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Mother's Promise
Based on the true story behind a landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision, K.D. Alden’s debut is a rich and moving story of one woman’s courage and strength at a pivotal point in America’s history.
Virginia, 1927. A chance to have a family. That’s all Ruth Ann Riley wants. But because she was unwed and pregnant, she was sent away and her baby given to another woman. Now they’re trying to take Ruth Ann’s right to have another child. But she can’t stand the thought of never seeing little Annabel’s face again, never snuggling up to her warmth or watching her blue eyes crinkle with laughter. Good thing she has a plan.
All the rich and fancy folks may call her feeble-minded, but Ruth Ann is smarter than any of them have bargained for. Because no matter how high the odds are stacked against her, she is going to overcome the scandals in her past and get her child back—and along the way, she just may find unexpected friendships and the possibility of love in the most unlikely of places.
Virginia, 1927. A chance to have a family. That’s all Ruth Ann Riley wants. But because she was unwed and pregnant, she was sent away and her baby given to another woman. Now they’re trying to take Ruth Ann’s right to have another child. But she can’t stand the thought of never seeing little Annabel’s face again, never snuggling up to her warmth or watching her blue eyes crinkle with laughter. Good thing she has a plan.
All the rich and fancy folks may call her feeble-minded, but Ruth Ann is smarter than any of them have bargained for. Because no matter how high the odds are stacked against her, she is going to overcome the scandals in her past and get her child back—and along the way, she just may find unexpected friendships and the possibility of love in the most unlikely of places.
385 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2021
99 people are currently reading
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About the author
K.D. Alden
2 books119 followersK.D. Alden is the author of A Mother's Promise.
They want to take her baby ... she's fighting back. Based on the true story behind a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision, K.D. Alden's debut is a moving story of one woman's courage at a pivotal point in history.
Grand Central/Forever: Release Date 1/19/21.
They want to take her baby ... she's fighting back. Based on the true story behind a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision, K.D. Alden's debut is a moving story of one woman's courage at a pivotal point in history.
Grand Central/Forever: Release Date 1/19/21.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 11, 2021
Did you know that the 1927 US Supreme Court Buck vs. Bell decision, which legitimized eugenic sterilization laws in the United States, has never been overturned?! This is a ruling that not only led to approx. 70,000 forced sterilizations in America but also created a model that was implemented by the Third Reich. What a shocking and shameful legacy for our country.
Carrie Buck was a teen girl sent to live in the Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded after a series of devastating events beyond her control. Author K.D. Alden has taken her life as inspiration and fictionalized it in “A Mother’s Promise.”
The story begins shortly after Ruth Ann Riley (as Buck is renamed in the novel) has a baby that the Colony takes away from her and places with a foster family. The superintendent, Dr. Price, informs Ruth Ann that he will soon be performing an operation on her so she can’t have more children. He deems her feebleminded, her mother is also institutionalized as a lunatic, and her baby is already labeled as being not right. His argument is that three generations of imbecilic dependents is enough of a burden on the state. She, and others like her, must not breed.
But Ruth Ann is a fighter, and she resists this non consensual sterilization all the way to court. She wants a family one day. She wants the daughter that was taken from her. She wants to live a normal life beyond the walls of the Colony.
I believe K.D. Alden is the pseudonym of an author who has previously written across various genres, and her experience shows. The time period and setting are vivid, the pacing never lags, and the characterization is spectacular. In fact, Ruth Ann is my favorite kind of character - a gutsy girl whose spirit is infectious.
Fans of Diane Chamberlain’s “Necessary Lies” will likely adore this book, as will anyone looking for those diamond-in-the-rough 20th century historical fiction novels not set during WWII. The final pages include a Reading Group Guide with a brief history on Buck vs. Bell , discussion questions, and the actual Supreme Court opinion written by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
My sincere thanks go to the author and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy. "A Mother's Promise" is now available.
Carrie Buck was a teen girl sent to live in the Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded after a series of devastating events beyond her control. Author K.D. Alden has taken her life as inspiration and fictionalized it in “A Mother’s Promise.”
The story begins shortly after Ruth Ann Riley (as Buck is renamed in the novel) has a baby that the Colony takes away from her and places with a foster family. The superintendent, Dr. Price, informs Ruth Ann that he will soon be performing an operation on her so she can’t have more children. He deems her feebleminded, her mother is also institutionalized as a lunatic, and her baby is already labeled as being not right. His argument is that three generations of imbecilic dependents is enough of a burden on the state. She, and others like her, must not breed.
But Ruth Ann is a fighter, and she resists this non consensual sterilization all the way to court. She wants a family one day. She wants the daughter that was taken from her. She wants to live a normal life beyond the walls of the Colony.
I believe K.D. Alden is the pseudonym of an author who has previously written across various genres, and her experience shows. The time period and setting are vivid, the pacing never lags, and the characterization is spectacular. In fact, Ruth Ann is my favorite kind of character - a gutsy girl whose spirit is infectious.
Fans of Diane Chamberlain’s “Necessary Lies” will likely adore this book, as will anyone looking for those diamond-in-the-rough 20th century historical fiction novels not set during WWII. The final pages include a Reading Group Guide with a brief history on Buck vs. Bell , discussion questions, and the actual Supreme Court opinion written by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
My sincere thanks go to the author and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy. "A Mother's Promise" is now available.
January 21, 2021
I loved A Mother’s Promise. My only problem with it was that I didn’t want to put it down. A Mother’s Promise is emotional and thought provoking. Reading about what Ruth Ann is going through because she is labeled as “feebleminded” is heartbreaking. As the story goes on the reader finds out Ruth Ann is more intelligent than anyone gives her credit. Ruth makes friends along the way. Ruth Ann doesn’t give up even when everyone tells her to. She is always looking for a solution. Clarence is a great friend to Ruth Ann. He will do anything for her without worrying about the consequences. Glory is a kind person that is trying to be there and help Ruth Ann from the moment they meet. Glory and Ruth Ann both are lonely so I enjoyed watching their friendship develop. A Mother’s Promise is about a difficult concept that seems crazy now but was normal in the past. I had so much empathy for Ruth Ann and all of the characters in A Mother’s Promise. Alden did a great job developing realistic characters with flaws but don’t give up or lose hope. I highly recommend A Mother’s Promise.
