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The Baby Laundry for Unmarried Mothers
Product Description In 1963, Angela Brown was 19, enjoying her first job working in the City of London, when her life turned upside down. A brief fling with a charismatic charmer left her pregnant, unmarried and facing a stark future. Not yet 21, she was still under the governance of her parents, strict Catholics who insisted she have the baby in secret and then put it up for adoption. Forced to leave her job and her family, Angela was sent to a convent in Essex for her 'confinement'. Run like a Victorian workhouse, she was vilified by the nuns for her 'wickedness'. After a terrifying labour with no pain relief, Angela gave birth to a beautiful son, Paul. At eight weeks he was taken from her and forcibly put up for adoption, leaving Angela heartbroken. Not a day went by without Angela thinking about him. Then, thirty years later, a letter came. It was from Paul, and a reunion was arranged. This vital slice of social history is a shocking reminder of how attitudes have changed around the issue of single motherhood since the early 1960s. It is also an honest, heartfelt memoir that explores the closest of human bonds. About the Author Angela Patrick was born and raised in Essex and has remained in the south east of England all her life. After her marriage she moved to Kent where she now lives working part time for a local council. Lynne Barrett-Lee is a successful novelist and non-fiction features writer for magazines including Woman, Woman's Own, Best, Take a Break and Good Housekeeping. She has been published in numerous languages and works as a part-time writing tutor.
275 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 21, 2020
Angela is 19 years old and pregnant. Unfortunately, the year is 1963 and unmarried women during this time must be sent off to places where they can have their babies without bringing shame to their family. So, Angela is sent to a terrifying looking convent for unmarried mothers to be where she must remain until her baby is born and then given up for adoption. The convent is a cruel place, and the young mothers are desperately unhappy because they are deprived of firstly being with their new-born babies and then having their babies taken away from them.
After 30 years, Angela is contacted by her son, and happily, they meet. A very traumatic story told very eloquently by Angela Patrick. I'm so glad she finally got to know her son.
After 30 years, Angela is contacted by her son, and happily, they meet. A very traumatic story told very eloquently by Angela Patrick. I'm so glad she finally got to know her son.
October 26, 2015
I very much enjoyed reading about the life of Angela - just how she ended up pregnant while unmarried, why the adoption went ahead and how she lived the rest of her life.
The book is a quick read and feels like a very honest telling of Angela's story - no unnecessary dramatics or flourishes in the telling.
Having said that, I was by no means blown away by the writing style - it's not the great next English novel.
For anyone interested in this sad part of our recent history or wanting to know more of it from a first hand point of view, I wholly recommend taking time to read this book.
The book is a quick read and feels like a very honest telling of Angela's story - no unnecessary dramatics or flourishes in the telling.
Having said that, I was by no means blown away by the writing style - it's not the great next English novel.
For anyone interested in this sad part of our recent history or wanting to know more of it from a first hand point of view, I wholly recommend taking time to read this book.
September 8, 2012
It is hard to categorise this book as I did like it but the subject matter makes it very difficult to say that it was amazing. It is not one of those 'nice, comforting' books but a very gritty true story of a young woman who found herself pregnant outside of marriage in the 1960's when attitudes to this were quite frankly medieval.
It is a very candid account of what this woman went through and the treatment that she received from nuns who were taking care of her leading up to the birth and subsequent adoption of her baby. It is hard to think that attitudes have changed so much in such a short space of time, and some of the content was really quite upsetting when comparing the situation from then against today's attitudes.
I found the role of her mother to be cold and so very inhumane, considering that the majority of us turn to our mothers in times of need safe in the knowledge that they will help, support and guide us. Her mother seemed to be far more concerned about what the neighbours would think rather than the needs of her daughter.
I know some people will think that this is rather a strange book for me to have read considering I do want or have children and have no maternal bones at all, but from a social science point of view I find books like this fascinating.
I would recommend this book but it will not pick you up if you are feeling down. A great insight to life and attitudes in the 1960's though.
It is a very candid account of what this woman went through and the treatment that she received from nuns who were taking care of her leading up to the birth and subsequent adoption of her baby. It is hard to think that attitudes have changed so much in such a short space of time, and some of the content was really quite upsetting when comparing the situation from then against today's attitudes.
I found the role of her mother to be cold and so very inhumane, considering that the majority of us turn to our mothers in times of need safe in the knowledge that they will help, support and guide us. Her mother seemed to be far more concerned about what the neighbours would think rather than the needs of her daughter.
I know some people will think that this is rather a strange book for me to have read considering I do want or have children and have no maternal bones at all, but from a social science point of view I find books like this fascinating.
I would recommend this book but it will not pick you up if you are feeling down. A great insight to life and attitudes in the 1960's though.
