63 pages • 2-hour read
Jessamine ChanA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
336
Novel • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Modern Classic FictionContemporary
•
Mental Health•
Science & Technology2022
Simon & Schuster
Adult
18+ years
In Jessamine Chan's dystopian novel The School for Good Mothers, Frida's one parenting mistake causes her to lose custody of her daughter, Harriet, and she is sent to a year-long, live-in rehabilitation program by Child Protective Services where she learns to be a "good" mother under extreme conditions with AI dolls resembling their real children, ultimately undergoing emotional and psychological challenges to regain her child's custody.
Unnerving
Dark
Contemplative
Emotional
Challenging
126,414 ratings
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In her debut novel The School for Good Mothers, Jessamine Chan delivers a powerful exploration of parental expectations and systemic control. Praised for its gripping narrative and emotional depth, the book has also faced criticism for its pacing and some underdeveloped elements. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and timely examination of motherhood.
A reader captivated by dystopian tales exploring motherhood, societal expectations, and personal freedom would enjoy The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro would find similar thematic intensity and ethical dilemmas.
126,414 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Frida's young daughter, who is under two years old when Frida loses joint custody of her.
Frida's ex-husband and the father of Harriet, who initially shares custody with Frida before CPS intervenes.
Gust's new girlfriend and later wife, who becomes involved in co-parenting Harriet.
Frida’s divorce lawyer and friend, who advises her throughout her legal troubles.
Retired Chinese immigrant economics professors who are involved in Frida's life and provide support.
Gust’s best friend and Harriet's godfather, who has a complex relationship with Frida.
An ensemble group of women attending the school, representing diverse backgrounds with various struggles.
The A.I. doll assigned to Frida to practice parenting skills at the school.
A man attending a similar institution for "bad" fathers, who becomes a friend and potential romantic interest for Frida.
336
Novel • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Modern Classic FictionContemporary
•
Mental Health•
Science & Technology2022
Simon & Schuster
Adult
18+ years
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