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The Missing Child: The Life She Lived and a Life She Missed
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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August 2, 2026After his mother's funeral, the author of The Missing Child and his sister returned to their mother's house and opened her box of important papers to begin settling her estate. Among the usual documents they found a sealed envelope on which she had written instructions that they should destroy it without opening it. After much debate they agreed not to follow her wishes. This decision led O'Connor on a decades long search for his mother's origins and family roots. The book he has written as a result of that effort tells a compelling story of his journeys from Philadelphia to Connecticut to find out who his mother was and why she kept her secret from her children.
In addition to his mother's story O'Connor tells a fascinating tale of how one goes about tracing someone's past through genealogical archives, online resources like census data, and DNA databases. Many people are sending their DNA to companies that will produce a broad picture of their ancestry, but O'Connor shows the effort it takes to really find out someone's past.
As he tells his mother's story he also produces a portrait of how European immigrants made their way to the eastern industrial urban centers of the United States after the first world war and how they struggled through the Depression to make a living and keep their families together. With his journalist's eye for detail he gives an immediacy to the episodes in his mother's life that show how the times and the contemporary attitudes toward parenting and childhood effected her life so profoundly.
Finishing the book I came to the belief that Charlotte, his mother, would have been more than happy that Paul and Charlene, his sister, opened the envelope, as their affection for her and gratitude for how she raised them is evident throughout the book.
Although most of our parents would likely not have a mystery in their background like the author's mother (or as colorful a father as the author's), I think you will leave this book with this thought: "I wish O'Connor could write a book for my mom like The Missing Child."
In addition to his mother's story O'Connor tells a fascinating tale of how one goes about tracing someone's past through genealogical archives, online resources like census data, and DNA databases. Many people are sending their DNA to companies that will produce a broad picture of their ancestry, but O'Connor shows the effort it takes to really find out someone's past.
As he tells his mother's story he also produces a portrait of how European immigrants made their way to the eastern industrial urban centers of the United States after the first world war and how they struggled through the Depression to make a living and keep their families together. With his journalist's eye for detail he gives an immediacy to the episodes in his mother's life that show how the times and the contemporary attitudes toward parenting and childhood effected her life so profoundly.
Finishing the book I came to the belief that Charlotte, his mother, would have been more than happy that Paul and Charlene, his sister, opened the envelope, as their affection for her and gratitude for how she raised them is evident throughout the book.
Although most of our parents would likely not have a mystery in their background like the author's mother (or as colorful a father as the author's), I think you will leave this book with this thought: "I wish O'Connor could write a book for my mom like The Missing Child."
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May 1, 2026This book was a family history account as well as a story. Not only did the author describe how and what means were used to gather the information, it was delivered in a way that the reader felt they were involved.
About halfway I became more aware of the research and not of the story. It was intriguing and slightly confusing andin the end quite sad.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
About halfway I became more aware of the research and not of the story. It was intriguing and slightly confusing andin the end quite sad.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
“The Missing Child” by Paul T. O’Connor is one of the most fascinating biographies/memoirs/mysteries I have had the pleasure to read. Thank you to BookSirens, Mr. O’Connor, and Torchflame Books for giving me an advanced reader’s copy prior to its publication. My review is voluntary.
Although Paul and his sister Charlene had always known their mother was “adopted,” her death catapulted them, specifically Paul, into uncovering the circumstances surrounding her adoption; they wanted to know who their biological grandparents were and what were their reasons for giving their daughter away. Through many years of intricate research of multiple sources, databases, libraries, records, and archives, and particularly to the eventual availability of private DNA genealogical websites and scrupulous sleuthing, Paul finally discovered the twisted truth behind his own heritage. One of the most surprising sources of discovery was found on Facebook!
Having been a newspaper writer for forty years and a journalism professor for thirty, Paul was well equipped not only for the research aspects of this project but also for the excellent work in documenting his process and his discoveries. He’s an excellent storyteller, and reading this book is almost like reading a work of fiction. The cast of characters involved are so vast and unique and the story’s twists and turns so incredible, it’s difficult to remember that they are real and not invented. Kudos to Mr. O’Connor for his diligence in tracking down his family’s roots and for delivering his story in such an entertaining and engaging manner, while providing as much love and compassion for the individuals involved as humanly possible.
Although Paul and his sister Charlene had always known their mother was “adopted,” her death catapulted them, specifically Paul, into uncovering the circumstances surrounding her adoption; they wanted to know who their biological grandparents were and what were their reasons for giving their daughter away. Through many years of intricate research of multiple sources, databases, libraries, records, and archives, and particularly to the eventual availability of private DNA genealogical websites and scrupulous sleuthing, Paul finally discovered the twisted truth behind his own heritage. One of the most surprising sources of discovery was found on Facebook!
Having been a newspaper writer for forty years and a journalism professor for thirty, Paul was well equipped not only for the research aspects of this project but also for the excellent work in documenting his process and his discoveries. He’s an excellent storyteller, and reading this book is almost like reading a work of fiction. The cast of characters involved are so vast and unique and the story’s twists and turns so incredible, it’s difficult to remember that they are real and not invented. Kudos to Mr. O’Connor for his diligence in tracking down his family’s roots and for delivering his story in such an entertaining and engaging manner, while providing as much love and compassion for the individuals involved as humanly possible.
Review of advance copy
O'Connor's search for his mother's history and ancestors displays amazing dedication and perseverance! This work traces the work of many years to untangle a complex web of connections among both family members and strangers. The Missing Child is the story of O'Connor's mother as well an exploration of the times in which she lived and the pursuit of genealogy. Additionally, the work explores the question of whether some secrets should be left hidden or whether we all have a right to understand our parents' and ancestors' lives. I found the book to be intriguing and engaging, and left me inspired by O'Connor's dedication to this quest. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a wonderful read. It was a mystery, love story and found family. I thought Charlotte story was beautiful. She was a amazing women and mother who work her hardest to raise her children. I love seeing her side through adopt and foster care to finding out about the family who gave her up. Even the reason why she was given up.
I will have a full review on my blog when the book is released.
I will have a full review on my blog when the book is released.
June 24, 2026
Paul O’Connor’s “The Missing Child” is a fascinating mystery rooted in a deeply satisfying search for his mother’s true past. Well researched and documented over more than a decade, the truth to much of the past that was never discussed by her during her life is revealed. Most of us may think we know everything about our family past, but secrets lurk in more corners than we can probably imagine. A great read!
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June 9, 2026Really enjoyed reading this story of a neighbor.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews