In exquisite detail, Adrienne Brodeur recounts her childhood, which was marred by secrets, unhealthy boundaries, and manipulation imposed upon her by her mother. The reader is then immersed in the author’s journey as an adult as she struggles to differentiate herself from her mother and to form her own identity. Her description of her mental health, anguish, and guilt is incredibly raw and honest. Although this is not an action-packed memoir and can be somewhat slow at times, the reader is allowed an intimate glimpse into the author’s experience that makes it gripping and emotionally impactful. Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Brodeur's writing is expressive and captivating. Her memoir follows a young Adrienne who is thrust into the confidant position by her mother and must live the knowledge of the affair her mother admitted to. Not just admitted to, but gleefully shared with her 14-year-old daughter that she is cheating on her husband. Her future life experiences, difficult choices, and emotional turmoil all boil down to that moment her mother confides in her.

I felt this memoir. The narcissistic mother, the guilt and unintended consequences of trying to do the right thing but constantly feeling unsure of yourself. Brodeur captured not only her confused adolescence, but also her disorienting adulthood with eloquence and style. It's a beautifully heartwrenching story about coming into your own, not allowing things that happen to you define you, and allowing yourself some forgiveness for past mistakes.

Read this if you want to dive into a mother/daughter story that is, of course, complicated, but also supremely well written. Read this if you want to see internal conflict, love and devotion, and lies and deceit put into words.

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and author Adrienne Brodeur for providing me with an ARC of Wild Game.

And what a wild ride it was! I couldn't believe this memoir, wow. I found this to be extremely well-written, and I had a difficult time putting it down. I sadly found myself relating to 14 year old Adrienne with the level of emotional blackmail her mother put her through. Of course you want to be your mother's friend to an extent, but you also want her to be a parent to you, too. I just wish the ending wouldn't have been wrapped up so quickly; I felt rushed and like it was lacking the proper detail.

Thank you again to those named above for allowing me to read and review this ARC!

This memoir was both shocking and sad, and if you love really juicy family drama this one's for you! From the moment the author was woken up at 14 years old to hear her mother gush about an extramarital kiss, she was drawn into a web of deceit and was consumed with her mother's love life. Totally fascinating and compelling! The later parts of the book, where the author slowly learns how to separate from her mother were less engrossing, but an important part of the story, and really detailed the lifelong effects her relationship with her mother had on her. Definitely recommend this one.

This book is a crazy book about a crazy backstory of someone’s family history. It was very well written and had me not wanting to put it down. The end seemed very rushed and thrown together. A little disappointing to me. It really had me reflecting and thinking. If I knew of an affair between my mother and another family member - would I allow myself to be put in the middle to be taken to a level of acceptance and love? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.