Today in the UK we are celebrating Mothers day. The mother-daughter relationship particualry can be a complex and intricate thing, and I guess this is why it is so often at the heart of novels. To celebrate mothers everywhere and in all their differing guises, for better or worse, these are some of the fictional mothers who have entertained me over the years.
Mrs Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A dreadful woman really, so intent on marrying off her daughters to the richest man to take them, with it would seem little concern for their happiness. And yet there is something about her I cannot help but like. I appreciate she must have been a night mare to live with but she does provide some of the most comic moments in one of my favourite novels.
Marilla Cuthbert from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montomgery
The gorgeous Marilla, becomes mother to the fiery red headed orphan Anne. Despite Marissa’s seemingly strict ways and exasperation with Annes constant chatter and dreamy ways, she shows her deep motherly love and fierce protection
Mum in Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud
Selfish, self centred and little regard for the well being oh her children is one way of viewing the mum in this novel who takes her children off to Morrocco with little means on which to survive. They live in a hippie commune, beg on the streets and meet all sorts of suspect characters. And yet I can’t help having some admiration for the mum who on her own, steps out of ordinary life and gives her children an experience which they will never forget and will likely shape their adult years for the better.
Grandma from Have the Men Had Enough by Margaret Forster
Grandma is a force to be reckoned with even in the years when she is addled by dementia. Her family still rally around her, they love her and fear her in equal measure, a legacy to her devotion to them over the years and also the lasting influence that all mothers have.
Mrs March from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Mrs March has four daughters to support whilst her husband is away at work. She works tirelessly for the poor, she appears to have endless patience and strength and always has time for her childrens troubles. She encourages her daughters to be educated and self sufficient and stands by them throughout. A text book mother!
Cordelia Grinstead from The Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler
Cordelia is 40 years old when on a beach holiday dressed only in a swimsuit she turns away from the beach and walks away from her family without looking back. I’m not a mother but I imagine that every mother must have a moment when they just want to walk away and not look back, if even for a moment!
To all mothers every where (but especially mine) have a very HAPPY MOTHERS DAY xx
Thankyou Angie. Lots of love