Thank you Forever Publishing and NetGalley for A Mother’s Promise.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
Thank you Forever Publishing and NetGalley for A Mother’s Promise.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
February 18, 2023
Историята е вдъхновена от реални събития от 1927г, където върховния съд на ССАЩ ( Buck vs Bell, 1927, Virginia), легализира насилствената стерилизация по преценка на медицинско лице. Целта е да се предотврати предаването на наследствени болести и с това да се намали щатската социална издръжка за грижи и отглеждане на “неползотворни” индивиди. Хора с физически и ментални заболявания, криминално проявени лица, често са били обект на подобна процедура. И този закон все още не е отменен.
Звучи нечовешко, нали? Сякаш става въпрос за животни, а не за хора. Да, но финансовите интереси са над хуманното и морала.
Нацистите също са се “ вдъхновили” от тази практика, взаимствали са я и са стерилизирали голям брой от своите си, които не са носили силни и чисти арийски гени.
Малко информация за истинската Кери- момичето, на което е посветен този роман:
Carrie Buck е била настанена в приемно семейство, след като майка й е била заклеймена като пропаднала и слабоумна жена, и тикната в местната клиника за ментално болни. Братовчед на нейното приемно семейство я изнасилва, тя забременява и ражда дете, което й е отнето, а тя на своя страна е приета в същата “ клиника” , където лежи и майка й под претекста, че носи нейните “лоши” гени. И видиш ли, за да не ги предава повече, я изманипулират подло и на неин гръб приемат закон, чрез който легализират стерилизацията на всички “недостойни” членове на обществото, за да не се харчат излишни държавни пари за тяхната издръжка. Така по съвсем легален начин, извършват операция на Кери и я лишават от възможността да има повече деца… Това е накратко тъжната съдба на Кери.
В историята, авторката K.D. Alden, изгражда образа на нейната героиня Ruth Ann Riley по подобие на Carrie Buck, и развихря фантазията си, за да даде една различна перспектива в развитието на обстоятелствата.
Ruth Ann Riley to the doctor after her intervention:
“I may be a child of God, but I surely ain’t your child, nor am I a sheep. And in my “feebleminded” opinion, Doc, God is gonna have something to say to them lawyers an’ you on Judgment Day for carvin’ on His children. But that’s neither here nor there…So please, will you stop gum-flappin’ so I can get outta here and go there?”
Книгата е написана истински реалистично и с много чувство. Историята е емоционална и тъжна, но в този си вид, поднесен в книгата, е изпълнена с много борбеност. Наситена е както с жестокост, така и с топли човешки взаимоотношения. Голямо сърце за Кларънс ❤️
“There were all kinds of promises in the world. Some were false. Some were made in earnest, but easily betrayed. Some were awkwardly, imperfectly fulfilled. But the promise made by a mother to love her child…the promise that began in utero, via the umbilical cord that linked them…that promise could never be broken.”
=====
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
За “ умопомрачена” жена, майката Шийла ( Sheila) има доста будни прозрения и цветущ език. 🤪 Записвам си някои от бисерите й, а те са много. Всъщност книгата е написана изключително добре и автентично…
“ men want one o’ three things: food, sex or fortune. We know you ain’t feedin’ him, or he’d drop dead o’ poisoning. You say you ain’t screwin’ him, so what’s that leave?”
“And agin, how is you payin’ this fancy lawyer man? You goin’ off behind the barn with ’im? You gotta be.
“Momma! I told you, I’m not like that.”
“Miss High and Mighty, ain’t you? Lemme tell you somethin’: any and every woman alive is ‘like that,’ if it comes down to feeding her kids or not. Yes, even you. A good God-fearin’ preacher’s wife is like that, if her husband is dead and her children is hungry and cryin’ and don’t got no place to go. If she got to blow the man what works at the bank…so’s she don’t lose the house, she gonna blow ’im! If she got to screw the dry-goods clerk for a pair of shoes for her boy, ’cause he cain’t go barefoot through snow three miles to school, then by gum, she gonna hike her skirts and bend it over right next the dang cash register!”
Звучи нечовешко, нали? Сякаш става въпрос за животни, а не за хора. Да, но финансовите интереси са над хуманното и морала.
Нацистите също са се “ вдъхновили” от тази практика, взаимствали са я и са стерилизирали голям брой от своите си, които не са носили силни и чисти арийски гени.
Малко информация за истинската Кери- момичето, на което е посветен този роман:
Carrie Buck е била настанена в приемно семейство, след като майка й е била заклеймена като пропаднала и слабоумна жена, и тикната в местната клиника за ментално болни. Братовчед на нейното приемно семейство я изнасилва, тя забременява и ражда дете, което й е отнето, а тя на своя страна е приета в същата “ клиника” , където лежи и майка й под претекста, че носи нейните “лоши” гени. И видиш ли, за да не ги предава повече, я изманипулират подло и на неин гръб приемат закон, чрез който легализират стерилизацията на всички “недостойни” членове на обществото, за да не се харчат излишни държавни пари за тяхната издръжка. Така по съвсем легален начин, извършват операция на Кери и я лишават от възможността да има повече деца… Това е накратко тъжната съдба на Кери.
В историята, авторката K.D. Alden, изгражда образа на нейната героиня Ruth Ann Riley по подобие на Carrie Buck, и развихря фантазията си, за да даде една различна перспектива в развитието на обстоятелствата.
Ruth Ann Riley to the doctor after her intervention:
“I may be a child of God, but I surely ain’t your child, nor am I a sheep. And in my “feebleminded” opinion, Doc, God is gonna have something to say to them lawyers an’ you on Judgment Day for carvin’ on His children. But that’s neither here nor there…So please, will you stop gum-flappin’ so I can get outta here and go there?”
Книгата е написана истински реалистично и с много чувство. Историята е емоционална и тъжна, но в този си вид, поднесен в книгата, е изпълнена с много борбеност. Наситена е както с жестокост, така и с топли човешки взаимоотношения. Голямо сърце за Кларънс ❤️
“There were all kinds of promises in the world. Some were false. Some were made in earnest, but easily betrayed. Some were awkwardly, imperfectly fulfilled. But the promise made by a mother to love her child…the promise that began in utero, via the umbilical cord that linked them…that promise could never be broken.”
