this book left me paralyzed. it’s about generational trauma passed from mother to daughter, abuse that takes the form of “taming” and reliance.
the beginning of the book seems grounded in reality and the discussions of feminine rage. of feeling underappreciated and overworked and having more problems on top of that. the deep boiling anger at the female condition. the intense molten rage at being raised by someone who should have protected you but both feared and loved you. acts of what could be some kind of care actually being detrimental. abuse.
“you had it good. my childhood was so much worse.”
fuuuuck dude. mothers pouring their trauma into their daughters, layering it by becoming trauma. it resonated with me, despite not being a mother myself— i have an indescribable fear of having children, despite my incredible desire to have some. because i fear the curse of my mother. “my mother told me that she hoped i would have a daughter just like me. and i hope you have a daughter just like you. it’s a curse.” the trauma this dug up made me want to go back to therapy but at the same time it was cathartic to see the cycle get broken in the book.
