What Mother Won’t Tell Me

Menger’s first novel in English is a deeply engaging read in which coming of age clashes with disillusionment and paranoia. Juno is a teenage girl living on a remote island with her parents and younger brother. Her life, along with that of her brother, Boy, is regimented, survival being their parents’ foremost concern. Juno’s inquiries about the family’s situation are met with stony silence, and she and Boy are forced to participate in drills in which the consequences of the family’s discovery are hinted at. Their parents insist that the children must adhere to seven commandments to ensure their safety (and their obedience), but Juno’s curiosity often outweighs common sense, and she is spotted by a visitor. This breach of security leads to her parents’ worries increasing but leaves Juno with more questions. She soon learns that the evasions of her family might hide deep and troubling mysteries. Menger credibly builds the suspense with every page, as the solution to the enigma that Juno attempts to solve threatens to come at a heavy price.