I tried really hard to get into this one, but I just wasn't able to. I am still really thankful to the publisher, author, and netgalley for granting me advanced access to this digital collection before publication day.

While the writing is good, and it's clear that it was written by a professional, MONSTERS, MARTYRS, AND MARIONETTES didn't examine motherhood in a way that I found enlightening or particularly insightful. These essays didn't go as far as I expected. The collection was described as "deeply moving," but it didn't say much that I thought was profound or deep. That's not to say that I didn't learn or appreciate anything, but despite being pretty vulnerable, the book was also quite vapid; I struggled to find a significant point in some of the essays.

Gruber describes her pregnancies and experiences with her three young daughters in a detailed, raw, stream-of-consciousness style. She also hints at the complexities within marriage after children and the ways partners change as individuals once they're parents. It was refreshing to see a mother describe the joys of parenting alongside how isolating and emotionally draining it can be. Ultimately, MONSTERS, MARTYRS, AND MARIONETTES is a book that is too well-written for me to rate very low, but I can't say I enjoyed or took from it as much as I hoped I would.

*This review is based on a digital advance copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions are 100% mine.

This was a very raw take on motherhood. I was appreciative for the opportunity to read it. I was grateful to be given the opportunity to read it.

Gruber's essay collection is a raw and revelatory journey into the heart of motherhood, in contrast to the sugar-coated narratives often portrayed by the mainstream media and on Instagram etc. Gruber doesn't shy away from the complexities and contradictions that come with motherhood. Through the birth and early years of her daughters, she navigates the reader through an intimate exploration of her experiences, which will resonate with many. The essays examine the emotional toll of being a mother, at the same time that her own mother is starting to deteriorate.

The writing style is both sharp and tender, filled with tiny moments of beauty amidst the chaos that is life. This essay collection is a powerful, eye-opening read for anyone interested in the realities of motherhood beyond the idyllic, often alienating, portrayals on social media. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a more nuanced understanding of motherhood.

Monsters, Martyrs, and Marionettes: Essays on Motherhood by Adrienne Gruber is an interesting and thought-provoking non-fiction book about parenting and being a woman and the challenges of life.