Mothers and Other Strangers

“Readers will remain intrigued by the shifting relationships among the characters throughout … [and] Haydu’s thoughtful reflections on girls’ and women’s relationships, among both friends and family.”–Bookreporter
“A searing page-turner about mothers and daughters and how sustaining and painful those bonds can be.”–People (Book of the Week)
“An intricate, well-paced story that moves back and forth in time. With nuance and grace, Haydu explores the relationship between two mothers, who become friends, and that of their daughters.”–Washington Parent
A stunning portrait of friendship and motherhood. One of the most tender and gorgeously written books I’ve read in a long time. Mothers and Other Strangers is spectacular. –Olivia Muenter, author of Little One
“Haydu holds back the devastating secrets that caused the rifts between both Mae and Sydney and their mothers, building suspense… . Despite their secrets, the characters aren’t afraid to speak the truth, even when it is bitter and messy.”–Booklist (starred review)
“Haydu’s wonderful adult debut explores the interwoven lives of two families… . Haydu expertly seeds the narrative … and stacks the plot with surprises. It’s a beautiful tale of complicated friendships.”–Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“In Mothers and Other Strangers, Corey Ann Haydu offers a fresh perspective on the rich and tangled relationships among women, their best friends, and their mothers. Haydu nails the complicated mix of love, suffocation, admiration, and repulsion that shows up in our deepest relationships. This book is a gift and a revelation. A perfect book club read!”
–Christie Tate, author of B.F.F.: A Memoir of Friendship Lost & Found and Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life
“In Mothers and Other Strangers, Corey Ann Haydu illuminates the fragile architecture of memory, friendship, and family inheritance, revealing the ways love endures - and falters - across years and generations. A deeply felt, penetrating debut that brims with insight.”–Adrienne Brodeur, author of Little Monsters and Wild Game
“As elegant as it is impactful, Mothers and Other Strangers is an exquisite story about the highs and lows and complexities of motherhood. Characters navigate upheaval in their relationships with one another and within themselves as shadows from the past loom large, and an explosive secret vibrates through their lives in different ways and at different frequencies. I loved this generous, poignant, and powerful novel.”–Rebecca Kauffman, author of I’ll Come to You
“Corey Ann Haydu’s Mothers and Other Strangers is a compelling and immersive novel that brilliantly weaves the past and present of four women together in a fascinating tapestry of love, pain, betrayal, hope, regret, and healing. I couldn’t put it down.”–Jill Santopolo, author of The Light We Lost
“Corey Ann Haydu is one of the wisest, most soulful, and heartfelt writers we have today.”
–Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & The Six

Corey Ann Haydu is the author of several titles for children and young adults, and a professor of VCFA’s creative writing for children program. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, and of course, her two daughters. Mothers and Other Strangers is her adult debut.

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