June 3, 2015
I always struggle with reviewing memoirs because you can't really comment on the 'story' as it's real life and not something that someone made up, so obviously it's going to have loose ends and gaps and feel just the tiniest bit unsatisfying.
Events in this book are told clearly and well, even though a lot of detail is left out with regards to settings, appearances and other 'literary detail' that would have brought it more to life. It is very easy to feel the emotion of the writer coming through the words however, especially in the laundry portion of things.
For me it could do with some more fleshing out, the writing itself sounds like someone telling their story for a magazine, not really a book - it doesn't have quiet enough flourish for that, but it's a very interesting account.
Events in this book are told clearly and well, even though a lot of detail is left out with regards to settings, appearances and other 'literary detail' that would have brought it more to life. It is very easy to feel the emotion of the writer coming through the words however, especially in the laundry portion of things.
For me it could do with some more fleshing out, the writing itself sounds like someone telling their story for a magazine, not really a book - it doesn't have quiet enough flourish for that, but it's a very interesting account.
May 27, 2016
As I was adopted in the mid fifties I was interested to read about the experiences of someone forced to give up her child in what I would have hoped was the slightly more enlightened mid sixties.
Sadly I think the situation was much the same for Angela Patrick as it must have been for my own 'birth' mother. It is really shocking how these girls were treated by people who had dedicated themselves to God.
Angela tells her story in a powerful and unsentimental way. At times not an easy read, but a worthwhile one none the less.
Sadly I think the situation was much the same for Angela Patrick as it must have been for my own 'birth' mother. It is really shocking how these girls were treated by people who had dedicated themselves to God.
Angela tells her story in a powerful and unsentimental way. At times not an easy read, but a worthwhile one none the less.
March 7, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, The way unmarried mothers, were treated,is disgusting! so small minded, As for the nuns! The nuns.were cruel,, showing no mercy, even though the bibles asks, for you to treat people as you would like them to treat you,, Well they didn't! A great eye opening story. This happened in the 1960's,, not that long ago, A great read and a real eye opener, ,
November 7, 2015
Fantastic story heart breaking well worth the read
May 1, 2022
Such a sad story but a good read ,
February 3, 2015
This is Angela Patrick's heartbreaking true story about having her first child. I could not put this book down, it's so well written and full of emotion that you feel almost like you're there.
I have to admit that before I had even finished reading this book I had the paperback version in my basket on Amazon. I've bought it as a gift for someone who I hope will enjoy it as much as I did.
In the book Angela takes us through a series of events in her life that were not only bleak and taxing but truly heartbreaking. I don't want to tell you too much about it as I really think you should give it a read, it's not a quick read but it's well worth it.
The book gives you some real insight into what single mothers in the 1960's went through and whilst I knew it wasn't great for them I didn't honestly realise it was that bad. Single mothers were still a bit of a taboo when I was a kid in the 90's so quite why I didn't realise it was so rough!
This definitely makes you think and by the end of the book I felt like I knew Angela and her family it's well worth the read to see how all ends up.
I have to admit that before I had even finished reading this book I had the paperback version in my basket on Amazon. I've bought it as a gift for someone who I hope will enjoy it as much as I did.
In the book Angela takes us through a series of events in her life that were not only bleak and taxing but truly heartbreaking. I don't want to tell you too much about it as I really think you should give it a read, it's not a quick read but it's well worth it.
The book gives you some real insight into what single mothers in the 1960's went through and whilst I knew it wasn't great for them I didn't honestly realise it was that bad. Single mothers were still a bit of a taboo when I was a kid in the 90's so quite why I didn't realise it was so rough!
This definitely makes you think and by the end of the book I felt like I knew Angela and her family it's well worth the read to see how all ends up.
January 17, 2014
This book is an incredible story. I came across this treasure while browsing at a Half Priced Books. I picked it up, being interested in the time period it took place in, and decided to purchase it, seeing as to how it was only $4. I LOVED it. It intrigued me from the very beginning. From page 1 to page 275, not a page was there that I didn't devour. The entire time I read the last 100 pages, I had chill bumps. Tears even sprung to my eyes at many parts. This is a must read, whether you've been through a similar situation and can relate, or you're looking for a good read to curl up with. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. They can borrow my copy at anytime. That is, if I'm not re-reading it, as I'm sure I will!
April 6, 2012
A very well written book, by the author, who went through so much emotional experience like many in her time.
Angela was born a Catholic and as a teenager in the sixties committed the mortal sin of getting pregnant.
In those days things were very different to now. Despite her good job she like many were naive about the facts of life which largely were not spoken about.
Shame was great in those days and life was impossible for an unmarried mother .
