Roman Clodia's Reviews > Elena Knows

... you're going to have to be your mother's mother, Rita, because Elena we know is going to be a baby.

This is a slow-burn of a novella but the last third packs a real emotional punch, especially for anyone of that age when caring for aged parents is an increasing practical and emotional burden. Dare I say, this role of caregiver still seems to fall disproportionately on daughters and this is the first fiction I've read which tackles the issue head on, with few qualms.

There are also broader issues of motherhood explored: the difficulties that can ensue between mothers and daughters, the stigmatising of women who don't want children - but these are increasingly being written about (at last) and discussed as part of a more public debate.

The tone of this book is grimmer than the only other Piñeiro I've read (Betty Boo) and you definitely shouldn't go into this expecting any kind of crime novel. Readers who dislike a free-flow narrative without speech marks and which eases between thoughts, exposition and direct speech may want to be wary.

But, ultimately, only 3 stars for me because I found the first two sections, however short, dragged with repetition though it's essential we read them to understand the final section which is searing and daring. A brief book but one with the courage to delve into some of the hidden pressures that can explode in families.