=====
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
За “ умопомрачена” жена, майката Шийла ( Sheila) има доста будни прозрения и цветущ език. 🤪 Записвам си някои от бисерите й, а те са много. Всъщност книгата е написана изключително добре и автентично…
“ men want one o’ three things: food, sex or fortune. We know you ain’t feedin’ him, or he’d drop dead o’ poisoning. You say you ain’t screwin’ him, so what’s that leave?”
“And agin, how is you payin’ this fancy lawyer man? You goin’ off behind the barn with ’im? You gotta be.
“Momma! I told you, I’m not like that.”
“Miss High and Mighty, ain’t you? Lemme tell you somethin’: any and every woman alive is ‘like that,’ if it comes down to feeding her kids or not. Yes, even you. A good God-fearin’ preacher’s wife is like that, if her husband is dead and her children is hungry and cryin’ and don’t got no place to go. If she got to blow the man what works at the bank…so’s she don’t lose the house, she gonna blow ’im! If she got to screw the dry-goods clerk for a pair of shoes for her boy, ’cause he cain’t go barefoot through snow three miles to school, then by gum, she gonna hike her skirts and bend it over right next the dang cash register!”
February 8, 2021
A Mother’s Promise is a heart-wrenching tale based on a true court case of Buck v. Bell. It is unbelievable that such an archaic law is still in existence today. Though the names and circumstances have been changed for dramatic effect, the story of Carrie Buck resonates in the novel’s character of Ruth Ann Riley.
Unwed, pregnant and considered mentally challenged by society, Ruth Ann is sentenced to the Colony — an institution for the epileptics and feebleminded. While there, Ruth Ann gives birth to a healthy baby girl and named her Annabel. But no sooner after the birth, little Annabel is taken away and sent to be raised at a foster family. Desperate, Ruth Ann attempts everything in her power to get little Annabel back. Even if it means jeopardizing her own well being.
I won’t go into detail about the characters in this novel because that would spoil the story. However, I will say that my emotions surrounding all of the characters ran the gamut of empathy to anger. I loved some characters and hated others.
Ms. Alden’s writing style really kept me engaged from the get-go. She managed to capture the essence of that tumultuous time period in America when eugenics played a major role in the sterilization of innocent American citizens. And I was surprised to learn a lot of the history of that time.
A Mother’s Promise is a must read. If anything, this was one historical fiction novel not to be missed. It will be remembered and will not be forgotten. Five stars.
I received a paperback copy of the book from Forever (GCP). The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Unwed, pregnant and considered mentally challenged by society, Ruth Ann is sentenced to the Colony — an institution for the epileptics and feebleminded. While there, Ruth Ann gives birth to a healthy baby girl and named her Annabel. But no sooner after the birth, little Annabel is taken away and sent to be raised at a foster family. Desperate, Ruth Ann attempts everything in her power to get little Annabel back. Even if it means jeopardizing her own well being.
I won’t go into detail about the characters in this novel because that would spoil the story. However, I will say that my emotions surrounding all of the characters ran the gamut of empathy to anger. I loved some characters and hated others.
Ms. Alden’s writing style really kept me engaged from the get-go. She managed to capture the essence of that tumultuous time period in America when eugenics played a major role in the sterilization of innocent American citizens. And I was surprised to learn a lot of the history of that time.
A Mother’s Promise is a must read. If anything, this was one historical fiction novel not to be missed. It will be remembered and will not be forgotten. Five stars.
I received a paperback copy of the book from Forever (GCP). The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 20, 2021
Heartwrenching, insightful, and incredibly absorbing!
A Mother’s Promise is a poignant, compelling tale that sweeps you away to the Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded during 1927 and delves into the daily lives, anxiety and true horrors experienced by those young women and men deemed unfit to procreate and thus denied parental rights of any children they may already have had and in turn also forcibly sterilized.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are genuine, sympathetic, vulnerable, and lovable. And the plot is a beautifully written, poignant tale about life, loss, love, heartbreak, courage, hope, manipulation, power, corruption, ethics, morality, motherhood, and the unconscionable theory of eugenics.
Overall, A Mother’s Promise is an emotional, heartbreaking, masterfully woven tale by Alden that immerses you so thoroughly into the lives, feelings, and personalities of the characters you never want it to end. It is without a doubt going to be one of my favourite novels of the year and it really shouldn’t be missed.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Mother’s Promise is a poignant, compelling tale that sweeps you away to the Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded during 1927 and delves into the daily lives, anxiety and true horrors experienced by those young women and men deemed unfit to procreate and thus denied parental rights of any children they may already have had and in turn also forcibly sterilized.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are genuine, sympathetic, vulnerable, and lovable. And the plot is a beautifully written, poignant tale about life, loss, love, heartbreak, courage, hope, manipulation, power, corruption, ethics, morality, motherhood, and the unconscionable theory of eugenics.
Overall, A Mother’s Promise is an emotional, heartbreaking, masterfully woven tale by Alden that immerses you so thoroughly into the lives, feelings, and personalities of the characters you never want it to end. It is without a doubt going to be one of my favourite novels of the year and it really shouldn’t be missed.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
I enjoyed this while reading it, but couldn't give it full 5 stars because I don't think it did anything new with this story line. I liked the voice of Ruth Anne and loved watching her growth throughout. I think Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins Valdez and Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain left a more memorable mark on me as a reader about this topic of forced sterilization and eugenics.
February 1, 2021
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I really enjoyed this powerful story. I enjoy historical fiction from time to time and was intrigued by the fact that this story was based on a true story. The fact that these events occurred less than one hundred years ago is almost shocking because everything about this story seems unreasonable and unfair. My heart ached for the things that Ruth Ann and the rest of the characters went through over the course of this story. I am so glad that I decided to give this book a try.
This book tells Ruth Ann's story, along with the other residents of the Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded. Ruth Ann was set to the institution after becoming pregnant as an unwed teen. Her mother is also at the institution but in a more secured area. Ruth Ann's baby, Annabel, was taken from her at birth and given to someone else to raise. Ruth Ann spends her days doing hard labor, often laundry, with some of the other residents and is punished quite severely if things go wrong. Ruth Ann wants nothing more than to raise her baby but nobody seems to want to see that happen. Instead, Ruth Ann is informed that she needs to have an operation that will make it so that she will never be able to have more children.
