My Evil Mother - Margaret Atwood - A Short Summary and Review

 My Evil Mother - Margaret Atwood - A Short Summary and Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

So, let me tell you a bit about my mother.......

A short summary:

My Evil Mother is a sly, darkly humorous short story told by a daughter trying to make sense of her upbringing—and of a mother whose eccentric beliefs blur the line between caution, control, and something far stranger. As the narrator recounts her childhood, memories surface of herbal remedies, dire warnings, and a maternal presence that feels equal parts protective and unsettling.

What begins as a reflection on family quirks slowly morphs into an examination of power, trust, and the stories we tell ourselves about the people who raise us. Atwood never rushes the reveal; instead, she lets discomfort accumulate until the reader is left questioning where manipulation ends and love begins.

My favorite quote from the book:

"Respect is better than like."

-Margaret Atwood, My Evil Mother

Questions to ponder while reading the book:

Is your mother a witch?

Do you always trust what your mother says?

My review:

This is a quick read, but it packs a sharp psychological punch. Atwood distills family dysfunction into a deceptively small space, capturing how easily authority, especially parental authority, can shape belief and behavior.

The story is funny, unsettling, and deeply observant. While the narrator’s gullibility sometimes stretched my credulity, that tension feels intentional; Atwood is less interested in realism than in illustrating how fear and affection can quietly override reason.

My Evil Mother is classic Atwood: smart, ironic, and unsettling in ways that linger. It’s a reminder that respect, power, and love are not the same thing, and that families can be the most persuasive systems of all.

_____________________________________________________________________________

About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

✨ #TakeTheBackRoads

Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!