How does “Motherhood” change the lives of story protagonists?

Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) Provincial Service – Farzaneh Amel, Senior Expert in Library Science and Information Science and Cultural and Educational Expert at Imam Khomeini Central Library in Mashhad: Coinciding with the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (S) and Mother’s Day, attention once again turns to the high status of motherhood; a status that in Iranian Islamic culture, inspired by the luminous personality of Hazrat Zahra (S), symbolizes affection, sacrifice, and human dignity. However, a specific review shows that fictional literature, both domestic and in Latin literature, has reflected this role for many years, offering lasting narratives of mothers and women who bring a life-giving, effective, and transformative force to stories. Studying stories where a mother plays a constructive and impactful role provides an opportunity for renewed reflection on the deep aspects of the mother-child relationship; a relationship that, while gentle, establishes the main pillars for character development and the formation of human values. This note suggests a reading list focused on “Constructive and Inspiring Motherhood.”

This reading list selects works from Latin literature, each showcasing an example of this powerful maternal role. These novels, with narratives sometimes full of hope and sometimes mixed with challenge, demonstrate how a mother’s presence can transform the course of protagonists’ lives and inspire choices, resilience, and new movements. Studying these narratives, especially during days when the memory of Hazrat Zahra (S) and the value of motherhood are central, provides an opportunity for re-reflection on the meaning of love, responsibility, and emotional bonds. Following is a brief description of the mother’s role in each introduced novel.

“Mother” by Pearl Buck

The mother in this novel symbolizes perseverance, honor, sacrifice, and tolerance. A village woman who stands firm against life’s harsh pressures with love and determination; she remains the anchor of hope and family cohesion. A calm, noble, yet powerful portrayal of a mother who keeps the wheels of life turning and has no identity other than being a mother. This work by Pearl Buck, translated by Mohammad Ghazi, published by Amirkabir Publications, is estimated to take approximately 11 hours to read.

“Room” by Emma Donoghue

In this novel, the mother is a silent and amazing heroine. In the most difficult circumstances, she creates a small but safe world for her child; a world full of imagination and love. The mother’s suffering and effort to protect her child are moving. Donoghue portrays a mother who pushes back the darkness with unconditional power and love. This book, translated by Ali Qane, published by Amout Publications, is recommended with an estimated reading time of 12 hours.

“Mother” by Maxim Gorky

Gorky’s mother transforms during the story from a simple woman into an aware, struggling, and courageous figure. Alongside her son, she achieves social awareness and becomes a symbol of awakening and resistance. A supportive mother who continues to strive for freedom and social justice. The book Mother by Maxim Gorky, translated by Ali Asghar Soroush, published by Amirkabir Publications, is available to enthusiasts with an estimated reading time of 15 hours.

“The Star Maker” by Melissa Da Costa

The mother in this novel embodies creativity, fantasy, and love that creates life even amidst suffering. Her presence, although mixed with sorrow and illness, is a calming and inspiring force that protects her child through the power of imagination. A mother who remains a guiding light after loss. This work, translated by Aria Nouri, published by Amout Publications, is suggested with an estimated reading time of 6 hours.

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

The mother of the March family is one of the most beloved maternal characters in literature. With kindness, wisdom, and character-based education, she guides her daughters towards growth, independence, and humanity. A portrait of a calm, thoughtful, and influential mother who finds a place in the reader’s heart. The book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, translated by Keyvan Abidi Ashtiani, published by Ofoq Publications, is available to readers with an estimated reading time of 16 hours.

This series of studies, proposed on the occasion of Mother’s Day, can be a valuable gift for any experienced reader; a reader who wants to look deep into the mother’s role through literature and review the high values of motherhood in the mirror of stories.