**Such a Good Mother** by **Helen Months Takhar** is a provocative, thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of motherhood, identity, and societal expectations. With a compelling premise and a rich emotional landscape, Takhar explores how one woman’s attempt to balance family life, ambition, and societal pressures forces her to confront uncomfortable truths about herself and her relationships. The book is layered with themes of guilt, sacrifice, and self-empowerment, making it an engaging read for those interested in deep character studies and moral dilemmas.

### Plot Overview:
The story revolves around **Nadia**, a woman who seems to have it all: a successful career, a loving family, and a perfect suburban life. However, the novel begins to peel back the surface to reveal the cracks in this seemingly perfect existence. Nadia is a mother of two young children, and while she is deeply devoted to them, she is also struggling with the weight of her responsibilities, the expectations placed on her as a "good mother," and the pressure of maintaining a career that demands her time and energy.

The tension escalates when Nadia’s seemingly idyllic life is upended by a series of challenges that force her to reassess everything she thought she knew about herself. Her relationships with her husband, her children, and even her closest friends are tested as she grapples with the growing sense of self-doubt and frustration. At the heart of the novel is Nadia’s internal conflict: the desire to be an ideal mother while also holding onto her individual identity and ambitions.

Through Nadia’s story, Takhar explores the contradictory nature of motherhood—how women can be seen as both selfless caregivers and selfish individuals when they prioritize their own needs. The novel’s exploration of societal judgment and the judgment we impose on ourselves makes it an intensely emotional and resonant read.

### Character Development:
Nadia is a multi-dimensional and deeply relatable protagonist. Takhar does an excellent job of presenting her as both likable and flawed, which makes her struggle incredibly real. As a mother, Nadia’s love for her children is evident, but her frustration and internal conflict about her own desires and ambitions are equally apparent. Throughout the novel, Nadia goes on a journey of self-discovery—challenging herself, questioning the expectations placed upon her, and coming to terms with her desires.

What stands out about Nadia’s character is the nuanced portrayal of motherhood as something that is neither inherently good nor bad. Her desire to balance everything—to be a loving mother, a successful career woman, and a happy wife—feels deeply human and relatable. Her imperfections make her all the more endearing, and her emotional growth throughout the novel is both painful and rewarding to witness.

The secondary characters in *Such a Good Mother* are well-drawn as well. Nadia’s husband, **Aaron**, represents a traditional figure of fatherhood, often presenting himself as supportive but not fully understanding the extent of Nadia’s emotional labor. The dynamic between them, particularly around their differing views on motherhood and career, is one of the driving forces of the story. Other characters, such as Nadia’s close friends and family, provide additional layers of tension and support, but they also challenge Nadia’s notions of what it means to be a good mother.

### Writing Style:
Helen Months Takhar’s writing is intimate, evocative, and engaging. She has a keen ability to convey complex emotions and relationships, and her prose is reflective of the internal turmoil that Nadia experiences. The pacing of the book is steady, with Takhar allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the character’s thoughts and dilemmas. There are moments of quiet reflection that are rich in emotional depth, interspersed with more dramatic, confrontational moments that move the plot forward.

The author excels at creating an emotional atmosphere that pulls readers into Nadia’s world, making them feel the weight of her decisions and the constant push and pull of conflicting desires. Takhar also explores the themes of motherhood with sensitivity and precision, avoiding stereotypes or easy judgments about the experience. Instead, she creates a layered narrative that shows how motherhood is a multifaceted and often contradictory journey.

### Themes:
1. **Motherhood and Identity**: The central theme of *Such a Good Mother* is the exploration of motherhood as both a source of immense love and identity, but also one of personal sacrifice and identity loss. Nadia’s struggle to reconcile her own desires with her responsibilities as a mother is a powerful narrative that many readers, particularly women, will relate to. The novel raises questions about what it means to be a "good mother" and challenges the often unrealistic standards society imposes on women in that role.

2. **Societal Expectations and Judgments**: Throughout the novel, Takhar delves into the societal pressures placed on women to be perfect mothers, perfect wives, and perfect professionals. The expectation to excel in all areas of life can be overwhelming, and the book highlights the toll that these expectations take on women’s mental and emotional health. Nadia’s experience reflects a larger conversation about how women are often judged based on their ability to meet societal standards, particularly when it comes to motherhood.

3. **Guilt and Sacrifice**: Nadia grapples with the constant tension between feeling guilty for not being able to do everything and sacrificing her own happiness in the process. The theme of sacrifice runs throughout the novel, with Nadia constantly giving of herself—whether emotionally or physically—while questioning if she is neglecting her own needs and dreams in the process. This theme is universal and speaks to the difficult choices many women must make in balancing family and personal desires.

4. **Self-Discovery and Empowerment**: As Nadia’s journey unfolds, she slowly comes to terms with who she is outside of her role as a mother. The novel highlights the importance of self-empowerment and taking ownership of one’s choices. Nadia’s growth is a reminder that women are more than just caregivers—they are individuals with their own desires, goals, and identities.

### Emotional Impact:
*Such a Good Mother* is an emotionally intense and introspective novel. The themes of motherhood, guilt, and self-worth are explored in a way that feels deeply personal and real. The emotional weight of Nadia’s struggles and decisions is palpable, and readers will likely feel her pain, frustration, and eventual sense of liberation as she comes to terms with her choices.

The book is not just about a mother’s journey, but about a woman’s journey to reclaim her sense of self amidst the chaos of daily life. There are moments of heartbreak, but also moments of empowerment and resolution that will leave readers with a sense of hope and understanding.

