63 pages • 2 hours read
The School for Good Mothers
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2022
Simon & Schuster
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Jessamine Chan's dystopian novel The School for Good Mothers, Frida's one parenting mistake causes her to lose custody of her daughter, Harriet, and she is sent to a year-long, live-in rehabilitation program by Child Protective Services where she learns to be a "good" mother under extreme conditions with AI dolls resembling their real children, ultimately undergoing emotional and psychological challenges to regain her child's custody.
Unnerving
Dark
Contemplative
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
126,414 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In her debut novel The School for Good Mothers, Jessamine Chan delivers a powerful exploration of parental expectations and systemic control. Praised for its gripping narrative and emotional depth, the book has also faced criticism for its pacing and some underdeveloped elements. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and timely examination of motherhood.
Who Should Read The School for Good Mothers?
A reader captivated by dystopian tales exploring motherhood, societal expectations, and personal freedom would enjoy The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro would find similar thematic intensity and ethical dilemmas.
126,414 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Harriet
Harriet
Frida's young daughter, who is under two years old when Frida loses joint custody of her.
Gust
Gust
Frida's ex-husband and the father of Harriet, who initially shares custody with Frida before CPS intervenes.
Susanna
Susanna
Gust's new girlfriend and later wife, who becomes involved in co-parenting Harriet.
Renee
Renee
Frida’s divorce lawyer and friend, who advises her throughout her legal troubles.
Frida’s Parents
Frida’s Parents
Retired Chinese immigrant economics professors who are involved in Frida's life and provide support.
Will
Will
Gust’s best friend and Harriet's godfather, who has a complex relationship with Frida.
The Other Mothers
The Other Mothers
An ensemble group of women attending the school, representing diverse backgrounds with various struggles.
Emmanuelle
Emmanuelle
The A.I. doll assigned to Frida to practice parenting skills at the school.
Tucker
Tucker
A man attending a similar institution for "bad" fathers, who becomes a friend and potential romantic interest for Frida.
336
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2022
Simon & Schuster
Adult
18+ years
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