Motherclown

by Harriet Alida Lye

A dual coming-of-age story about performance--both public and private--sexuality, envy, and grief. Motherclown explores the most fundamental and potentially explosive of human relationships: that of a mother and her daughter.
In the wake of her father's death, twenty-one-year-old Elise leaves her boyfriend, mother, and hometown of Niagara Falls to move to Paris. She's earned a place at Chevalier, an elite physical theatre school with a focus on clown. Not "clown-clown," but the pursuit of an inner child. At Chevalier, they don't follow scripts--they follow their souls. The school is merciless, and it is the best.
Left behind, Elise's mother, Catherine, is unravelling. At first she feels irritated, as if she's just been demoted: from wife to widow, mother to empty-nester. She longs for the creative life she lost when she became pregnant, and in the quiet of the empty house, she becomes haunted by regret, and a secret she never told her daughter. When Elise disappears into Paris, Catherine follows.
But Elise, awakening to her own creative power, feels ambushed by her mother's arrival. As Paris works its spell on them both, old wounds surface and resentments ignite. Can Elise hear her mother without losing herself? Can Catherine face the real reason she followed her daughter to Paris, or is she there--as Elise believes--to swallow her daughter whole?
Motherclown is an electric novel about art and inheritance, desire and devotion, and the ferocious, vulnerable love between mothers and daughters.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Canada, Queer Lit, LGBT, Adult

352 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

Harriet Alida Lye is the author of four books: two novels, one memoir, and one children's picture book. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Globe & Mail, The National Post, The Happy Reader, Hazlitt, Vice, Catapult, and more. She founded the literary magazine Her Royal Majesty, which ran for six years and republished the first ever short story by Alice Munro. She teaches Creative Writing at the University of Toronto. She lives in Toronto with her partner, their two children, and two dogs.

Reviews

[jocelyn • coolgalreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

i forever have a special place in my heart for mother/daughter dynamics

[Julia Moraes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who began reading this book the day she returned from her dream trip to Paris, I was immediately immersed in this story. The author really managed to capture the Parisian vibe, culture and atmosphere so well, and I later found out that she herself had lived there for many years (I am in a book club and she was kind enough to send videos of herself answering some of our discussion questions on her novel). This book felt like such a breath of fresh air—contemporary and relevant, but addressing timeless issues of family dynamics and the struggles that women grapple with as pregnancy-capable individuals in pursuit of their own independence, ambitions, and connections. I appreciated the dual perspectives that we, as readers, were able to gain insight into, as it allows us to empathize with and understand both Elise and Catherine as they navigate those challenges. I also loved that there was a queer love story in the middle of all this and the exploration of one's sexuality without making that the sole focus of the book. This novel and its author have definitely increased my interest in reading more stories from local writers! As a Toronto girl and as someone who has always wanted to be an author, I appreciate it when stories captivate me in this way and feel close to home. Thank you Harriet!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story of a complicated mother daughter relationship that equally celebrates the kitschy-ness of Niagara Falls and the beauty of Paris.

I never thought I’d become so engrossed with a book about a woman who runs off to go to Clown school but this book explores relationships, sexuality and identity SO well!!

I especially enjoyed the endometriosis rep and the way both women grow as artists (the mother with her painting and the daughter with her performance skills). It was also great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Heather O’Neill.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lower end of 3.5⭐️
Really beautifully written but I felt like I lost interest in the middle of the book.
I felt more sympathy for Mom Catherine than I expected I would, I think the characters were really well conceptualized, but the text was just a bit slow!

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherclown surprised me with how deeply it captured that feeling of being lost between who you are and who you thought you'd become. There was one quote that really stood out to me: “I missed my calling.”
“Are you kidding? You have your whole life ahead of you.”

On the surface, it's a reassuring response. But what struck me was the narrator's reaction: "Which was true. But that's not how it felt." That tension between what we know logically and what we feel emotionally is something the book explores beautifully.

This story isn't just about motherhood—it's about identity, expectations, regret, and the constant process of reinventing yourself. I found it funny, vulnerable, and painfully honest at times. It reminded me that having your whole life ahead of you doesn't always feel comforting when you're grieving the version of your life you imagined.

This was a thoughtful and relatable read that will stay with me.

