The Mothers (Rod Jones, Text)

In The Mothers, Rod Jones follows the descendants of one family through several generations via the outcomes of unintended pregnancies. With depth and insight, Jones explores maternal-filial love, whether biological or not, and the inner worlds of women faced with a surprise pregnancy: the hardships of their lives, the torture of decisions, the changing dynamic of their relationships, their desire to harbour children against harm and their fear of losing them. Secrets are long kept then ultimately revealed. The novel details specific periods in history, including post World War I, the 1950s and 1970s, and their social contexts, touching on work, politics and views on marriage and family. Set in Melbourne and its surrounds, it features suburbs such as Footscray, Essendon and Fitzroy, and their landmarks. Jones is the author of Julia Paradise, Prince of the Lillies, Billy Sunday, Nightpictures and Swan Bay. The Mothers, with its straightforward prose and rhythmic cadence, will suit general and literary readers who welcome a local setting and like to read about times past. 

Joanne Shiells is a former retail book buyer and editor of Books+Publishing