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Intermission
Seventeen-year-old Holly has a problem. She is pregnant by her high school
boyfriend, and she has no plans to marry him. In fact, he hasn't asked her,
and even if he did, her mother won't give consent to the underage marriage.
It is 1960. Abortion is illegal, and single motherhood is scorned. Out of
options, Holly has been removed unceremoniously from her college dorm and
packed off to a "Home." Well, it's nothing like a home really, more like a
place for girls to hide -- fifty of them -- each waiting out this unexpected
intermission in her own secret story.
boyfriend, and she has no plans to marry him. In fact, he hasn't asked her,
and even if he did, her mother won't give consent to the underage marriage.
It is 1960. Abortion is illegal, and single motherhood is scorned. Out of
options, Holly has been removed unceremoniously from her college dorm and
packed off to a "Home." Well, it's nothing like a home really, more like a
place for girls to hide -- fifty of them -- each waiting out this unexpected
intermission in her own secret story.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 3, 2018
A heart-rending read
Life will always be filled with uncertainty. It’s unavoidable. What makes the difference is what we choose to do with it, in the midst of the storm, and after the storm has passed. This is a story of healing after loss, and hope restored when all hope was lost.
Life will always be filled with uncertainty. It’s unavoidable. What makes the difference is what we choose to do with it, in the midst of the storm, and after the storm has passed. This is a story of healing after loss, and hope restored when all hope was lost.
May 6, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars – A Masterful Blend of Heart and History
Intermission: A First Mother's Story by Betsey Norland
is a triumph of historical fiction, transporting readers to the stifling social climate of 1960 with remarkable authenticity. Author Betsey doesn't just set a scene - she resurrects an era, capturing the rigid morals and limited choices facing young women like 17-year-old Holly with piercing clarity. Yet what could be a bleak tale becomes something far more compelling in this talented writer's hands.
With prose that's both lyrical and laser-sharp, the author brings Holly's world to vivid life - from the whispered judgments of mid-century suburbia to the unexpected sisterhood blooming within the Home's walls. The period details never overwhelm the narrative, instead serving as a rich backdrop for universal questions of autonomy, shame, and resilience.
What's most impressive is how the writer balances the harsh realities of the time with moments of wry humor and quiet triumph. Her flexible style shifts effortlessly between heartbreaking intimacy and broader social commentary, making this not just one woman's story, but a powerful window into an era that still echoes today.
For readers who love historical fiction that's both meticulously researched and deeply human, this is an absolute gem. The 1960s setting isn't just a time period here - it's a character in its own right, shaping every page of this unforgettable journey. Five shining stars for a story that will stay with you long after the last page.
Intermission: A First Mother's Story
Intermission: A First Mother's Story by Betsey Norland
is a triumph of historical fiction, transporting readers to the stifling social climate of 1960 with remarkable authenticity. Author Betsey doesn't just set a scene - she resurrects an era, capturing the rigid morals and limited choices facing young women like 17-year-old Holly with piercing clarity. Yet what could be a bleak tale becomes something far more compelling in this talented writer's hands.
With prose that's both lyrical and laser-sharp, the author brings Holly's world to vivid life - from the whispered judgments of mid-century suburbia to the unexpected sisterhood blooming within the Home's walls. The period details never overwhelm the narrative, instead serving as a rich backdrop for universal questions of autonomy, shame, and resilience.
What's most impressive is how the writer balances the harsh realities of the time with moments of wry humor and quiet triumph. Her flexible style shifts effortlessly between heartbreaking intimacy and broader social commentary, making this not just one woman's story, but a powerful window into an era that still echoes today.
For readers who love historical fiction that's both meticulously researched and deeply human, this is an absolute gem. The 1960s setting isn't just a time period here - it's a character in its own right, shaping every page of this unforgettable journey. Five shining stars for a story that will stay with you long after the last page.
Intermission: A First Mother's Story
February 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I was so engrossed in the story of her and then her mother, I almost forgot it was based on a true story. Although it took me a long time to read it, (only because, although I love to read, I never seem to find the time) I kept going back to it as I was involved with the character's plight.
I'd give this book a good rating because it deserves it. Compelling, a young woman's plight, and a completely unselfish attitude to the outcome of her dilemma. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a good read.
I'd give this book a good rating because it deserves it. Compelling, a young woman's plight, and a completely unselfish attitude to the outcome of her dilemma. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a good read.
March 19, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Intermission. An unwed mother did not have many options in the 60’s. I grew up in the seventies and those few years really began to make a difference in how a girl in Holly’s predicament was treated by friends, family and society in general. Ms. Norland lets the reader see the options available at that time and the life-changing decisions such a young girl was forced to make.
But the novel is larger in scope than just looking at this first mother. Ms. Norland explores other characters in Holly’s life letting the reader learn much about the various relationships and motives of the people surrounding Holly. You are drawn into the lives of these regular people trying to cope with all of life’s difficulties and hoping each will find a measure of success.
But the novel is larger in scope than just looking at this first mother. Ms. Norland explores other characters in Holly’s life letting the reader learn much about the various relationships and motives of the people surrounding Holly. You are drawn into the lives of these regular people trying to cope with all of life’s difficulties and hoping each will find a measure of success.
December 9, 2014
Engrossing story of a real family.
January 3, 2014
I loved this bookand read it after The Third Floor, which I also liked. The reason I give this four stars is because Holly was sometimes mean to a baby she was taking care of.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews