Book Review: The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley
There are books that grip your heart with the force of a hand tightening around your throat and then slowly, almost tenderly, release you into a whirlwind of emotions — The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley is one of those. From the moment I picked it up, I knew I was in for an emotional journey, but I never quite anticipated the depth of heartache and hope I’d experience. This is not merely a story about young mothers; it’s a poignant exploration of girlhood, resilience, and the raw truth of navigating life with all its complexities.
At its core, The Girls Who Grew Big follows the lives of young mothers such as Simone Turner, Adela Woods, and Emory Reid, who each face their own set of challenges as they grapple with motherhood at a tender age. Mottley crafts these characters with such authenticity that I found myself deeply invested in their journeys. Simone’s struggles are particularly gut-wrenching — expelled from her family, pregnant, and dealing with a partner who embodies toxic masculinity. I wanted to reach through the pages, hug this young mother, and tell her she was worthy of so much more than she was getting.
The intricate web of relationships among the characters explores themes of betrayal, love, and the fierce bond of motherhood. Mottley captures their plight with an honesty that feels refreshing. Her prose is raw yet poetic, and she manages to balance the heart-wrenching with the uplifting. For example, the line, “If you don’t believe in miracles, how are you supposed to believe your ma loves you from a far-off place you don’t know nothin’ about?” is a haunting reminder of the complexities of familial love — something that resonated with me deeply.
Mottley’s narrative style is compelling, weaving between despair and hope effectively, and pacing the story in a way that allows readers to digest the heavy themes without feeling overwhelmed. The setting of Padua Beach, a forgotten town where these young mothers strive to create a semblance of a life, becomes almost a character itself. The contrasting beauty of the beach with the harsh realities faced by the girls enriches the narrative, making it a vivid backdrop for their unfolding stories.
While reading, I felt a mix of solace and frustration; certain characters, particularly Adela, incited a wave of annoyance within me due to their manipulations. Yet isn’t that the beauty of storytelling? Mottley doesn’t shy away from depicting flawed characters who mirror the nuances of real life. I appreciated how she didn’t give us neatly wrapped outcomes, instead showing growth through struggle, illustrating that life is as messy as it is beautiful.
In conclusion, I can’t recommend The Girls Who Grew Big enough, especially to readers who appreciate stories that tug at the heartstrings and offer a poignant reflection on motherhood and womanhood. It’s a book that speaks to resilience and the deep, often complicated bonds we form with one another. Whether you’re someone who loves coming-of-age stories or you’re curious about the realities of young motherhood, this novel is sure to leave a significant mark on your heart. Mark your calendars for June 24th, 2025 — you won’t want to miss this beautiful storytelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! It’s a literary experience that will stay with me for years to come, reminding me of the strength and fragility of the human spirit.