### Final Thoughts:
**Such a Good Mother** is a poignant, insightful exploration of motherhood, identity, and societal expectations. Helen Months Takhar has written a deeply relatable and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the pressures of balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibilities. Nadia’s journey is one of self-discovery, and her story will likely evoke powerful emotions for readers as they reflect on their own experiences with motherhood, guilt, and personal growth.

This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives, particularly those interested in stories about women’s lives, relationships, and personal growth. Fans of **Kristin Hannah’s *The Nightingale*** or **Liane Moriarty’s *Big Little Lies***, both of which explore the complexities of family dynamics and self-identity, will likely find *Such a Good Mother* to be an engaging and emotionally satisfying read.

Thank you Netgalley and HQ and sorry I took so long to read this.

I am in two minds about this book - I liked it / I didn't like it - this was because it was a little far fetched in places and just didn't sit right with me.
But I suppose its a story not real life.
Hence the 3 stars.

I couldn't read this as an ebook for some reason so will get it when it comes out! Sorry! (Leaving a 4 star review to be fair.)

I really enjoyed the synopsis on this one but was sadly disappointed and felt this was very unbelievable. Sadly not for me this one.

Books with the "moms/neighbor murder" trope can be a bit of a gamble for me, and this one lands right in the middle. The story kicks off with a bang but tends to unravel slowly after that, making it an average read overall.

Rosie O’Connell is juggling a lot—her son's struggles at Woolf Academy, a rocky marriage, and a chaotic home life, all while she works a dead-end job and feels like an outsider among the other mothers. These moms, known as The Circle, run the school and are led by the seemingly perfect Amala Kaur. They enjoy perks like exclusive business opportunities and social status in exchange for their contributions and involvement.

When one of The Circle members is found dead, Rosie is unexpectedly invited into their exclusive group. She hopes this new connection might turn things around for her family, but as she delves deeper, she starts to suspect that joining The Circle could be a huge mistake.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An enjoyable read overall, a little far fetched in places, but it is a fictional book after all!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for letting me review this ARC.

I loved this book! A twisty tale that keeps you gripped. So many twists towards the end i felt dizzy.
A great read.

A fascinating and heartbreaking book that was a completely emotional rollercoaster.
I would highly recommend if your looking for a book that will make you go through a thousand emotions

I absolutely loved this author's first novel so I was very excited to read this one. In my view it wasn't quite hitting the same notes but good read nonetheless. Very sharp observational skills and I love the writing. I would definitely read another book by this author.

I really thought I would enjoy this book. I had high expectations after hearing so many rave reviews, unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. I felt like it was slightly cheesy and just hard to get into. I ended up DNFing the book.

This book left me feeling so disappointed. The plot is so far fetched. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. I DNFed at 41%

Oh yes! This is exactly the kind of book we like.
How far would a mother go to get the very best for their child?
How far would they push their family in the pursuit of the 'perfect life'?
What would you sacrifice?
This was such a gripping, twisty read.

Really enjoyed this - will definitely be recommending and looking forward to the next one by this author!

I love this author. The author's unfiltered intensity returns, showcasing her remarkable ability to capture every human nuance with breathtaking precision. She weaves a narrative filled with situations and characters that elicit visceral reactions, presenting a story where each word holds significance and contributes to the narrative's excellence.

However, this time, the storyline struck me as somewhat implausible. It unfolds within a school environment where mothers are willing to go to extreme lengths to be part of the coveted 'inner circle,' all under the watchful eye of a leader—a true sociopath and narcissist. This character exudes shocking and vile qualities, creating a sense of both horror and fascination. Once these mothers enter 'the circle,' their lives are no longer their own.

While the plot may seem far-fetched, and it is, if you can overcome this aspect (as I did), you'll find yourself hanging on every word as the story progresses, delving deeper into darkness and reaching pitch-black intensity.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book takes readers through a mesmerising maze of secrets and lies. The intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists, paints a vivid picture of a world where nothing is as it seems.

A mother who is an outsider to the group of wealthy yummy mummies, tries to find her way inside the inner circle to get her son into a prestigious school and all it promises.

She attended the school in its previous guise and is still haunted by the taunts of her bullies, and the legacy of her father.

But the other mums are also harbouring their own secrets in a lethal power struggle.

An interesting and intriguing insight into motherhood. I love these kinds of books as they are always so real and raw. A true look at what it means, and what it takes to be a mother. An entertaining read, one that will stay with you for a while yet.

Thank you Netgally for the ARC.

Rose O'Connell will do anything to be the best mum for her son and one of those things is giving him the education she feels she didn't have. When The Woolfe opens Rose knows she must do anything to get him in there but to be truly part of The Woolfe she has to be part of The Circle. The inner sanctum of the elite parents that have the say on what and who goes at the school.

When one member of The Circle seemingly commits suicide Rose sees her chance to become of the the parents on the inside and grabs it with both hands. But just what has Rose joined and what is she wiling to sacrifice for The Circle and The Woolfe as it seems some people would kill for the chance.

I really enjoyed most of this and if you can see past some of the more far fetched parts and just let go it's a great read. Some of the characters are a little annoying especially Rose's husband. I would have loved to have given him a good shake. Rose was also a little frustrating in parts but came good in the end.

When Rose enrolls her young son in a new school she soon comes across The Circle. This is a group of school mums who all hold power - both in life and in the school.

I am so lucky that the school that my children go to is not like the one in the book. I have a lovely group of mum friends but the characters in this book were awful to each other. I thought it was written so very well and it really had me on edge throughout the book. I love the fact that it was such a twisty thriller - I really struggled to put this book down. This was my first book by this author but I’d definitely read more- so good.

Why did it take me so long to get to this book? It was AMAZING! Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. The ending had me speechless. Just fantastic.