Love Child

by Sue Elliott

Adoption is one of the great, untold stories of the recent past. It is a truly epic tale of loss, guilt, identity, family feuds, reunion, and redemption. It is a subject, until very recently, surrounded by secrecy and taboos. This is the heartwarming true story of a little girl's adoption in the 1950s and her search, nearly 40 years later, for her birth mother. When mother and daughter meet, Sue thinks she has finally reached the end of her journey. Then Sue discovers she wasn't the only baby her mother gave away. Weaved throughout is the vivid, emotional history of adoption in the UK. Drawing on a wide range of intimate personal experiences, it outlines the forces that shaped 20th century adoption practice, from baby-farming, the stigma of illegitimacy, incest, and the bastardy laws, to children taken by force, the Magdalene laundries, mass emigration schemes without parental consent, to modern day adoption practices, buying babies from abroad, sperm donor fathers, and tearful reunions on Trisha .

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Secrets and surprises. Having worked in the Scottish Children’s Panel, I found the subject matter very insightful. I also thought the history of adoption was very detailed and brought to light deficiencies in the system, but also positive outcomes for many.

[Carolyn Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good mix of true story and information on the changing face of adoptions.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

so far read 79 pages n omg its amazing history of wat happened to children born out of wedlock n also the authour findin her birth mother this book has brought a few tears to my eyes already. finished the book theres less than 300 pages in the book. its very touching and sad but also some happiness.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Child by Sue Elliott.
An amazing read.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was surprised to find that the book was more a history of adoption rather than Sue's biography. I like social history but not sure if I would have choose that topic.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such tragedy for those young mums. But for my fabulous parents, this could have been me and my son