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Are you my mother? by Alison Bechdel
Posted: 14 Jul 2016, 11:11
by gaporter
Are you my mother? is a comic drama by Alison Bechdel. It's not your standard comic book that's focused on heros and villians or humor. It's an illustrated memoir about a woman applying psychoanalytic theories to her relationship with her mother and therapists. The mother does not appear to be outright abusive or neglectful, but nonetheless, the relationship seems strained and unsatisfying while still maintaining a mutual love. I find the story and revelations to be very relatable. Despite being very specific about her own life and relationships, the themes and emotions are most likely universal and may appeal to a large number of readers.
I plan to reread this book a few more times and I will investigate further into the writings of the therapists and writers that are quoted. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for something thought provoking or wants to explore why certain relationships in their life feel slightly off. The illustrations are simple yet convey emotion and flow seamlessly with the introspective writing. The only complaint I have is that sometimes the timelines got a little confusing by jumping around.
Re: Are you my mother? by Alison Bechdel
Posted: 14 May 2017, 00:48
by CarrieMe
When I saw the title, my first thought was of the cute children's book by the same name, but this sounds great too in a totally different way!
Re: Are you my mother? by Alison Bechdel
Posted: 05 Jun 2017, 22:41
by gaporter
The title of this book is actually based on the Dr. Seuss book! There is a section at the end using the children's story as a metaphor for some psychological principles. It's really interesting!
Re: Are you my mother? by Alison Bechdel
Posted: 26 May 2018, 13:18
by courtneymcreative
gaporter wrote: ↑14 Jul 2016, 11:11
I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for something thought provoking or wants to explore why certain relationships in their life feel slightly off. The illustrations are simple yet convey emotion and flow seamlessly with the introspective writing. The only complaint I have is that sometimes the timelines got a little confusing by jumping around.
Bechdel is great at referencing other works and philosophers in her stories.
I started reading Are you my Mother? but never finished. I read her first book, Fun Home first, which in my opinion is much better. It takes place before Are you my Mother , mostly set during Bechdel's childhood and into her college years, and is more focused on her father. It was also turned into a musical. Have you read Fun Home ? I'm curious to know your opinions of it if so.
Re: Are you my mother? by Alison Bechdel
Posted: 10 Feb 2019, 19:17
by BelleReadsNietzsche
I read this too! I agree with Courtney when she writes,
courtneymcreative wrote: ↑26 May 2018, 13:18
gaporter wrote: ↑14 Jul 2016, 11:11 Fun Home first, which in my opinion is much better.
However, I still found this one interesting, especially as someone whose mother tries to love but is so full of her own stuff/narcissistic tendencies in spite of herself, that it can be difficult to have an authentic relationship with her. This made this book relevant and interesting to me, despite the greater wordiness/academic nature of it, more difficult structure, etc.
Fun Home left me frustrated, even angry, with Alison's dad. This book seemed to me to "balance that out" a bit also. Alison's mom wasn't so perfect either...