49 pages • 1 hour read
Alison BechdelAre You My Mother?: A Comic Drama
Nonfiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel is a graphic memoir that examines the author's complex relationship with her mother, Helen. It blends elements of memoir, dream interpretation, psychoanalysis, and literature within a non-linear narrative that spans Bechdel’s life, exploring themes like family dynamics, self-discovery, and emotional struggles. Topics include depression, emotional neglect, self-identity, and intimate relationships.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Alison Bechdel’s Are You My Mother? impresses with its profound introspection and intricate illustrations, examining the complex relationship with her mother. Critics commend its depth and literary references, though some find the narrative dense and occasionally inaccessible. Overall, it’s a richly detailed, thought-provoking memoir that resonates deeply with readers.
Who Should Read Are You My Mother??
Readers who enjoy Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel are typically interested in graphic memoirs exploring complex family dynamics and self-discovery. Fans of Fun Home or Art Spiegelman’s Maus will appreciate Bechdel's introspective narrative and unique storytelling style.