Happy Mother’s Day! Memorable Mothers from childhood books

Every kid's story starts with the Mother. Dead mothers, annoying mothers, caring mothers, absent mothers, terrible mothers, absolutely fucking insane mothers… the books we read in childhood throw an endless parade of these women at us, and here is an appreciation post for all – no that would be impossible, rather for some of our book mothers:

I start with Ma Ingalls. Caroline. An amazing super-mom- I remember reading and being absolutely bowled over by her endless skills- churning! cleaning! cooking wonderful food! teaching! making beautiful big dresses! wearing big beautiful dresses, and dancing in them! Having beautiful children! Putting up with Pa Ingalls! Never being angry! The list is endless. I secretly wished my mom was more home-making wonder-woman like Caroline Ingalls. Next, I offer:

The nameless (I think?) mother in The Railway Children.

Despite having no name, Mother was a driving force of the story. Smart, talented, caring, loving, a bit mad- who writes a poem as a gift for her child's birthday? Who gets mad "but downright beautiful" (what?) because her children accepted help from someone (I forget who). Mother was charming, powerful, mysterious, and fed her children toast and jam through her genius writing powers. I loved her.

Marmee from Little Woman. What a great character. I loathed her passionately- the way she talked to Jo about managing her anger- the stuff with charity- and I've said it before and I'll say it again, she was indirectly responsible for Beth's sickness.

Honorary mentions not from childhood books:

Mrs. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Oh you silly, embarrassing, but absolutely correct woman. You are all our moms- all of us wincing in embarrassed agony when our moms say something cringey.

Lady Marchmont from Brideshead Revisited.

Another nameless one: Mother from Portnoy's Complaint.

Who are the mother figures from books that stuck with you- love them or loath them? Who helped you understand your own mother a bit better? Tell me.