So many things made me angry about the things that happened to Ruth Ann. She is quite intelligent but is constantly told that she is feebleminded. Her real crime is that she was born poor and had to leave school after sixth grade to work. I hated the fact that the few men in power were making decisions about who was worthy of having children and often didn't even tell the patient the real reason for the surgery that they were having. Even the court cases seemed less about standing up for the individual's rights and giving Ruth Ann a voice than I had hoped to see.
Ruth Ann was a fantastic character. She was smart and resilient. She has been through a lot in her life but doesn't stop trying to do the best she can given her circumstances. She looks out for the younger girls and doesn't rock the boat all too often. There were a lot of great characters at the institution. Clarence was wonderful from the start and I liked him more and more as the book progressed. There were several other girls that were close to Ruth Ann and I thought that their stories added a lot to the book.
I believe that this is the first time that I have listened to Bethany Anne Lind's narration and I thought that she did a fantastic job with this book. I thought that her voice was perfect for Ruth Ann and she really brought her character to life. The other voices that she used were equally well done. I thought that she added a lot of emotion to the story which added to my overall enjoyment of the book.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. This was a very powerful story and I really appreciated the fact that she included some information about the actual case this book was based on at the end of the book. The book was based on the case Buck vs. Bell which was decided in 1927. Carrie Buck somehow became the person behind the case that has allowed countless forced sterilizations in the years since her case. In my opinion, what was done to Carrie was wrong as is every other instance of forced sterilization. It is hard to believe that to this date this case has yet to be overturned. K.D. Alden did a fabulous job with this book and I hope to read more of her work in the future.
I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and purchased a copy of the audiobook.
I really enjoyed this powerful story. I enjoy historical fiction from time to time and was intrigued by the fact that this story was based on a true story. The fact that these events occurred less than one hundred years ago is almost shocking because everything about this story seems unreasonable and unfair. My heart ached for the things that Ruth Ann and the rest of the characters went through over the course of this story. I am so glad that I decided to give this book a try.
This book tells Ruth Ann's story, along with the other residents of the Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded. Ruth Ann was set to the institution after becoming pregnant as an unwed teen. Her mother is also at the institution but in a more secured area. Ruth Ann's baby, Annabel, was taken from her at birth and given to someone else to raise. Ruth Ann spends her days doing hard labor, often laundry, with some of the other residents and is punished quite severely if things go wrong. Ruth Ann wants nothing more than to raise her baby but nobody seems to want to see that happen. Instead, Ruth Ann is informed that she needs to have an operation that will make it so that she will never be able to have more children.
So many things made me angry about the things that happened to Ruth Ann. She is quite intelligent but is constantly told that she is feebleminded. Her real crime is that she was born poor and had to leave school after sixth grade to work. I hated the fact that the few men in power were making decisions about who was worthy of having children and often didn't even tell the patient the real reason for the surgery that they were having. Even the court cases seemed less about standing up for the individual's rights and giving Ruth Ann a voice than I had hoped to see.
Ruth Ann was a fantastic character. She was smart and resilient. She has been through a lot in her life but doesn't stop trying to do the best she can given her circumstances. She looks out for the younger girls and doesn't rock the boat all too often. There were a lot of great characters at the institution. Clarence was wonderful from the start and I liked him more and more as the book progressed. There were several other girls that were close to Ruth Ann and I thought that their stories added a lot to the book.
I believe that this is the first time that I have listened to Bethany Anne Lind's narration and I thought that she did a fantastic job with this book. I thought that her voice was perfect for Ruth Ann and she really brought her character to life. The other voices that she used were equally well done. I thought that she added a lot of emotion to the story which added to my overall enjoyment of the book.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. This was a very powerful story and I really appreciated the fact that she included some information about the actual case this book was based on at the end of the book. The book was based on the case Buck vs. Bell which was decided in 1927. Carrie Buck somehow became the person behind the case that has allowed countless forced sterilizations in the years since her case. In my opinion, what was done to Carrie was wrong as is every other instance of forced sterilization. It is hard to believe that to this date this case has yet to be overturned. K.D. Alden did a fabulous job with this book and I hope to read more of her work in the future.
I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and purchased a copy of the audiobook.
February 13, 2021
I love books based on fact.
This one is based on a landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision.
In the 1920's Virginia a young woman Ruth Ann Riley, a victim of rape is forced into an institutional because of poverty and her subsequent pregnancy.
Poverty was a big issue back then and still continues to be.
Those living in poverty were wards of the state in this case wards of the state of Virginia . Living in an institution means the women are labeled feeble minded and have no say in their lives.
Reading this book prepare yourself to feel sad and appalled at the treatment of these women.
Ruth Ann is a woman who despite all the odds stacked against her in life she is determined for the sake of her daughter to never give up her fight.
This book moved me to tears!
I am definitely looking this case up to learn more about it.
Pub Date: 19 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This one is based on a landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision.
In the 1920's Virginia a young woman Ruth Ann Riley, a victim of rape is forced into an institutional because of poverty and her subsequent pregnancy.
Poverty was a big issue back then and still continues to be.
Those living in poverty were wards of the state in this case wards of the state of Virginia . Living in an institution means the women are labeled feeble minded and have no say in their lives.
Reading this book prepare yourself to feel sad and appalled at the treatment of these women.
Ruth Ann is a woman who despite all the odds stacked against her in life she is determined for the sake of her daughter to never give up her fight.
This book moved me to tears!
I am definitely looking this case up to learn more about it.
Pub Date: 19 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 21, 2021
A heartbreaking yet utterly inspiring tale, based on a true story in which one unwed woman gives birth, is institutionalized, and has her baby taken away. Her fight to gain her freedom and her child goes all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. This preview was so compelling that I MUST read the whole book now!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 19 Jan 2021
#AMothersPromise #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 19 Jan 2021
#AMothersPromise #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2021
How can one properly review a book that has captured her heart, soul, mind, and gut? This work of fiction is based on a story that I wish were not true, Carrie Buck's forced sterilization.
The writing is superb. Alden takes a seriously depressing subject and interjects it with marvelous and creative humor. Some stories are sad all the way through, but you will find yourself laughing in the midst of "A Mother's Promise." I chose it for my book club, and it is receiving the highest praises.