[Danielle Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: I felt very immersed in this book while driving. Really good portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship. Certain parts towards the end were cliche and there were times where I felt pushed to foreshadow too hard (like obvi what was coming next) but it’ll receive a 4 since I did overall enjoy it and would recommend it

[Shannon Lough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a complex, compelling, and heart wrenching relationship between a mother and daughter on the cusp of change. After her father passes suddenly, Elisabeth moves to Paris amid her grief to attend a unique “clown” theatre school. There, she discovers her undeniable attraction to a female bartender, Ava, and begins to find herself in Paris. She’s challenged by her classes that push her to explore performance and how she can embody it.
But, in the rise of her independence, her mother decides to join her in Paris on a whim and the fissures in their relationship crack and spread.
Her mother, Catherine, we discover, has her own demons to face, and in the meantime moves through the muck of trying to be the creative she once was, and a supportive mother.

The story was so beautifully written. Scenes were immersive and I felt like I was there, experiencing the story as it unfolded.

[Hannah Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW FOR KATE (cl*wn content) - very real depiction of mother daughter dynamic and the plot twists were fun. I didn’t really like the constant re iteration of thoughts forcing me to feel a certain way. i liked the description of clown… kinda fun sry again Kate i love u.

[Maggie Ghobrial · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read 😭 held onto every last beautiful word

[Demetria King · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

“It is one of the great tragedies of motherhood, Catherine realizes in that moment, that for all the best bits of a child's life, it is only the mother who will remember them. On the mother's shoulders, it becomes almost a burden to constantly have to remind the child: No, no, you were happy, no, no, we once had fun. Yes, yes, we were in love.”

Picked up this book because of the clown school plot line but this book ended up being so much more than that.

Stories about having a complex relationship with one’s mother isn’t new but I’m appreciative of stories that acknowledge how mothers are also their own people with their own complex pasts.

I wasn’t expecting myself to like a book that is so much about motherhood but I’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time.

[Megan Mikhail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy this book! It captures the intricacies of the mother daughter relationship perfectly. It also really made me think about how there are endless different paths our lives could take and we all have to make choices along the way that shape what our lives become, for better or for worse.

[sydney | books + cats || thebookishcatmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to PRH Canada for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I totally requested this thinking it was a horror novel and I was completely wrong; not to say some aspects couldn't be described as horrific in certain ways, it just wasn't what I was expecting, but it wasn't bad at all.

Actually, it was significantly moving! This novel explores SO MUCH: identity, familial relationships, sexuality and even more.

The author writes in a way that doesn't stunt the meaning of her sentences, each one is truly explicit in what it means and makes the reading experience easy.

I did cry / tear up a couple of times connecting to the mother-daughter aspect that fully encompasses this book. There were some really intense moments and feelings expressed in this novel that didn't affect me per se, but may affect others so I highly recommend checking trigger warnings.

All in all it was a solid read!

[Kristi Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how lucky we would be if more books could be like this one. Not only does this book have a plot that grips you with its secrets and surprises but it then holds you in awe with its emotional depth and astute writing. Plus, as a bonus, it is primarily set in Paris (and it also boasts Canadian characters with some fun Canadian references). Does it get any better?! I truly got lost in this book and Harriet’s singular writing style.

The story revolves around a mother-daughter relationship and the delicate, and tumultuous, push and pull of that unique dynamic. In this case, we are introduced to a family whereby the father has recently passed, the mother is both a newfound widow and empty nester as her daughter, an only child, heads off to a Parisian clown school (not silly clown, inner spirit clown—trust me, it is not weird). So much unfolds as mother and daughter process their loss, head in new directions and come to terms with the nature of their own relationship.

This was such a beautiful story—I highly recommend it. I am now in love with Harriet’s luscious prose so I will be seeking out more of her work!

[Mic • wellred_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO GOOD! Will fly under the radar. A must read.

[Chelsea Stratton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Chanel Chapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

She went to Paris to find herself. Her mother followed.

[Carly Basch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, stunning, heartfelt. Bravo Harriet!!!

[Lauren Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yeah books about dead dads AND miscarriage (TWs but extremely well treated) AND mothers and daughters AND art AND Paris! This book checked a lot of my boxes: omniscient but close POVs, some cute young romance and spice, but especially, a middle age crisis novel and a coming of age novel, all in one.

[Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a unique and beautifully written story about motherhood and the complexities of parent-child relationships. A new favourite.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The complicated relationship between mother and daughter, the grief of losing a husband and father, the challenging path of womanhood and motherhood, the exploration of artistry and sexuality, the nuanced feelings of figuring yourself out both as a young and older woman, the vulnerability of truth and facing dark corners of your mind. I thought this novel was stunning, the writing itself is so delicate and immersive, leaving the reader feeling like they are right there with the characters exploring their complex situations in the new streets of Paris. Highly recommend if you like any of the above mentioned themes!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the mother-daughter dynamic sounded familiar. I had to stop after a few chapters because — oof — the mother-daughter dynamic was TOO familiar.

But after a short reprieve, I dove back into this book and finished it off in a couple of sittings. A narrative that explores art, performance, being perceived, and finding oneself — I ultimately really liked this book.

In many ways, this book read to me like a tragedy. I'm not sure that this was the author's intention — but this book reads like a warning manual for young women who centre men, marriage, and motherhood and expect their children to provide them the fulfillment, connection, and relationship they lack on their own...and how that ultimately leads to codependence and a lack of differentiation in the parent-child relationship.

[Zara Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Motherclown" successfully reveals the two opposing characters' personalities and inner emotional turmoil with ease, while addressing the complex narrative of motherhood and the fraught relationship found between mother and daughter in this novel.

The writing easily holds the reader's interest (I turned the pages quickly and remained engaged until the end), while also speaking to larger themes of aspirations, art, creativity, sexuality, motherhood, grief, and the fight for asserting identity and autonomy in the face of life-altering events and expectations from others, even oneself.

While the above is what made the book enjoyable and easy to read, I found the characters, while depicted easily according to the roles they played in the novel, to not have revealed more depth of character that I had hoped to come to know. While they themselves may not have been superficial, they were written in such a way that I longed to know more.

While I tried to empathize with both main characters, I found the mother needy and the daughter, petulant, and their inner and outer world, a little self-absorbed—perhaps this was intentional?

So not to reveal any spoilers, I found both mother and daughter, in their self-absorption to reveal an emotional immaturity I would not expect, of characters of their age and their privilege. But that's just me. How I wish I could afford an open-ended trip to Paris with some form of security, let alone opportunity.

If you enjoy an easy read, are creatively inclined, love the arts, and have a volatile relationship with your mother and/or motherhood, then yes, this book can offer you a great story.

But, if you require lyrical language that leads to meaningful, revelatory, universal truths, more depth of character without self-absorption and vague, overreaching inner POV that almost make these characters and their experiences borderline cliché, and more movement and complexity of plot—well, you'll need to keep searching the shelves.

An enjoyable, easy read that attempts to complicate the already complex narrative of motherhood, grief, and relationship. Where the book's success and movement lay in the inner dialogue of its main characters, it is the same inner dialogue that also made the characters and their story seem somewhat petulant and self-absorbed with unfortunately, too easy of an ending that left me with wanting a little more.

Overall, an enjoyable read by a personable author who I was privileged to meet at her launch that took place at Alison Milne Co. Gallery recently.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

- “Death can happen to anyone at any time”
- “Paris was out there, life was out there”
- Mommy/daughter issues in Paris
- The meaning of family (who is family to you?)
- The descriptions of Paris, the people living in it, and life in the city were so vivid
- Life being made up of the things you create (your art, and your children)
- Elise’s relationship with Catherine made me think of the saying “it’s your parents’ first time living too.” And while I agree with that sentiment, I also don’t think it justifies Catherine’s narcissistic tendencies (e.g. following her 20 year old daughter to Paris unannounced and without permission, the “I can’t do anything right” guilt trip, showing up unannounced and without permission to her daughter’s school on the morning of her daughter’s big project/performance, making everything about her daughter about her (“now your hair looks like mine”), “how could she not let me stay with her when he gave her shelter for 20 years”, etc. That being said, Catherine had a pretty traumatic and hard launch into motherhood after having gotten pregnant by her professor only for him to use then effectively discard her. She probably didn’t really have time to find herself as an adult before having to become someone’s mom. Seeing her own daughter at the age she was when all that happened also was probably hard

[Becky | myhyggereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tandem readalongs because I'm exposed to books that normally wouldn't be on my radar.

MOTHERCLOWN is one of these! Focusing on the complexity of the mother-daughter bond, we follow Elise as she escapes to "clown school" in Paris shortly after her father's death.
Before she's able to settle in, her mother, Catherine, with whom she has a somewhat strained relationship, arrives too. As Elise struggles with the feeling of being suffocated by her mother's presence in Paris, we slowly begin to see that Catherine is wrestling her own demons. While initially I was frustrated with her, as the book progressed, my heart began to hurt for Catherine, and I think Lye has written a beautifully realistic look at motherhood. It's poignant and heart wrenching at times, but as we are taken on a journey that explores relationships, sexuality and identity, Lye shows us that as women, we are never one-dimensional; there are many facets that make us who we are.

I truly cannot recommend this book enough; it's one that I'll be thinking about for a long, long time. Whether you're a mother, a daughter, both or neither, this is an exquisite piece of Canadian literature!

Huge thank you to Tandem Collective Global and McClelland & Stewart for the opportunity and my gifted copy of this book.

[Kristel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this a lot, though it annoyed me from the get-go - mother and daughter always talking past each other, always missing the point the other is trying to get across. It's the story of a daughter, who often thinks the worst of her mother, trying to grow up and away and her mother, who can't seem to truly see her daughter, trying to tie her closer to her. Broad strokes.

The ending might be a little too pat, tying the bow a little too tight on the art/creation/mothering metaphor, but I can let that go.

I think I had a different sense of what this was going to be, based on the title, than what it turned out to be. The clown part of Motherclown isn't really about, you know, what you think of when you think of clowns 🤡. (Simultaneous to borrowing this from the library, I bought a book called Motherthing, which I have read yet but is at least horror-adjacent. And I think I might have lightly mashed up my conception of that book with this book. This is not a horror novel.)

Overall, it's a lovely book, one I think I'd like to talk with someone about. I think everyone's responses might vary depending on their own relationship to their mother. (My mother/daughter relationship is nothing like this one. I might feel differently about the book if we had a more contentious one.)

[Paulina Simon Torres · Rating 2 out of 5]

Madre e hija, el conflicto eterno.
Ambas están en una edad crítica, los 20 y los 40 cuando el padre muere repentinamente. La una fue madre adolescente, la otra quiere ser actriz en París. Aparece lo que puede ser envidia, posesión de la madre sobre la hija; y el desprecio de la hija, a la madre abnegada pero ausente (?).
Todo bien. Poco a poco se van revelando otras capas de la vida de ambas. De la madre en especial. Quién es el verdadero padre, un pintor, su profesor que la sedujo. Sacrificios, rencores. Lo habitual.
Se deja leer fluidamente y realmente tenía ganas de saber qué más puede pasar a pesar de que todo es muy obvio. La trama acomoda todas los sucesos de un modo demasiado fácil. Personas y sucesos entran y salen de la trama con demasiada obviedad. (Me hace pensar en un cortometraje). Es repetitivo en cómo expone las emociones y el dolor de ambas mujeres. No sé cansa de relatar las mismas emociones una y otra vez sin que realmente los personajes cambien, a pesar de que en sus palabras ellas dicen que han cambiado. Umm no sé. Demasiados elementos, muy acomodaditos.
(la hija es una pesada)

[Angela Gilhotra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really dont get in what sense was the book a "portrayal" of the mother-daughter relationship? The book ended with the relationship being scarred. The story convinced me to hate Elise as a character. The ending seems rushed and unfinished. Catherine never had her 20s to her self so she is basically a 20year old in a 40 year old body. This is a story of two women growing up. The story romanticizes everything way too much. Paris is beautiful, Aya is beautiful, streets are beautiful, urine in subway is beautiful, endometriosis is beautiful. 'Art' - the thread that connected everything in the story wasn't portrayed as clearly. The story ends with the mother and daughter expressing themselves in their own unique artistic forms and neither was explained properly. It was hard to imagine exactly what Elise enacted.
There was no character development, not even a relationship-dynamic development. I didn't understand why the mother was portrayed as a slave for her daughter. She does everything right, Elise just can't get over her own sadness to see the world outside.
This book just left me annoyed with the storyline, the characters and the portrayal.

[Jess Hynds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hurt my heart, which maybe means it hit a little too close to home. The mother-daughter relationship felt painfully real, and there were so many poignant little lines that I found myself stopping to reread them. I also loved the Paris setting and the way grief, identity, art, and the question of what we do with the life we’ve been given all wove through the story. I think the writing occasionally tipped from beautiful into a little too beautiful, and some of the symbolism and emotional revelations felt slightly overworked or predictable. Still, it gave me a lot of feels and I loved hearing the author’s own narration of the text.

[Ingrid Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherclown captured me from the first page. Told through the alternating perspectives of a mother and daughter, their strained relationship feels intensely real.

Catherine became a mother very young and carries the ache of a life she imagined but never lived. When her daughter Elise gets the chance to move to Paris to attend clown school, Catherine is both impressed and unsettled. She follows, hoping to reconnect with Elise and perhaps reclaim something of herself along the way.

Harriet Alida Lye weaves together suspense, a beautifully rendered sensual relationship between Elise and a young Parisienne, and themes of midlife identity, sex and power, lost potential, and the complicated tension and love between a mother and daughter.

Beautifully written and hard to put down, this is a novel you’ll want to add to your must-read list for 2026.

[Kaytee Pergentile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great Tandem Readalong with a lot of really lovely people. Both Elise and Catherine had interesting storylines and I felt drawn into both. I think a bigger message for me in regards to how the clown school worked into the novel was the movement they both made to Paris and why they each did it. I think relationships between mothers and daughters are a very complex thing and there isn't really any right way to approach it except with grace and humility. I can see this book being a big hit in the future.