Chouette

By: Claire Oshetsky

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

"Claire Oshetsky’s novel is a marvel: its language a joy, its imagination dizzying." (Rumaan Alam, New York Times best-selling author of Leave the World Behind)

An exhilarating, provocative novel of motherhood in extremis

Tiny is pregnant. Her husband is delighted. “You think this baby is going to be like you, but it’s not like you at all,” she warns him. “This baby is an owl-baby."

When Chouette is born small and broken-winged, Tiny works around the clock to meet her daughter’s needs. Left on her own to care for a child who seems more predatory bird than baby, Tiny vows to raise Chouette to be her authentic self. Even in those times when Chouette’s behaviors grow violent and strange, Tiny’s loving commitment to her daughter is unwavering. When she discovers that her husband is on an obsessive and increasingly dangerous quest to find a “cure” for their daughter, Tiny must decide whether Chouette should be raised to fit in or to be herself - and learn what it truly means to be a mother.

Arresting, darkly funny, and unsettling, Chouette is a brilliant exploration of ambition, sacrifice, perceptions of ability, and the ferocity of motherly love.

The Chouette audiobook features original music composed and performed by Claire Oshetsky’s daughter, Patricia Taxxon.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Claire Oshetsky (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

very wierd.

with that said-I didn't hate it. There were some really true and insightful parallels to parenthood . At times some very harsh ones. Writing was entertaining. I feel like the author had fun writing this. And also there may have been some hallucinations involved . Hahaha

Visceral and Evocative Story of Motherhood

The writing draws me into feeling what the character feels as she navigates a world that is slated against her.

Quirky and Fun take on Motherhood

Come to this book with a open mind and you won't be disappointed. It's quirky but that's what makes it special. As a mother I found it relateable and humorous. The author was able to lighten the roles and expectations many of create about what being a good mother means and how to achieve it. Combine Superb narration made for a one day listen.

Immersive

Few authors make me actually question my sanity and my reality in the way that this book had done to me. Completely unanticipated. Very engaging. Her writing style is frank and smart, which contrasts with the absurdism and makes the story even more intriguing. I just wish the ending were more in line with the rest of the book as it seems a bit rushed and too neat.

Captivating!

As a mother of a person with Autism, and who also works with Autistic children, Oshetsky’s novel hits close to home. This was a refreshing change from all the parenting books I’ve read, and it’s written by someone who gets it. Her writing is eloquent and intelligent, and the story is creative yet plausible. I will definitely recommend this and am considering buying a few copies to pass on to other mothers I know.

Well….

Interesting…unusual….a little too strange and not worth my time but continued listening because I was more interested in the music credits than the story line.

Call me Simple but…

This book was so strange. The reference to motherly love and devotion that it was working toward was so extreme. I did not enjoy this book; however, I will say it was well written