K.D. Alden displays the mindset of the 1920's, men in power. It also shows how some women who obtained a bit of it wielded against others who had no way out of their unfortunate circumstances.
Eugenics, epilepsy, and congenital birth defects: it is a can of worms that Hitler opened and unleashed upon the world. I didn't know that our country was involved with it, too. I am hoping the USA learned a lot from his evil atrocities and will never again return to blaming a victim of disability. We can all learn from people who have learned to focus on what they can do rather than what they cannot.
The writing is superb. Alden takes a seriously depressing subject and interjects it with marvelous and creative humor. Some stories are sad all the way through, but you will find yourself laughing in the midst of "A Mother's Promise." I chose it for my book club, and it is receiving the highest praises.
K.D. Alden displays the mindset of the 1920's, men in power. It also shows how some women who obtained a bit of it wielded against others who had no way out of their unfortunate circumstances.
Eugenics, epilepsy, and congenital birth defects: it is a can of worms that Hitler opened and unleashed upon the world. I didn't know that our country was involved with it, too. I am hoping the USA learned a lot from his evil atrocities and will never again return to blaming a victim of disability. We can all learn from people who have learned to focus on what they can do rather than what they cannot.
November 7, 2022
How can one properly review a book that has captured her heart, soul, mind, and gut? This work of fiction is based on a story that I wish were not true, Carrie Buck's forced sterilization.
The writing is superb. Alden takes a seriously depressing subject and interjects it with marvelous and creative humor. Some stories are sad all the way through, but you will find yourself laughing in the midst of "A Mother's Promise." I chose it for my book club, and it is receiving the highest praises.
K.D. Alden displays the mindset of the 1920's, men in power. It also shows how some women who obtained a bit of it wielded against others who had no way out of their unfortunate circumstances.
Eugenics, epilepsy, and congenital birth defects: it is a can of worms that Hitler opened and unleashed upon the world. I didn't know that our country was involved with it, too. I am hoping the USA learned a lot from his evil atrocities and will never again return to blaming a victim of disability. We can all learn from people who hav
The writing is superb. Alden takes a seriously depressing subject and interjects it with marvelous and creative humor. Some stories are sad all the way through, but you will find yourself laughing in the midst of "A Mother's Promise." I chose it for my book club, and it is receiving the highest praises.
K.D. Alden displays the mindset of the 1920's, men in power. It also shows how some women who obtained a bit of it wielded against others who had no way out of their unfortunate circumstances.
Eugenics, epilepsy, and congenital birth defects: it is a can of worms that Hitler opened and unleashed upon the world. I didn't know that our country was involved with it, too. I am hoping the USA learned a lot from his evil atrocities and will never again return to blaming a victim of disability. We can all learn from people who hav
May 7, 2021
This book took me through a range of emotions. It is difficult to believe that this story is based on something that happened in history and that forced sterilization is still legal and occurring today (along with other forms of eugenics that are even worse).
The story takes place in the Virginia Colony for Epileptics and Feeble Minded and focuses on Ruth Ann, a young lady who is living in the institution because she became pregnant out of wedlock. The doctor at the colony informs her that she will be having an operation so that she can “no longer breed”. Some of the things that the doctor said about the people at the institution were so vile and wicked, they turned my stomach.
This book is written extremely well and I stayed up way past my bedtime on a work night to finish it because I had to know how it would end. Because it is based on true accounts, the ending is not as satisfying as I would have liked (but reality usually isn’t).
This ranks in my top 5 favorite books of 2021. The characters were rich, the writing was very strong and the author described the scenes in a way that I felt like I was right beside Ruth Ann in the institution.
I highly recommend this book, not only is it an extremely interesting read, it also raises a lot of moral questions and could prompt many discussions.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
The story takes place in the Virginia Colony for Epileptics and Feeble Minded and focuses on Ruth Ann, a young lady who is living in the institution because she became pregnant out of wedlock. The doctor at the colony informs her that she will be having an operation so that she can “no longer breed”. Some of the things that the doctor said about the people at the institution were so vile and wicked, they turned my stomach.
This book is written extremely well and I stayed up way past my bedtime on a work night to finish it because I had to know how it would end. Because it is based on true accounts, the ending is not as satisfying as I would have liked (but reality usually isn’t).
This ranks in my top 5 favorite books of 2021. The characters were rich, the writing was very strong and the author described the scenes in a way that I felt like I was right beside Ruth Ann in the institution.
I highly recommend this book, not only is it an extremely interesting read, it also raises a lot of moral questions and could prompt many discussions.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
November 16, 2022
This was a book club pick. The subject of the book was such a sad and horrible part of history in the United States. It feels basically unknown that doctors were sterilizing women who were thought to be feeble minded. This book was based on a real life event that happened in Virginia and it went all the way to the Supreme Court. It is still on the books as a law.
The author did a fine job and I felt her writing was very easy to read and the characters were well developed. However, she does use some profanity and the Lord's name in vain a few times.
3.5 stars
The author did a fine job and I felt her writing was very easy to read and the characters were well developed. However, she does use some profanity and the Lord's name in vain a few times.
3.5 stars
May 18, 2021
A Mother's Promise by K. D. Alden is a fictional account, based upon a true story, of a young woman in 1927. Ruth Ann Riley has been dealt a tough hand. Her father died when she was very young and her mother was forced to resort to illegal activities in order to take care of her children, but in the end, they all became wards of the state of Virginia. After Ruth Ann is raped while under the care of a foster family, Dr. Price, a believer in eugenics and the director of the colony where she now lives, believes he has the right to sterilize anyone deemed unfit, feebleminded, and degenerate, including Ruth Ann Riley, who has had a baby out of wedlock. Ruth Ann is determined to stop him.
I love learning more about times in history though historical fiction, especially things that haven't been written about a lot. I did have a vague knowledge of eugenics in the early 20th century, but I had no idea about how far the practices were actually put into place, resulting in the sterilization of over 70,000 Americans. Reading about doctors and lawyers who resorted to anything, whether it was lying about patients or illegally colluding on cases in order to get a precedent set in law that doctors would have the right to sterilize people without their consent or knowledge was eye opening and horrifying to say the least. Did you know eugenics work in the United States set the ground work for Nazi Germany's own eugenics program which sterilized over 375,000 people?