The book will tug at heart stings and is emotional in places.
You will feel glad that things have moved on and get a glimpse of cruelty which was regarded as normal then.
The author shoes talent in her writing and the book is good.
Angela was born a Catholic and as a teenager in the sixties committed the mortal sin of getting pregnant.
In those days things were very different to now. Despite her good job she like many were naive about the facts of life which largely were not spoken about.
Shame was great in those days and life was impossible for an unmarried mother .
The book will tug at heart stings and is emotional in places.
You will feel glad that things have moved on and get a glimpse of cruelty which was regarded as normal then.
The author shoes talent in her writing and the book is good.
April 29, 2012
I needed to read this book to understand what my mother went through in the mid nineteen forties, although this book tells a story of a much later period. It is difficult for us today to understand why a devout Catholic family would put their public image and church first before supporting their daughter's and potential grandchildren. The book gives a real sence of these girl's seeing themselves as sinners and not holding any grudges against their families who gave them no other option.
It was a different time with different values. The girl's story had a beginning middle and end. My mother's story ended when her baby was taken from her.
It was a different time with different values. The girl's story had a beginning middle and end. My mother's story ended when her baby was taken from her.
October 3, 2012
Much of the book takes place in or near Ilford. It truly is the way things were - and if the Republicans have their way, the way it will be again in America.
The ending was weak - and somewhat irritating. Sometimes in an effort to wrap things up neatly, and appease and not upset family members - ends are tied up a little too neatly - and questions are left unanswered - for example - wasn't Paul/James curious about his father? Admittedly the father did not know about the baby - but he is still the father....?
The ending was weak - and somewhat irritating. Sometimes in an effort to wrap things up neatly, and appease and not upset family members - ends are tied up a little too neatly - and questions are left unanswered - for example - wasn't Paul/James curious about his father? Admittedly the father did not know about the baby - but he is still the father....?
June 21, 2012
A thoroughly compelling book that I read in 2 sittings. I was gripped by the journey of Angela and how she coped with her life inside the convent home as well as the moving on and recovery which followed.
I was so pleased for Angela at the end of the book when I really felt that she had healed from her ordeal and had her life back together.
It's a must read to understand the changing attitudes towards birth outside of marriage and adoption.
I was so pleased for Angela at the end of the book when I really felt that she had healed from her ordeal and had her life back together.
It's a must read to understand the changing attitudes towards birth outside of marriage and adoption.
March 24, 2014
I chose to read this book due to recent family discoveries that led me to need more understanding about the situation in the 60's.
I have to say I really see things from a very different perspective now.
This book is beautiful! And many tears were shed. I couldn't put it down!
Angela is a very strong and courageous woman.
I have to say I really see things from a very different perspective now.
This book is beautiful! And many tears were shed. I couldn't put it down!
Angela is a very strong and courageous woman.
May 27, 2013
Having read about the Magdalene Laundries from a midwife's point of view, working in one of the strictest Homes, it was interesting to read about this Home from an "inmate's" point of view. Heartbreaking and informative.
April 20, 2014
I cried for those poor babies only being able to feel the warmth of their mum's for brief snatches of time. I hope they all found happy caring families,
Not the best book I have ever read but written with feeling and emotion.
Not the best book I have ever read but written with feeling and emotion.
March 29, 2012
Not my kind of book but a moving story to read. Bought book after hearing an interview with the Angela Patrick on Radio Four.
June 5, 2012
Good, interesting and an eye opener to what it was like in the 60's to be unmarried and pregnant.
June 18, 2012
it's a while since I have read a book as powerful as this... Well written and moving from everyone's point of view.
September 3, 2012
Heart wrenching true story of Angela's teenage pregnancy, time spent in a convent for single mum's in the 60's and subsequent adoption of her son. Totally gripping, a really inspiring story.
January 17, 2013
A heart wrenching read- that had me both amazed and appalled at how attiudes of the time were. It made me seriously think about how lucky girls of today are.
January 19, 2013
Heartbreaking stuff.
January 31, 2016
I read this book in one day. Great story about an unmarried girl in the UK and the convent she went to at the end of her pregnancy in the 1960's.
March 2, 2013
this was a sad book didnt realise how cold hearted people were back then
November 10, 2015
4.5 - probably more emotional for me than most as my mother was born in these same circumstances and then went on to have her own child taken for adoption against her wishes as a teenager.
May 31, 2014
Brilliant, couldn't put it down,
August 19, 2014
A fantastic read, such a sad story with a very happy ending. I couldn't put this down. x
December 2, 2014
shocking how this was only happening 40 or 50 years ago
December 8, 2014
What an emotional roller coaster! Great book, so touching and makes me ashamed of our historical prejudices.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews