Unspoken: The Silent Truth Behind My Lifelong Trauma as a Forced Adoptee

by Liz Harvie, Eve Hatton

“I was two when the woman I called Mummy told me, ‘You came out of another mummy’s tummy.’ I grew up thinking that my birth mother didn’t want me. I assumed there must’ve been something inherently wrong with me – why else would a mother give up her baby?”In 1974, Liz Harvie – born Claire Elaine Watts – was given up for adoption by her birth mother Yvonne. Claire spent the first ten days of her life with Yvonne before being placed in a foster home. Almost eight weeks later, Claire’s adoptive parents collected her from the foster home – and renamed her Elizabeth.

Although brought up in a ‘perfect’ household, the emotional – and physical – trauma of being taken from her biological mother would never leave Liz. She constantly what does my real mum look like? Will she come back for me? Why did she abandon me?

Years later, aged 28, Liz reconnected with her birth mother – and finally learned the shocking truth surrounding her adoption. Yvonne had not abandoned her daughter. As a young unmarried mum, Yvonne had been deemed unfit as a parent and been made to give up her child against her will.

Liz was one of at least 185,000 victims of forced adoption between 1949 and 1976 in England and Wales. Although reunited, Liz and Yvonne are still struggling to cope with the agony resulting from their devastating separation.

Genres: Adoption

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2023

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written about adoption....a struggle about a women dealing with the trauma of an unwanted separation from her birth mother

[Shannon Cornaby-Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a relatable book🥲

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Ad Lib Publishers for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

I feel privileged to have been allowed to read this book. I felt sadness, anger against the adoptive family. I'm happy with how everything ended for Liz, for everything she's found. I think that maybe, other adopted children will find answers in this book, trying to find themselves and their feelings.

[Fiona Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the edge of my seat, have read numerous books on adoption and fostering but this gives a total turn around of thinking adoption is always necessary in life but never thought of the Adoptee and what they are and what they went through. Much needed book on the shelves to read.

[Holly Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting story about Liz’s adoption.
She talks about her lack of relationship with her adoptive parents and the journey of her meeting her biological parents

This story has many sad moments but also the happy moments that make the story so interesting

Well worth a read!

Thank you Liz for sharing your story xx

[clover_c_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for speaking your truth. This book and others like it are valuable evidence of our society and its failings.
This story was emotionally powerful and allows a good look at what it is like for adoptees and birth families to endure separation and reunion.
Unfortunately, these sorts of trauma and systemic abuses are still occurring, hence why England won’t apologise for their wrong doing.
I will never stop talking about forced adoption until the apology is made and the system reformed.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Privileged narrative! While it sheds some light on the trauma of adoption it feels almost distasteful and unnecessarily bitter. When someone has been afforded such opportunities, education and an upbringing that some can only dream of and for that to barely be acknowledged and in some cases even diminished screams entitlement.

[Jess Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, emotional and well written book! It was difficult to put down! I took my time reading it so I could absorb every word, I was experiencing different emotions reading this, happiness, sadness, excitement, frustration. Overall, it’s been the best book I have read so far. I would definitely read it again!

[Becki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful read.
Heartbreaking having to give your child up for adoption because either would look bad on the family having a child out of wedlock.
I'm so glad that after over 20 years that Elizabeth finally met her birth parents.
I'm so glad she was able to find them and have some amazing years together.

[Gail murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was okay long-windedand predicable

[Nicola Cumber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly written, heartbreaking tail of adoption. Unable to put this book down

[Fiona Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking story of a woman's journey being adopted..Elizabeth is a strong woman such a fantastic read

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz and I are in the same adoptee rights circles on Twitter, which is how I became aware of her book. Adoptee memoirs are always comforting and upsetting to me at the same time.

[Milly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never thought about how difficult it can be for adoptees to bond with their family.
This book showed me the truth.
It was a good book, but I won't rush to read it again