Love Object

The complexities of mental illness shape the lives of a mother and daughter in Love Object, highlighting themes of love, loss, and identity.

In Love Object, the story revolves around Sylvia, a woman whose mental illness is well-known in her small town, but the true extent of her struggles remains hidden from everyone except her family. While her neighbors view her as eccentric, it's her daughter, Mercy, who grapples with the reality of Sylvia's condition. For Mercy, her mother's unpredictable behavior is both a source of deep pain and an odd fascination, shaping her understanding of love and family.

As Sylvia is intermittently admitted to mental hospitals, her absence creates a void in Mercy's life that is palpable. The narrative takes a dramatic turn one summer night in the early 1980s when Sylvia disappears entirely, leaving Mercy to navigate the complexities of her emotions alone. This pivotal event marks a significant turning point in Mercy's coming-of-age journey, forcing her to confront the impact of her mother's absence on her identity and relationships.

The novel is populated with a diverse cast of characters, including a mad mother, a lovelorn father, a cross-dressing younger brother, and a quirky grandmother. Together, they paint a vivid picture of life in rural Ontario during the 1980s. Love Object is a gripping exploration of mental illness, familial bonds, and the search for self amidst chaos, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of love and acceptance.