I skipped this novel when it came out a couple years ago. Things I Wish I Told My Mother is one of the selections for today’s book group at the library, and it’s the one I chose to read. It’s the story of a fraught mother/daughter relationship. But, Paris! A good deal of the book is set in Paris.
After Dr. Liz Ormson ends up in the hospital, her daughter Laurie Margolis panics. The two have never had a close relationship. Now, Dr. Liz is threatening to leave the hospital the day after she had a heart attack. To appease her mother, Laurie suggests a two-week trip to Paris and Oslo. Then, she wonders what she got herself into. She can’t imagine spending two weeks in close proximity to her ob-gyn mother. She may be famous and respected worldwide, but even as a woman close to forty, Laurie feels as if her mother disapproves of her. But, Dr. Liz perks up when her daughter suggests they travel together.
After her unexpected divorce, Laurie sought out a therapist, and, throughout the trip she imagines what she would say to Esther about her mother. The two enjoyed shopping and high-class hotels and restaurants in Paris. But, they had two major meltdowns on the trip. One involved a British man that Laurie met on the trip. Her mother felt as if he was using her. The other involved Dr. Liz’ ungrateful response when Laurie made plans for the two to reunite with Liz’ family in Norway, including a sister Liz hasn’t seen in fifty years.
Things I Wish I Told My Mother was an easy read, predictable, but with a twist at the end. However, the twist worked. l liked the story of a mother/daughter relationship, although it’s nothing like mine. And, I loved the scenes in Paris, including the parts about the food in the restaurants, and the various sites. I’ll be interested to see what the librarian and other readers have to say about the book today.
Things I Wish I Told My Mother by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo with James Patterson. Little, Brown and Company, 2023. 320p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