While the subject matter is at times horrific and heartbreaking, I loved A Mother's Promise. It was so well written and I loved the characters and their stories. The whole book was engrossing and I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend this one!
Thanks so much to HF Virtual Book Tours and the author for the gifted book in exchange for an honest review!
I love learning more about times in history though historical fiction, especially things that haven't been written about a lot. I did have a vague knowledge of eugenics in the early 20th century, but I had no idea about how far the practices were actually put into place, resulting in the sterilization of over 70,000 Americans. Reading about doctors and lawyers who resorted to anything, whether it was lying about patients or illegally colluding on cases in order to get a precedent set in law that doctors would have the right to sterilize people without their consent or knowledge was eye opening and horrifying to say the least. Did you know eugenics work in the United States set the ground work for Nazi Germany's own eugenics program which sterilized over 375,000 people?
While the subject matter is at times horrific and heartbreaking, I loved A Mother's Promise. It was so well written and I loved the characters and their stories. The whole book was engrossing and I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend this one!
Thanks so much to HF Virtual Book Tours and the author for the gifted book in exchange for an honest review!
February 18, 2021
A Mother's Promise is Historical Fiction based upon the 1927 Supreme Court decision of Buck v. Bell. In Buck v. Bell the Court ruled that a state statute permitting compulsory sterilization of the unfit, including the intellectually disabled.
In A Mother's Promise, Ruth Ann Riley lives in an institution after she became pregnant out of wedlock. Her child was put up for an adoption, yet she stayed at the institution because her mother was also institutionalized. When Dr. Price tells Ruth Ann that he is going to do an operation on her so that she cannot have anymore children, she is terrified. Dr. Price proceeds to tell her that she is feebleminded and immoral even when the evidence points to the contrary. Dr. Price then concocts a plan to have Ruth Ann's surgery taken to the local courts and appealed all the way up to the Supreme Court.
I found myself rooting for Ruth Ann and her fellow inmates, I mean residents 🙄. A Mother's Promise is a quick read with heavy topics.
One of the best things about reading historical fiction is the opportunity to learn. This book sent me down a rabbit hole of researching after finishing.
In A Mother's Promise, Ruth Ann Riley lives in an institution after she became pregnant out of wedlock. Her child was put up for an adoption, yet she stayed at the institution because her mother was also institutionalized. When Dr. Price tells Ruth Ann that he is going to do an operation on her so that she cannot have anymore children, she is terrified. Dr. Price proceeds to tell her that she is feebleminded and immoral even when the evidence points to the contrary. Dr. Price then concocts a plan to have Ruth Ann's surgery taken to the local courts and appealed all the way up to the Supreme Court.
I found myself rooting for Ruth Ann and her fellow inmates, I mean residents 🙄. A Mother's Promise is a quick read with heavy topics.
One of the best things about reading historical fiction is the opportunity to learn. This book sent me down a rabbit hole of researching after finishing.
May 17, 2021
There are just some decisions in our blemished past that should be erased from our history forever. I learned so much about the 1927 US Supreme Court Buck vs Bell decision that put into law sterilizing what some may consider unfit - this ruling led to as many as 70,000 Americans being sterilized. The eugenicists labeled these women unfit by reasons of being poor, feebleminded or indolent. However did such a thing become law?
Carrie Buck's character was fictionalized in this heartbreaking story A Mother's Promise" and Alden wrote this story in a deeply moving and completely immersive that I found myself deeply absorbed into this part of our American History. I just cannot fathom that this indeed happened in real life.
This certainly is a thought provoking read and had a wonderful time discussing this book with some other readers in a group.
The writing style was engrossing with great pacing that really engaged my attention from the start.
I highly recommend this fantastic historical fiction book!
Carrie Buck's character was fictionalized in this heartbreaking story A Mother's Promise" and Alden wrote this story in a deeply moving and completely immersive that I found myself deeply absorbed into this part of our American History. I just cannot fathom that this indeed happened in real life.
This certainly is a thought provoking read and had a wonderful time discussing this book with some other readers in a group.
The writing style was engrossing with great pacing that really engaged my attention from the start.
I highly recommend this fantastic historical fiction book!
January 24, 2021
A Mother’s Promise by KD Alden
Virginia 1927: Ruth Ann Riley wants the chance to live a normal life and have a family. Because Ruth Ann is is poor and unwed when she became pregnant, she was sent to an institution and her baby was given away. They also want to take away her ability to have anymore children and labeled her as feebleminded . Ruth Ann fights tooth and nail for what she believes in. She will not let them operate on her and she will not stop until she gets her baby back. Ruth Ann never expects her battle to end up in the US Supreme Court or that she would learn so much along the way.
This was such a great story! This story is based on the landmark court case Buck V. Bell, which I knew nothing about. I love finding out the author’s motivation for a story and reading stories based on real life events. The story gripped me from page one and was hard to put down. I loved Ruth Ann and entire cast of characters. This story was full of hope, courage, heartbreak and perseverance. I highly recommend this one to historical fiction lovers!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Virginia 1927: Ruth Ann Riley wants the chance to live a normal life and have a family. Because Ruth Ann is is poor and unwed when she became pregnant, she was sent to an institution and her baby was given away. They also want to take away her ability to have anymore children and labeled her as feebleminded . Ruth Ann fights tooth and nail for what she believes in. She will not let them operate on her and she will not stop until she gets her baby back. Ruth Ann never expects her battle to end up in the US Supreme Court or that she would learn so much along the way.
This was such a great story! This story is based on the landmark court case Buck V. Bell, which I knew nothing about. I love finding out the author’s motivation for a story and reading stories based on real life events. The story gripped me from page one and was hard to put down. I loved Ruth Ann and entire cast of characters. This story was full of hope, courage, heartbreak and perseverance. I highly recommend this one to historical fiction lovers!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 25, 2021
A Mother’s Promise is a historical fiction based on a true story. Set in Virginia in 1927, this is the story of Ruth Anne Riley. Living at the Virginia State home for the Epileptics and Feebleminded, Ruth Anne is smarter than they give her credit for. When she learns that the doctor there will be operating and sterilizing her without her consent, she fights back. This case goes all the way to the Supreme Court.
