Marie Chow
Mothers, Mistresses and Wives
Nine stories of Asian-American women defined by their roles as mothers, daughters, mistresses, and wives.
Unwell
- Pages
- 306
- Published
- January 7, 2014
- ISBN
- 978-1494941208
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How do you tell your child that you won’t be there when they grow up? Unwell is the raw, honest story of a mother who writes to her unborn child, sharing her decision of choosing not to be a mother. She doesn’t choose abortion. Nor does she consider adoption. Instead, she decides to give her child a fighting chance in life, without the angst and drama that’s shaped her own bittersweet life.
With a poignant lack of emotion, the young mother shares her life story. As the child of Asian parents who moved to America early in her life, the mother shares how her life disintegrated after her parents’ divorce. From upper middle class suburban to sharing her mean aunt’s house to a one bedroom apartment in a shabby neighborhood, this mother endures the indignity that comes with the change of status. From her father’s absence to her mother becoming a married man’s mistress, her story reads like a tragic Victorian novel set in the 21st century — but that’s where the similarity ends. She is definitely not a shy country miss, and she certainly did not take the easy way out.
This story chronicles the life of a woman who fought for everything she got, faced her demons, and made the hard choices. Her fortitude and candor are disarming, her avant-garde views strangely endearing.
What readers are saying
★★★★★
“A wonderful novel about life, relationships, and the emotional realities of choice and consequence. … She has a rare talent for creating a compelling story, writing in a personal style that places the reader inside the thoughts of the protagonist, expressing her joys and struggles in heart-wrenching honesty.”
★★★★★
“This is a fascinating read that I would recommend to those who are mothers and even for those who question whether or not they should have children. I read it in one sitting!”
★★★★★
“This is an interesting read with fascinating insights into different cultures and their quirks and perceptions.”
★★★★★
“So, I guess I'll just say that this was a hard to put down book … the author was very good at making the reader feel the unease and unhappiness in the woman.”
★★★★★
“Unwell is beautifully and evocatively written. … It is by no means a happy or lighthearted book, but has a haunting beauty to it.”
★★★★★
“The author, Marie Chow, is a talented and unwavering writer. I've never read something so powerful. The book will hit you like a brick wall yet you won't be able to put it down.”
★★★★★
“Told in the first person narrative, the reluctant mother-to-be chronicles her difficult life story in a haunting, raw, and honest style that takes the reader on an emotional journey.”
★★★★★
“It’s a very touching, realistic and raw story, and quite captivating throughout.”
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