Motherhood and Friendship

In Oona of Order, Margarita Montimore deconstructs the mother archetype through Oona's relationships with Madeleine and Kenzie. When Oona first talks about her relationship with her mother she expresses a disappointment that Madeleine was "more friendly than parental" (7). Oona is attached to the concept that proper motherhood involves setting boundaries and giving pragmatic guidance. She sees her mother as flighty and unreliable.

Madeleine's consistent presence throughout the novel challenges Oona's original perception of her mother. When Oona wants to push Madeleine away and lose herself in a flurry of drug fueled raves, her mother shows up to express concern. When Oona wants to wallow in depression her mother challenges her to get out of the house. When Oona needs to mend her broken heart, Madeleine is there to help her heal.

Oona is forced to confront her understanding of motherhood when she learns that...