A Heartfelt Journey Through Girlhood: Reviewing The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley
If you’ve ever found a story that grabs your heart and refuses to let go, you know the feeling I’m talking about. The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley does just that, tugging at your heartstrings while also inviting you to reflect on the complexities of girlhood and motherhood. I read this book earlier this year, and even now, four months later, the emotions it stirred within me linger like a bittersweet aftertaste. This isn’t just a story; it’s an experience that’ll resonate deeply, especially for those who appreciate raw, unfiltered narratives about young mothers navigating their harsh realities.
At the heart of this poignant novel are three young women: Simone, Adela, and Emory. Each girl grapples with her own struggles while forming an intricate sisterhood that’s both beautiful and heartbreaking. Simone, a young mother thrust into responsibility at just sixteen, becomes a mother figure even to those younger than her. The aggressive love she feels for her twins, Luck and Lion, is interlaced with the pain of her partner Tooth’s insensitivity—a man who gazes upon the miracle of life as if it were something filthy. Readers can’t help but feel a surge of empathy for Simone; I found myself wanting to reach through the pages and give her the biggest hug, cheering her on in her journey to find herself amid chaos.
Then there’s Adela, who, despite her manipulative tendencies, carries a heart rooted in aspirations of Olympic glory, only to have her dreams stalled by an unexpected pregnancy. Her relationship with her supportive grandmother, Noni, offers a glimmer of hope amongst the struggles, though Adela’s choices force us to ponder the ramifications of deceit among friends.
Emory is another compelling character whose determination to balance motherhood and her academic ambitions gives readers a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of young motherhood. Her story reflects both the innocence of youthful mistakes and the weight of the consequences that come with them.
Mottley’s writing style is a breathtaking blend of raw honesty and poetic beauty, creating a vivid portrait of their lives set against the backdrop of Padua Beach, a town that seems to mirror their feelings of abandonment. The dynamics among the girls are captivating; their sisterhood is a powerful display of solidarity that is both inspiring and sometimes tumultuous. I often found myself reflecting on one of the quotes: “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?” It encapsulates the struggles the characters face in finding their own paths while desperately clinging to familial love they yearn for.
Ultimately, The Girls Who Grew Big isn’t just a story about young mothers facing their harsh realities; it’s a tribute to resilience, friendship, and the complexities of human connection. If you’re looking for a book that will move you to tears and tug at your heart strings, mark your calendars for June 24th, 2025. This beautiful narrative isn’t just for readers interested in motherhood; it’s for anyone who believes in the power of girlhood and the miracles that come with it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Leila Mottley’s beautiful storytelling is not to be missed!