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A truly original tale of identity and and motherhood. At the core it is about the role (projected) of what a mother is expected to become; and the path we expect women to follow once they take on the awesome responsibilities that come with the title 'mother'. Alexis Schaitkin has given us a glimpse into the paradox of what it means to be a mother; even as you help 'define' your children you 'disappear' as an individual. By placing the story in a mountain village where mothers routinely disappear this paradox is made real through magical realism. Vera (the narrator) is a young girl when her own mother disappears. As she gets older it becomes clear that the only way for her to have a 'presence' in the future is through motherhood. Very much reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - highest recommendation.