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.

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

Jessamine Chan

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The School for Good Mothers Summary and Study Guide

Background

The School for Good Mothers Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The School for Good Mothers Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The School for Good Mothers Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-10

The School for Good Mothers Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-14

The School for Good Mothers Chapters 11-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-18

The School for Good Mothers Chapters 15-18 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The School for Good Mothers Character Analysis

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Themes

The School for Good Mothers Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The School for Good Mothers Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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The School for Good Mothers

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