The novel is a captivating, dark, yet ultimately optimistic satire that delves into the multifaceted experience of motherhood. Amidst a sea of narratives exploring the complexities of being a mother, this story stands out as a breath of fresh air. It navigates the gendered politics of parenting in a surreal, absurd, and grotesque space.
The central character is a young mother grappling with the challenges of her newfound maternal responsibilities in what appears to be a typical American suburb. Financial constraints force her to abandon her job in the arts, leaving her to bear the burden of full-time childcare and household duties. Her husband’s long working hours and frequent trips contribute to her sense of isolation and exhaustion. In contrast to the seemingly perfect lives of other mothers she encounters, ‘the mother’ feels out of place, struggling with societal expectations and the demands of domesticity.
What sets this narrative apart is the unique twist – the Mother undergoes a gradual transformation into a dog as a manifestation of her emotional and hormonal frustrations. This canine metamorphosis unfolds in stages, from the growth of patches and a bush between her legs to the development of raised, nipple-like spots on her back, accompanied by barking and snarling. The transformations mostly occur at night or when hidden from view, allowing her to revert to her human form during the day.
The story takes an unexpected turn when the Mother develops an appetite for other animals during her feral moments, culminating in a shocking act of killing her own cat. Despite the bizarre nature of her transformation, the narrative maintains a humorous tone, especially when her son casually introduces her as a dog to his father.
As the mother embraces her canine identity, her husband surprisingly accepts and explores this new version of his wife, reigniting their sexual passion. Even in the social realm, those who previously judged her now view her ‘difference’ as a liberating force. The story challenges conventional notions of motherhood and celebrates individuality, presenting a message that there is no singular way to be a mother.
The narrative employs a subversive energy and a distinct voice that sets it apart from conventional explorations of maternity, moving away from self-consolatory autofiction. The canine metamorphosis serves as a metaphor for motherhood as both an oppressive and highly creative space. ‘The mother’ feels constrained by her domestic role, yet the transformation provides her with a new skin that is tough, feral, predatory, and protective.
The author skillfully weaves together elements of mythology, portraying the Mother as a wild, complicated woman with strange yearnings. The metamorphosis is portrayed as both degrading and life-affirming, encapsulating the complexity of the maternal experience. The novel challenges the prevalent aestheticization and normalization of motherhood, delivering a liberating message that encourages embracing one’s instincts and individuality.