literary gluttony

Sheila Heti’s Motherhood is an introspective, meandering meditation on one of the most fundamental questions a woman can ask herself: Should I have a child? Blending fiction, memoir, and philosophical inquiry, Heti crafts a novel that is less a traditional narrative and more an intellectual and emotional exploration of what it means to be a woman, an artist, and a person in the world.

The novel follows an unnamed narrator, a writer in her late 30s, as she wrestles with the decision of whether or not to become a mother. This existential crisis is examined through internal monologues, dialogues with her partner and friends, and even the flipping of coins—a method she employs as a way of tapping into her subconscious desires. As she sifts through societal expectations, personal fears, and the ever-ticking biological clock, the novel raises profound questions about identity, purpose, and legacy.

What makes Motherhood particularly compelling is Heti’s signature style—fragmented, elliptical, and deeply introspective. The book does not provide clear answers but instead embraces the uncertainty that often accompanies major life choices. Heti challenges the cultural assumption that motherhood is an inevitable or even necessary step in a woman’s life, instead portraying it as one possibility among many. The novel resists conventional plot structure, instead offering a kaleidoscopic view of a mind in turmoil.

At times, Motherhood can feel repetitive, as the narrator circles the same questions again and again, but this seems intentional—mirroring the obsessive nature of big, life-altering decisions. Some readers might find this structure frustrating, while others will appreciate its raw honesty. The book’s philosophical depth and emotional intensity make it a fascinating read, though it may resonate more with those who have grappled with similar existential dilemmas. However, there is also an undeniable sense that, despite all the words and reflection, the novel ultimately says very little. It is as if the narrator—and by extension, the author—spends hundreds of pages wrestling with a question only to end up where she started, leaving the reader wondering whether anything of substance was truly said at all.

Ultimately, Motherhood is not just about whether to have a child but about what it means to lead a meaningful life. It is an intimate and thought-provoking book that will linger in the minds of its readers long after they have turned the final page.