Book Review: The Girls who went away by Ann Fessler


There is so much I want to say about this book. I hope I can articulate everything I want to convey and do it justice in my review. This book has stuck with me, I can’t shake it. The stories are forever in my memory and I have changed as a result. Im an avid reader and I cant say the same about too many books in recent history.My perspective and thoughts about adoption & birth mothers has forever changed. This is a good thing. I have been awake at night thinking about the woman who had to face those circumstances and their pain is palpable. The Girls who went away tells the heartbreaking stories of young women who relinquished their children during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Its so much more than that.. its about our society, secrets,sex, education, support, families, betrayal, the system and the never ending maternal love a Mother feels for her child. I admit that prior to reading this book I had a rather naïve and narrow-minded perspective. I had no idea, no clue at how prevalent this practice was. The practice of pigeon holing and shaming young girls into making a choice that was really not their choice at all. Reading this book enraged me and awakens something in me that longs to reach out and do something about it.

While reading this book my thoughts drifted to Livi’s Russian Mom. Sure Livi was placed in a whole different decade, but something tells me that things have not changed all that much. The stigma, the education, and the poverty in Russia … I can only guess what circumstances her Russian Mom was up against. I am a Mother today because of the choice another woman made. That is a mixed bag of love, guilt and fear. If anything I know that two Woman love Livi and I will make an effort to always convey that to her. Since finishing this book I now tuck in Livi and give her an extra hug & kiss for her other Mother. I hope one day to meet Livi’s birth mom. To make the journey to Russia with Livi and tell Tatianna thank you, Its ok, and I’m sorry. I think everyone should read this book.