I love a strong female lead and Ruth Anne was portrayed in just this manner. I loathed the people who mistreated her and it made me incredibly angry to see how she was treated. I LOVED the helpers along the way and how Ruth Anne went to bat and stood up for multiple people. This was written beautifully and portrayed the time period in Virginia in a clear, concise way. What I didn’t like: I didn’t feel like there was closure. There was a whole lot of build up and then...done. I love a happy ending but I wish we would have gotten more at the conclusion after becoming so invested. 4 ⭐️ My thanks to @readforeverpub for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
I love a strong female lead and Ruth Anne was portrayed in just this manner. I loathed the people who mistreated her and it made me incredibly angry to see how she was treated. I LOVED the helpers along the way and how Ruth Anne went to bat and stood up for multiple people. This was written beautifully and portrayed the time period in Virginia in a clear, concise way. What I didn’t like: I didn’t feel like there was closure. There was a whole lot of build up and then...done. I love a happy ending but I wish we would have gotten more at the conclusion after becoming so invested. 4 ⭐️ My thanks to @readforeverpub for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 30, 2020
This is a story that came about from a true happening, and when you finish this page turner story, be sure to read the author’s notes!
The horrors perpetrated in this story are true, and as you read in the book description it is based on a real Supreme Court Case.
Your heart will break for Ruth Ann, how wrong and small minded this doctor and lawyer are, and the victim’s can do nothing to stop what happens to them.
This is a book that is going to linger and one you will be taking about, so much injustice and power, but be aware this law is still on the books and it is perfectly legal.
I loved that we are given epilogue, and we continue with Ruth Ann’s life and how this story played out!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Forever, and was not required to give a positive review.
The horrors perpetrated in this story are true, and as you read in the book description it is based on a real Supreme Court Case.
Your heart will break for Ruth Ann, how wrong and small minded this doctor and lawyer are, and the victim’s can do nothing to stop what happens to them.
This is a book that is going to linger and one you will be taking about, so much injustice and power, but be aware this law is still on the books and it is perfectly legal.
I loved that we are given epilogue, and we continue with Ruth Ann’s life and how this story played out!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Forever, and was not required to give a positive review.
February 1, 2023
I picked up this book quickly at the store, not taking any time to read the description or anything about it and I am SO happy I did! After reading Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall, this was another heavy read based on a real life Supreme Court case regarding involuntary sterilization, which in fact has not been overturned to this day in 2023!!!!! I really enjoyed this book but I will warn you: it’s very hard to read at times, not because of the author but because of the difficulties these characters have endured. I like how the author writes at the end about the history of the real case and she outlines the things she changed and why which I thought was really awesome.
January 4, 2024
Interesting but shocking story about women in institutions being sterilized if deemed “unfit” (1920s VA).
November 27, 2023
Based on a true story, I absolutely loved the book. It’s unthinkable what was considered appropriate treatment for young women in the early 1900’s. This is the authors first historical fiction and I can’t wait to read another novel by her. Just when you thought the story was getting some closure she was able to add a new twist!
December 5, 2020
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading A Mother's Promise. Such a compelling read!
It is about a very dark period in the 1920's when a young girl, Ruth Ann, was sent to The Virginia Colony for the Epileptic and Feebleminded. Ruth Ann had the misfortune of being pregnant (as a result of rape) and as a young, unmarried girl this caused her to be sent to this “home”. Ruth Ann was judged as having very little mental capacity or moral fibre. And, because of this, she was scheduled to be sterilized in order to not reproduce any offspring of similar “flawed genetics.”
The hardships and abuse of the residents in this home is very hard to read about. Ruth Ann is adept at letting her mind escape during the abuse. But when her sterilization procedure is scheduled, she shows the reader how smart and resourceful she can be. Even at her young age she understands that it simply is not right that she be sterilized against her will.
I love Ruth Ann......so much intelligence even though she only got to grade 6. She is resilient, loving, vulnerable, imaginative and diligent. I think she is one of my favourite characters I have ever encountered in a book.
The book is both character and plot driven, a combination I love. So many unique characters besides Ruth Ann. Good characters and bad ones. The plot is horrifying and interesting at the same time.
The story is loosely based on the case Buck vs Bell. The author did extensive research on the case and changed a few things to suit Ruth Ann and the story better. The changes are explained at the end of the book, as is the case Buck vs Bell.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy.
It is about a very dark period in the 1920's when a young girl, Ruth Ann, was sent to The Virginia Colony for the Epileptic and Feebleminded. Ruth Ann had the misfortune of being pregnant (as a result of rape) and as a young, unmarried girl this caused her to be sent to this “home”. Ruth Ann was judged as having very little mental capacity or moral fibre. And, because of this, she was scheduled to be sterilized in order to not reproduce any offspring of similar “flawed genetics.”
The hardships and abuse of the residents in this home is very hard to read about. Ruth Ann is adept at letting her mind escape during the abuse. But when her sterilization procedure is scheduled, she shows the reader how smart and resourceful she can be. Even at her young age she understands that it simply is not right that she be sterilized against her will.
I love Ruth Ann......so much intelligence even though she only got to grade 6. She is resilient, loving, vulnerable, imaginative and diligent. I think she is one of my favourite characters I have ever encountered in a book.
The book is both character and plot driven, a combination I love. So many unique characters besides Ruth Ann. Good characters and bad ones. The plot is horrifying and interesting at the same time.
The story is loosely based on the case Buck vs Bell. The author did extensive research on the case and changed a few things to suit Ruth Ann and the story better. The changes are explained at the end of the book, as is the case Buck vs Bell.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy.
November 28, 2020
Fight for my child, fight for my life
I could not believe, as I was reading this book, that anyone could put someone in an institution simply for being an unwed mother. It was even worse in Ruth Ann's case because she had been raped against her will and by the nephew of the family that took her in and raised her when she was taken from her mother. The family did not believe her story and sent her to the institution. She soon found other girls were there for the same reason.
I find it very wrong that young women were sterilized against their will so they could never have more children. The women were labeled feeble minded and a drain on society. Ruth Ann never was allowed to speak up for herself at any court hearings. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court and the doctors were given the right to sterilize the feeble minded. The problem being the doctors made the determination on who was feeble minded.
