The School for Good Mothers: A Novel

"Should the government have a say in what makes someone a good mother? Jessamine Chan’s debut novel is a disturbing and thought-provoking look at government involvement in child welfare. The main character, Frida, is an overwhelmed single mom. After leaving her toddler home alone, Frida is sent to a dystopian facility designed to rehabilitate mothers. The program wears the women down so much that it’s nearly impossible for them to meet the government’s standard of near-perfection to regain custody of their children. It’s neither light nor cheery, but The School for Good Mothers stays with you long after the final page."