Duplicity: My Mothers' Secrets

by Donna Freed

320 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read books about adoption. This one was so intriguing and I am happy that Freed wrote it. She has a very interesting story to share and did it in a well-written way. A page-turner. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic and fascinating life Donna has had. To be so resilient and build positive relationships with all family members despite obstacles.
I felt honoured to read this story.

[Zoe Antoniades · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be really interesting and one I looked forward to returning to whenever I had time to pick it up, even though it’s not directly relatable to me. I wasn’t adopted, I’ve never been a mother and my biological parents aren’t criminals (although my Dad has always been a bit on the delusional side, has always tried to acquire money without having to work for it and for a period of time thought he was James Bond - so on second thoughts he actually has a fair bit in common with Donna Freed’s biological Dad - there is a bit of a hard relate for me there after all). For those who have been adopted and/or been mothers, I think this book will mean even more to them. It still piqued me hugely and is so well written. A story worth telling and one very well told. With an honest and heart-wrenching search for the truth behind one’s identity at its very core.

[Juliet McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of meeting Donna at the Chiswick Literary Festival where she was one of 20 or so authors doing a two-minute elevator pitch of her book. It was her story that captivated me the most and the reading of it was every bit as good as the sell. Had Duplicity been a fiction you might query whether it was at all 'believable', but knowing it is true really makes you empathise with the narrator and understand her vulnerability. It is a brave writer who presents their family - warts and all - up for public consumption

[Carly Ceccarelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story that crescendoed into a conclusion that didn’t feel as surprising as it had been set up to be. Overall a compelling read.