, Blythe is on the verge of losing her daughter, her family, her husband, her marriage, and everything she does seems to be wrong. Is her child really evil, or is she just being delusional?

My Thoughts:
The Push was certainly a different book, unlike anything else I’ve read. Many people in our group have compared it to “We Need To Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver, because of the style of writing. I haven’t read that one, so I couldn’t compare it, but it’s definitely on my radar now.

The Push is written in a first person perspective, where Blythe is telling her story to her husband, Fox. There are also parts in the book where we follow the stories of Blythe’s mother and Blythe’s grandmother. These parts help us learn more about those relationships and help us understand Blythe better, as well how her childhood plays a part in her relationship with her daughter, Violet.

The relationship between Blythe and Violet was presented in such a unique way, full of anxiety. Their interactions made me uncomfortable many times, but I enjoyed that. It’s not often that a book can push me out of comfort zone like that and I hope to find more books like this in the future. I am not a mother myself, but this book might be a hard read for parents. Especially during certain scenes, I could barely read chapters without taking a break.

The short chapters and the many plot twists are what made The Push unputdownable for me.
I was staying up all night, flipping pages and I loved that. I mostly felt for Blythe, because of what she was going through. no one should have to experience that and she should have received more support from her husband. However, there were also instances where she was neglecting Violet as a child and I wonder whether this had any consequences to Violet’s personality later on, as well as her development.

I loved the suspense of The Push, as well as the fact that we can never truly trust Blythe to tell us the truth, because this is her story, but it may not necessarily be completely true. The only part that I wanted more of was the ending. It didn’t finish as concluded as I’d hoped, but that’s just my personal preference. I also hoped to see Violet’s point of view, as well as what was going on through the husband’s mind – I feel like this might have brought more plot twists, or make people choose sides and discuss this.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Push.
It was a very interesting and dark psychological thriller. Extremely fast-paced and full of plot twists. If you are looking for something to keep you on your toes, look no further.

Absolutely loved this book. It is very well written about a woman's motherly love. It covers post natal depression and severe heat break. How much can one woman go through? I loved Blythe and wanted to crawl into the book and give her a huge cuddle and give Fox a slap. Fox angered me so much, he was so selfish.
That ending though, I hope there is going to be another book because I ned to know what happens next!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the sample, which I had to go and buy the book!! Thank you also to Ashley Audrain and Penguin Publishers.

What a gripping intro to a story. I am so so intrigued. Definitely picking this one up next. Not read any Ashley Audrain yet but this should be a good one!

Oh my word!!! I hadn't got round to reading this (and wasnt sure about the whole sampler thing tbh). I've just read it and am about to scurry off to amazon... think I might need this book in my life!

Oh My! OK its a sampler... I get it. Have you teased me? Yes.
Am I filled with more excitement to continue reading this book? Yes.
Would I have liked a bit more of the sampler? YES!!
Thank you anyway for the snippet I did read. I cannot wait to read it in full.

I downloaded the sampler without realizing it's not the full-length book but what an intriguing start!
It's also interesting that this was not in the ARC that I downloaded afterwards.
Can't wait to start reading!

I absolutely loved the opening quote from “When the Drummers were Women.” It helped to set the tone for a suspenseful first chapter, which I thought was very well written. As a new mother, I can’t wait to read on and find out the way the book explores the theme of motherhood. Even though this was only a short sample, it triggered so many questions and I can’t wait to find out more about her side of the story.

Even after just reading the sampler, I can understand why there is so much hype around this book! This sounds like a great thriller and I cannot wait to read the whole book when it is released.

The Push is a thought provoking novel that tackles many difficult issues, the main one being what should a mother do if she knows her child is dangerous?
When Blythe becomes pregnant, she worries that she won’t be a good mother. The book examines her relationship with her husband and new daughter Violet, while also telling the story of her mother and grandmother. The history shows they were not naturally maternal and in some situations, abusive and neglectful to their daughters.

Blythe and Violet do not bond and although Blythe cares for her infant, she feels disconnected and can see her husband has a more natural relationship with her. Blythe’s instincts tell her that Violet isn’t like other children, and after a serious incident at a playground, these concerns are confirmed.
The story continues as baby Sam comes into their lives and Blythe suddenly feels all the emotions she knows were missing with Violet.

I found this to be an intense read that provoked many emotions in me. The no holds barred descriptions of pregnancy, birth and motherhood, as well as the close examination of marriage and relationships was brutally honest and refreshing. The story is also terrifying in parts and created many questions in my mind regarding a mother’s love and loyalty. A brilliant Book Club read.

This takes you by the throat and doesnt let go. What a voice. What intrigue.
I need to know whats happened.
Please I need more!

I was so eager to get my hands on a copy of this and the teaser just exacerbated my need tenfold. A rich, fascinating and completely scintillating sampler.

So excited to read more of this! Already absorbed by it. Will definitely be looking out for the full version when I can.

Greet sampler and left me wanting more. Can’t wait to read the rest of this story. It would be great if it’s automatically sent to those of us reviewing it