43 pages • 1 hour read
Nightbitch
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder, a frustrated stay-at-home mother of a two-year-old becomes concerned that she is transforming into a dog. As she begins to identify more with her new canine tendencies, she finds unexpected joy in her maternal role. Eventually merging her primal urges with her lost passion for art, she creates a performance piece that reconciles her identities as both mother and artist. The book depicts a character killing their cat.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
53,118 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Rachel Yoder's Nightbitch has received a mix of praise and critique. It is celebrated for its bold exploration of motherhood, blending surrealism with raw, emotional honesty. However, some readers find Yoder's narrative style disjointed and challenging. Overall, it’s appreciated for its originality and thought-provoking themes, even as it garners mixed responses on execution.
Who Should Read Nightbitch?
Readers who enjoyed the visceral and transformative narrative of Otessa Moshfegh's My Year of Rest and Relaxation or the dark domestic surrealism of Helen Phillips' The Need will be captivated by Rachel Yoder’s Nightbitch. This novel appeals to those intrigued by themes of motherhood, identity, and the primal self.
53,118 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nightbitch’s Husband
Nightbitch’s Husband
A nameless character representing an archetypal husband, his initial dismissal of Nightbitch's concerns reflects his rational yet disconnected nature. Over time, their relationship evolves as he becomes more supportive and engaged.
Jen
Jen
Initially seen as an embodiment of superficial suburban motherhood, her relationship with Nightbitch changes as they find common ground, leading to a deeper connection and collaboration.
288
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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