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The Mother

By: Jane Caro
Narrated by: Jessica Douglas-Henry
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Publisher's Summary

She would die for her daughter. But could she kill for her?

Just like the garden, the fuse box, the bills, bin night and blown light bulbs, this was just something else she'd now have to take care of herself.

Recently widowed, Miriam Duffy is a respectable North Shore real estate agent and devoted mother and grandmother. She was thrilled when her younger daughter, Ally, married her true love, but as time goes by, Miriam wonders whether all is well with Ally, as she moves to the country and gradually withdraws, finding excuses every time Miriam offers to visit. Their relationship has always had its ups and downs, and Miriam tries to give her daughter the distance she so clearly wants. But is all as it seems?

When the truth of her daughter’s situation is revealed, Miriam watches in disbelief as Ally and her children find themselves increasingly vulnerable and cut off from the world. As the situation escalates and the law proves incapable of protecting them, Miriam is faced with an unthinkable decision. But she will do anything for the people she loves most in the world. Wouldn’t you?

©2022 Jane Caro (P)2022 W. F. Howes Ltd

Critic Reviews

"The vivid and gripping tale of a young family in danger and the mother who will do anything to save them. Passionate, vivid and unsettling, this heart-stopping tale had me transfixed." (Suzanne Leal, author of The Teacher’s Secret)

"Chillingly authentic, dark and exhilarating." (Juanita Phillips)

"Devastating...heartbreaking...compassionate and empowering." (Karen Viggers)

What listeners say about The Mother

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Searing tale of coercive control

I’ve always liked Jane Caro as a media commentator and all-round wise woman, but this novel makes me like her even more. The story starts off almost banal, as the characters go about their domestic lives, but their situations deteriorate as coercive control rears its ugly head. The reader could understand the utter frustration and loss of control of the female characters until the story comes to its devastating conclusion. A very worthwhile read, Thanks Jane.
PS I tried to rate this book with 5 in every category, but the computer program wouldn’t let me.

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Compelling story ripped from the headlines

The characters brought me into the story and as I grew to know her I liked Miriam and her perspective on life. As the story developed and took a turn I was invested. A good summer read.

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Saved by a few surprises

I found part one frustratingly slow; it was clear where the story was heading and I just wanted to get there. And why the crowd around the not and baby at the hospital? Maybe I skipped through the explanation! Part 2 was much more the suspense and drama I was hoping for so I'm glad I plugged on. The narrator was also easy to listen to.

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I loved this!

From start to end i could not put this down! Absolutely loved it. Fabulous story!

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Raised important Domestic Violence Issues

Excellent story about family dynamics and a mother’s love for her family and what lengths she will go to protect them. Raised issues of domestic violence issues and its complexities. Thoroughly enjoyed this well written and narrated book.

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Suspenseful

Good story. Up to date subject seen in the media often. Held my breath a few times wondering whether there was going to be a sad outcome.

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The Mother by Jane Caro

This story was relevant to me on many different levels and of the love for a women's children.

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Hard to hear but worth it

Narrator very good.
Story is not unheard before but I really liked the mothers view. How complex it was from her perspective. Too horribly close to reality sadly but a really worthwhile story.

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Thoroughly enjoyed this

A timely narrative well told. Without spoiling the plot, I was a little concerned when the second half started to individualise/psychologise what is so obviously a deep social issue, but that did not sunder my enjoyment of this important addition to the literary register. Is there nothing that Jane Caro cannot do?!

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Insightful

This story is all too common, a tragedy in slow motion. Written with insightfulness, love and quiet anger.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.