Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger

Susan Rieger’s third novel, Like Mother, Like Mother, is an intricate tapestry of family dynamics, ambition, and the weight of untold stories that shape generations. Following her previous works The Divorce Papers and The Heirs, Rieger delivers her most accomplished and emotionally resonant novel to date, though it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own complexity.

Plot and Narrative Structure

Set primarily in Detroit and Washington D.C., the novel spans from 1960 to 2024, following three generations of women bound by blood but separated by circumstance and choice. The story begins with two-year-old Lila Pereira’s mother being committed to an asylum by her abusive father, Aldo. This foundational trauma reverberates through decades as Lila rises to become the executive editor of The Washington Globe, leaving her own maternal duties largely to her husband Joe.

The narrative is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different woman:

• Lila’s ascent in journalism and complex relationship with motherhood
• Grace’s journey to understand her mother and family history
• The revelation of Zelda’s fate and its impact on all involved

Character Development and Relationships

The Central Women

Rieger excels at creating multifaceted female characters who defy easy categorization. Lila Pereira emerges as a fascinating study in contrast—brilliant and determined professionally, yet deliberately distant as a mother. Her character feels authentic rather than aspirational, which makes her both more compelling and more frustrating.

Grace, the youngest daughter and primary narrator, carries the emotional weight of the story. Her evolution from resentful child to investigative journalist mirrors her mother’s professional path while highlighting their fundamental differences. The parallel is clever without being heavy-handed.

Supporting Cast

The novel benefits from a rich ensemble cast, particularly:

• Joe Maier, whose patient devotion provides necessary warmth
• The “Starbird” twins, Stella and Ava, who offer interesting counterpoints to Grace
• Ruth McGowan, Grace’s friend and moral compass
• Clara, Lila’s sister, whose quiet strength becomes increasingly central

Themes and Symbolism

Maternal Legacy

The book’s title perfectly encapsulates its central preoccupation—the ways mothers shape daughters, whether present or absent. Rieger explores this theme with nuance, avoiding simple conclusions about good or bad mothering.

Truth and Memory

The question of what really happened to Zelda drives the plot, but the novel’s deeper interest lies in how family stories are constructed and maintained. The truth, when revealed, proves both simpler and more complex than expected.

Writing Style and Technical Execution

Rieger’s prose is sharp and efficient, reflecting her protagonist Lila’s journalistic background. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, especially in newsroom scenes. However, the multiple timelines and perspectives occasionally create confusion, particularly in the novel’s middle section.

Strengths

1. Exceptional characterization, especially of complex female relationships
2. Masterful integration of journalism and family drama
3. Nuanced exploration of ambition versus domestic responsibilities
4. Strong sense of time and place across multiple decades

Areas for Improvement

1. Some plot threads feel underdeveloped
2. The pacing occasionally lags, especially in the middle sections
3. The resolution might strike some readers as too neat
4. Certain characters could be more fully realized

Historical Context and Relevance

The novel successfully captures changing attitudes toward women’s roles from the 1960s through the present day. Rieger’s background in law and academia enriches her portrayal of professional women’s struggles across generations.

Comparison to Similar Works

Like Mother, Like Mother shares DNA with other multigenerational family sagas like Ann Patchett’s Commonwealth and Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You, but brings its own unique focus on journalism and female ambition. Fans of Meg Wolitzer’s The Female Persuasion will find similar themes explored from a different angle.

Impact and Resonance

The novel raises important questions about:

• The price of female ambition
• The nature of family loyalty
• The impact of secrets across generations
• The relationship between truth and healing

Final Verdict

Like Mother, Like Mother is a compelling addition to the contemporary literary landscape. While not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Rieger has created a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics that will resonate with readers long after the final page.

Ideal Reader Profile

This book will particularly appeal to:

• Fans of literary family dramas
• Readers interested in women’s issues and journalism
• Those who enjoy multilayered narratives
• Anyone grappling with maternal relationships or family secrets

Further Reading Recommendations

If you enjoyed this book, consider:

• The Heirs by Susan Rieger
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
• Writers & Lovers by Lily King
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

Conclusion

Like Mother, Like Mother demonstrates Rieger’s growth as a novelist and her ability to tackle complex themes with sophistication. Despite some minor flaws, it stands as a significant achievement in contemporary literary fiction, offering a nuanced exploration of family, ambition, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and where we come from.