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 April, 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 💕
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!
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 🙂↕️
I'd like to humbly suggest Disco Mama by Tiffany Meuret ☺️
