Review: Matthew Dicks' novel deals with a mother imposter
Thirteen-year-old Michael wakes up one day to discover that the woman in the kitchen looks and speaks exactly like his mother, but somehow, she is not his mother
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.“The Other Mother” by Matthew Dicks (St. Martin’s Press)
In “The Other Mother” by Matthew Dicks, 13-year-old Michael wakes up one day to discover something mysterious about the woman in the kitchen making his breakfast. She looks and speaks exactly like his mother, but somehow, she is not his mother. Michael is that somehow, this person in the kitchen has kidnapped his mother, replicated her exactly, and replaced her.
No one else in Michael’s family seems to notice, not his brother, not his sister, and not his stepdad. He is left to figure out what to do on his own. As he navigates this terrifying situation, he must also deal with challenges he is facing at school, a deep secret he’s been holding about the death of his father, and the sudden attention he is receiving from the pretty girl next door.
It is nearly impossible to put down “The Other Mother ” Michael is a captivating narrator. His voice is strong, raw, and unique, and through all of his trials and tribulations, his big heart continues to shine through as he fights for the people he loves — and also for himself. The rest of the characters are equally complex, dynamic and loveable.
Filled with emotion, pain, and joy, “The Other Mother” is well worth the read.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.