The Surrogate Mother

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, graphic violence, and suicidal ideation.

Abby is the novel’s protagonist, and the story unfolds through her first-person narration. Described as 36 years old with wavy “jet black hair” (7), she is portrayed as someone who has worked diligently to achieve a successful career in advertising. Abby is central to the author’s exploration of The Psychological Impact of Infertility. Despite her career accomplishments, the protagonist’s deep desire to become a mother is a key aspect of her character. Her struggles with infertility and failed attempt at adoption highlight her vulnerability.

Abby undergoes a dramatic character arc throughout the course of the narrative. At the start of the story, she is wealthy, successful, and happily married. The novel then goes on to chart how, due to a misguided surrogacy agreement, Abby loses almost everything she values in the space of a year. McFadden portrays a woman in psychological and physical decline as Monica manipulates and exploits the protagonist’s craving to become a mother. Initially poised and confident, Abby is plagued by self-doubt as she makes uncharacteristic mistakes at work, unaware that Monica is drugging her.