A sharp, intelligent, playfully transgressive novel-of-ideas that explores the way power, gender and tradition shape modern motherhood.
Nightbitch's protagonist, an artist-turned-fulltime-parent, is home with her two-year-old son, struggling with solitude, exhaustion and monotony, even while she feels profound love for her child. Then, over the course of the summer, she experiences a strange metamorphosis (the clue is in the title) which complicates her situation in outrageous ways, whilst also setting her free.
In probing the tensions inherent in paid vs unpaid labour, care of others vs self-expression, intellect vs play, NIGHTBITCH brings a fresh voice to conversation that is in no danger of drying up. It is cleverly structured read, wildly enjoyable, oddly cathartic, and it plays smartly with expectations.
