Burst

A Novel

By: Mary Otis

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan

Award-winning author, Mary Otis of Yes, Yes, Cherries (“Funny, brave, and amazing”—Lorrie Moore) delivers an arresting debut novel that explores the relationship complexities between mothers and daughters, the desire to escape, and the longing to connect. Burst is a powerful story about how we become—and unbecome—our mothers, how we absorb the past, and how we burst into our own futures.

Viva has always found ways to manage her mother’s impulsive, eccentric, and addictive personality. She’s had to—for her entire life, it has always been Viva and Charlotte against the world. After accidentally discovering an innate ability for dance, Viva chases her new passion with the same fervor with which her mother chases the bottle. Over the years, Viva’s talent becomes a ticket to a life of her own, and as she moves further away from home to pursue her dream, Charlotte struggles to make peace with her own past as a failed artist and the effects of her addiction. When tragedy strikes, Viva begins a downward spiral and must decide whether she will repeat her mother’s mistakes or finally take control of her life.

Told from interwoven perspectives with lyrical writing as deft as a choreographed dance, Burst excavates a mother-daughter relationship to reveal its gorgeous beating heart.

©2023 Mary Otis (P)2023 Zibby Books

Lacks Cohesion & Leaves Loose Ends

I read Burst for a book club. The story is about the relationship between an alcoholic mother and her daughter. I loved the characters, but the story fell flat. Many questions remain to be answered. Considering the storyline, I should have cried reading this book! I didn’t. This is a first for me. The book needs to be polished. There was so much potential with this book. I’m so sad this book fell short.

Worth my time

Great mother/daughter story that captures the tension between resentment and commitment. The evolution of alcohol use disorders is realistic. I devoured the book.

Touching Story

Otis knows just the right description or word to convey a vast feeling in an intimate story. Kudos.