The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe V. Wade

by Ann Fessler, Coleen Marlo (Reader)

Audio CD

Published March 8, 2016

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by an adoptee this book was based on a series of interviews with women who were young unwed mothers in the 1950-1970 era. It is heartbreaking to read how they were ostracized, removed from society, lied to and forced to sign over their babies while the fathers just went on with their lives without a hiccup. The treatment they received scarred them for life and resulted in many poor decisions and bad coping skills impacting their families as well. Some never fully healed.

[Juliana Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d really say 3.5 stars
It was very eye opening and shocking how these women were treated, especially by their own families. Also as a woman born in the 80s how they were kept in the dark on how pregnancy happens and the results of unprotected sex. It took me a long time to listen to as it was very heavy and parts made me want to cry so hard.

[Nathalie Fannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
This was a really fascinating and insightful book albeit a little too lengthy.
I have read non-fiction on this topic but not any non-fiction.
It is so hard to listen to the stories of various women that had their whole lives
(often negatively) affected by being forced to give up their children.

[Renee Sutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book wasn’t amazing to listen to. The lady’s accent got annoying, but good content and interesting slice of history that still impacts those around us

[Vikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's young women should read this to understand how it was when women had few options.

[Becca Schu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really illuminating and disheartening to know how history is trying to repeat itself.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting to hear these stories. Would recommend!