What My Mother and I Don't Talk About Summary
"What My Mother and I Don't Talk About" is a collection of essays edited by Michele Filgate that explores the complex relationships between mothers and their children. The book features contributions from a diverse group of writers, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of motherhood. The audiobook version of this work provides an engaging and emotional listening experience that is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and difficulties of familial relationships.
At its core, "What My Mother and I Don't Talk About" is a book about the power of silence in our relationships with those we love. Filgate has gathered a range of voices to share their stories, from bestselling authors like Alexander Chee and Leslie Jamison to emerging writers like Kiese Laymon and Nayomi Munaweera. Through their essays, readers are taken on a journey through the complex, often fraught terrain of mother-child relationships.
The audiobook version of this work is particularly effective at conveying the emotional weight of these stories. Each essay is read by a different narrator, allowing listeners to hear the voices of the authors as they share their personal experiences. From the quiet, introspective tone of Leslie Jamison's "Loving in Los Angeles" to the powerful, urgent voice of Kiese Laymon's "Da Art of Storytellin’ (A Prequel)," the audiobook captures the nuances of each writer's voice and style.
One of the standout essays in the collection is "Matricide" by Carmen Maria Machado. In it, Machado recounts the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of her mother, culminating in a violent confrontation that left her with deep emotional scars. Machado's essay is a raw, powerful exploration of the ways in which trauma can shape our relationships with those closest to us.
Another essay that stands out in the audiobook is "On Not Being Able to Write" by Alexander Chee. In it, Chee reflects on his strained relationship with his mother and the ways in which her expectations and demands impacted his ability to write. Chee's essay is a poignant meditation on the sacrifices we make for those we love, and the toll that those sacrifices can take on us over time.
Perhaps the most affecting essay in the collection is "Thanksgiving in Mongolia" by Ariel Levy. In it, Levy recounts the harrowing experience of losing her child while on assignment in Mongolia. The essay is a gut-wrenching exploration of grief, loss, and the complicated emotions that come with motherhood. Listening to Levy's words, one can feel the weight of her grief, the anger and frustration that she feels towards her own body and the world around her.
Overall, the audiobook version of "What My Mother and I Don't Talk About" is a powerful, emotional listening experience. The collection of essays is expertly curated, offering a wide range of perspectives on the complicated, often fraught relationships between mothers and their children. The narrators bring these essays to life, capturing the unique voice and style of each author. Whether you are a mother or a child, or simply someone looking to explore the complexities of familial relationships, this audiobook is a must-listen.
