In Her Mother's Daughter, Marilyn French intricately crafts a saga of fate woven through the mother-daughter bond—a chain of legacy that persists, binding and shaping the lives of the women across several generations portrayed in her narrative. French zeroes in on how distinct experiences and emotional needs of these women ripple through time, deeply influencing their daughters and granddaughters, rather than considering motherhood as merely a universal human connection.

Exploring the mother-daughter relationship as a central theme in literature has been a rarity, regardless of the author's gender. The silence from female authors, in particular, is perplexing. Perhaps this relationship's profound resonance in women's inner worlds renders it a daunting subject to tackle, or possibly women have sensed that this theme falls outside the boundaries of what the literary establishment deemed acceptable.

The author captivated readers with her breathtaking novel, The Women's Room (1977), which cemented her reputation as a force in the women's movement. Yet, in Her Mother's Daughter, the narrator's introspections about how her mother's hardships sculpted her own existence delve more deeply into the realms of Sigmund Freud and Benjamin Spock than feminist critique. This expansive psychological perspective undeniably enhances the book's widespread appeal. Through a rich tapestry of events, the narrative delivers frequent "shocks of recognition" that resonate profoundly with almost all female readers. While specific events may differ, they are woven together by the shared threads of a daughter's yearning for her mother's affection and approval, entwined with a mother's sorrow over her perceived inadequacy in nurturing her daughters.

The novel deftly delves into the intricate tapestry of women's lives, exploring the entanglements and rewards found within the realms of children, men, and work. Men, in this narrative, bear the brunt of criticism: their demands are depicted as overwhelming, while their contributions seem to shrink to mere financial obligation and biological parenthood. However, the complexities of work and motherhood are painted with a more tender hand by French.

A career can be a path to personal fulfillment and a gateway to independence and ethical autonomy. Still, for many, like Belle, the narrator's mother, it devolves into relentless tedium, as seen in her monotonous hours of crafting boxes and hats. Meanwhile, other professions can strip a person of their humanity, transforming them into mechanical greeters, as evidenced by Brad, the narrator's first husband, whose soul is swallowed by the real estate industry.

The bonds of motherhood are depicted as all-embracing, fundamentally molding and nurturing each woman's essence. Yet, alongside this nurturing, they inevitably bring pain. This cycle of suffering and sustenance does not merely travel in a solitary direction; it echoes throughout the generational lineage, reaching out to sisters and female companions too. In this way, French skillfully connects the dots between the "motherhood is sacred" narrative and the career-driven facets of contemporary feminism, which have branched apart as the movement has evolved.

A Journey of Immigrant Families

An underlying theme woven through the narrative is the story of immigrant families carving out their niche in the fabric of mainstream America. Taking center stage is the narrator's grandmother, Frances, who embarked on her journey to Ellis Island from Poland at the tender age of thirteen. Although she was "not a peasant," as her descendants fervently assure themselves, she was still a young woman trembling with fear and innocence. Frances's existence unfolds in the delicate balance "between two cultures," while her daughter Belle adeptly embraces the new world.

Belle's transformation is remarkable. She evolves from a mere "girl" in a sweatshop to an art school student, and further metamorphoses from a Depression Era housewife cramped in a...

One of the most striking features of the narrative is its clever dual sequence structure, unfolding the story in a captivating interplay. Belle's life unfolds in echoes, interwoven with the parallel experiences of her daughter, Anastasia, at similar junctures. Anastasia, with a vibrant first-person voice, narrates her story, while Belle’s tale is recounted from the more detached third-person perspective. This creative juxtaposition invites readers to draw parallels between the distinct yet intertwined childhoods of mother and daughter.

Romantic pursuits, the trials of newly-wed financial woes, and other universal life events are meticulously mirrored, highlighting the shared tapestry of female experience without succumbing to simplistic biological narratives. Adding another layer of intrigue, French employs a subtle circular motif—unique events resurface across generations. A delightful example is how each generation of children in the family is inevitably cast in school plays, playing the whimsical role of teeth.