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

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Audio CD

Published March 8, 2016

5 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

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Ann Fessler

8 books46 followers

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5 stars
18 (32%)
4 stars
33 (58%)
3 stars
5 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
1,006 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Juliana Hudson.
141 reviews
August 20, 2025
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.
4 reviews
April 22, 2025
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
Profile Image for Becca Schu.
208 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
This was really illuminating and disheartening to know how history is trying to repeat itself.
Profile Image for Megan.
133 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2025
Really interesting to hear these stories. Would recommend!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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