The Surrogate Mother – by Freida McFadden
Author and Context
Freida McFadden is the international bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including The Housemaid and Never Lie. She is also a practicing physician specializing in brain injuries. Her work frequently explores the dark side of the human psyche, examining deception, psychological manipulation, and the complexities of human relationships.
The Surrogate Mother was first published in 2018.
Freida McFadden is the international bestselling author of psychological thrillers. In addition to her career as an author, she is also a
Practicing physician specializing in brain injuries.
Her background in medicine often informs her narratives, which frequently explore the dark side of the human psyche. Her novels delve into themes of deception, psychological manipulation, and the complexities of human relationships.
Iconic Places and Settings 🏙️
The primary setting is
New York City and its suburbs, reflecting the professional and personal lives of the Adlers and Monica.
Stewart Advertising : Abby’s workplace, which symbolizes the inauthentic nature of appearances and corporate ambition.
The Adlers’ Apartment: Represents a place of domestic happiness and stability that is ultimately corrupted by Monica’s infiltration.
Indianapolis, Indiana: Mentioned as the location of Monica’s family (which turns out to be her stepmother, Louise).
Boston, Massachusetts: Monica’s false claim of being a lifelong Red Sox fan hints at her fabricated identity.
Drink Pairings 🍹
These pairings reflect the novel’s themes of polished facades, sudden chaos, and the cold, calculated nature of the antagonist.
The Corporate Poison (Black Coffee): A straightforward, hot cup of black coffee.
Pairing Notes: Reflects Abby’s work environment and the shocking plot point of Monica drugging Abby’s coffee at work as part of her manipulation.
The Deceptive Martini (Gin or Vodka Martini): A classic, elegant cocktail, often seen as a sophisticated status symbol. Pairing Notes: Matches the affluent, polished facade of Abby’s advertising world, which hides the ugly truth of Monica’s plot.
The Red Flag Red (Red Wine): A bold red wine.
Pairing Notes: Reflects the color red, which Monica incorporates into her clothing and lipstick as she becomes more overtly sexual and predatory, symbolizing her danger and malignancy.
Not Quite Dead Yet
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