it’s complicated: mother-child relationships
Fiction & nonfiction books that explore the complexities and traumas of mother-child relationships or in which such relationships play a central role. While many books on this list are what I’d classify as including “mommy issues” there are others that are more about the different perspectives and nuances of the mother-child (often specifically mother-daughter) relationship. Some books center the child, some the mother, some both.
Suggestions are welcome.
created by honeydijon
last updated June, 2026
Comments
been looking for recs like this, i so appreciate you putting this together 💛
i think off the top of my head the plans i have for you would fit this list too!
Ah yay!! I’m happy to help you find books in this realm! I will definitely add the one you suggested 💕
May I suggest The Autobiography of my Mother by Jamaica Kincaid? It’s soo perfect for this theme. It explores both a literal mother-daughter relationship, as well as a metaphorical one to her mother country (Dominica) and her Indigenous vs. colonial heritage in a postcolonial setting.
This recommendation sounds incredible!! Thank you so much! I’ve added it to the list and I’m going to have to add it to my TBR 🙂↕️
oh what a cool list! The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan might fit, although it does have a more positive/uplifting message about the mother-daughter relationships as a whole haha
Thank you so much! 🥰 and thanks for the recommendation! I added it! Not all of these books Ive included end in a negative perspective of the mother-child relationship, so I think as long as it captures the relationship and provides insight and context, it belongs on this list!
This is a great list! A book I read recently as an arc— Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim would be perfect for this! It’s all about multi-generational mother-daughter relationships :)
Thank you! 😊 and thank you for the recommendation, that sounds great! Adding!
I'd like to humbly suggest Disco Mama by Tiffany Meuret ☺️
I think Severance would make a good addition to this list. There was definitely a heavy mother daughter theme that was explored throughout the book. This list was speaking to me while I was listening to the book.
Oooh okay!! Thank you! Adding it right now!
It might not be exactly what you’re looking for, but Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman comes to mind. It’s a young adult novel about a teenage girl trying to get away from her mother, who is emotionally abusive. Although it’s also about other things, the main character’s relationship with her mother plays a big role in the story.
That definitely fits for this list! Thank you for the suggestion! Adding it now.
Oooh, great list! The first book I thought of was The Push by Ashley Audrain, absolutely chilling psychological thriller about the traumas mothers pass on to their daughters
Thank you! That sounds great 👀 added!