I liked the story and the characters. Ruth Ann showed great courage. Clarence and Glory her best friends, Bonnie her sister and the baby, Annabelle, that they took from her at birth. She fought to keep her body intact and to see the child they took from her.
The story was sad, the ending was good. The author did a good job of portraying conditions of the institution and feelings and emotions of the characters.
When I read at the end of the book that it had actually been based on a true court case of a girl at the institution it gave the story even more meaning.
I think this story is one that needs to be read and we need to think about it for a while. I would recommend it.
Thanks to K.D. Alden. forever(Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
I could not believe, as I was reading this book, that anyone could put someone in an institution simply for being an unwed mother. It was even worse in Ruth Ann's case because she had been raped against her will and by the nephew of the family that took her in and raised her when she was taken from her mother. The family did not believe her story and sent her to the institution. She soon found other girls were there for the same reason.
I find it very wrong that young women were sterilized against their will so they could never have more children. The women were labeled feeble minded and a drain on society. Ruth Ann never was allowed to speak up for herself at any court hearings. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court and the doctors were given the right to sterilize the feeble minded. The problem being the doctors made the determination on who was feeble minded.
I liked the story and the characters. Ruth Ann showed great courage. Clarence and Glory her best friends, Bonnie her sister and the baby, Annabelle, that they took from her at birth. She fought to keep her body intact and to see the child they took from her.
The story was sad, the ending was good. The author did a good job of portraying conditions of the institution and feelings and emotions of the characters.
When I read at the end of the book that it had actually been based on a true court case of a girl at the institution it gave the story even more meaning.
I think this story is one that needs to be read and we need to think about it for a while. I would recommend it.
Thanks to K.D. Alden. forever(Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2021
A Mother's Promise by K.D. Alden is a heartbreaking historical read. The story is based off a true story but varies from the true version. The writer wanted a happier ending than what the original woman experienced. The tale none the less is sad, terrifying, and realistic. I found myself rooting for the young girl turned grown woman who faced every obstacle life gave her. From her father's passing to her mother's way of life, to being targeted by society as property versus a human being. Once you are deemed in the state's hands, you become property of the state. The state in this tale and in the real one won.
The targeted individuals involved never won over the grief and terrible mishandling by the state. Women who were poor and uneducated were deemed a problem of the state. The state took in the women and saw to their well-being. However, they went to the extreme in these cases. They took away the simple rights of these uneducated and poorer folk. I was just as angry and sad as the protagonists in this book. I wanted to fight the doctor, lawyers, and state that did what the did to these poor women and some men.
Overall, this novel was well-written and so believable. I became heavily invested and was shocked that the true version of this tale was worse. This was my first read by K.D. Alden and I look forward to reading more books by her in the future. A Mother's Promise just became a new classic that all readers should have on their shelves.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
The targeted individuals involved never won over the grief and terrible mishandling by the state. Women who were poor and uneducated were deemed a problem of the state. The state took in the women and saw to their well-being. However, they went to the extreme in these cases. They took away the simple rights of these uneducated and poorer folk. I was just as angry and sad as the protagonists in this book. I wanted to fight the doctor, lawyers, and state that did what the did to these poor women and some men.
Overall, this novel was well-written and so believable. I became heavily invested and was shocked that the true version of this tale was worse. This was my first read by K.D. Alden and I look forward to reading more books by her in the future. A Mother's Promise just became a new classic that all readers should have on their shelves.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
May 28, 2021
Another day another book review!! A phenomenal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read!
.
A Mother's Promise hooked me from the back cover. The year is 1927, Ruth Ann is the 16 year old daughter of a woman of "loose morals" and she just had a baby of her own, out of wedlock. Her baby was taken away and she was forced to reside in Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feeble-minded. (Yes, this existed, this book is based on a true story...just wait).
For the GREATER GOOD of the patriotic people of Virginia it was decided that people who must rely on the state for support should not be allowed to have children any longer, so they were STERILIZED.
.
Ruth Ann does not want to lose her chance later in life to be a mother. So her fight begins, starting at the Colony and goes all the way up to the Supreme Court.
.
Alden enlightens us all on the horrors of being a poor woman in 1920s America, the injustice people faced for not fitting into a societal mold, and the lack of accountability in our justice system. Horrifying to report BUT it is still legal for people in some states care to be sterilized if the state deems it in their best interests. (That shit is insane).
.
This book was a stunningly heartbreaking debut. Alden transports you back to 1927 doing laundry right next to Ruth Ann, cheering her on, rooting for her. I cannot recommend this enough.
.
A Mother's Promise hooked me from the back cover. The year is 1927, Ruth Ann is the 16 year old daughter of a woman of "loose morals" and she just had a baby of her own, out of wedlock. Her baby was taken away and she was forced to reside in Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feeble-minded. (Yes, this existed, this book is based on a true story...just wait).
For the GREATER GOOD of the patriotic people of Virginia it was decided that people who must rely on the state for support should not be allowed to have children any longer, so they were STERILIZED.
.
Ruth Ann does not want to lose her chance later in life to be a mother. So her fight begins, starting at the Colony and goes all the way up to the Supreme Court.
.
Alden enlightens us all on the horrors of being a poor woman in 1920s America, the injustice people faced for not fitting into a societal mold, and the lack of accountability in our justice system. Horrifying to report BUT it is still legal for people in some states care to be sterilized if the state deems it in their best interests. (That shit is insane).
.
This book was a stunningly heartbreaking debut. Alden transports you back to 1927 doing laundry right next to Ruth Ann, cheering her on, rooting for her. I cannot recommend this enough.
February 23, 2021
#FirstLine ~ Dr. Price wore a three-piece suit with lots of authority and a kind smile.
This book was fantastic. It was fascinating and so well written. I am a bit exhausted in the best way after reading this book because I felt like I was living inside this book since page one. What a journey. This story is woven so beautifully, by a master storyteller with richly fleshed out characters. It is complex story with compelling characters. I will not soon forget this wonderful story. It was truly stunning!
This book was fantastic. It was fascinating and so well written. I am a bit exhausted in the best way after reading this book because I felt like I was living inside this book since page one. What a journey. This story is woven so beautifully, by a master storyteller with richly fleshed out characters. It is complex story with compelling characters. I will not soon forget this wonderful story. It was truly stunning!
January 30, 2021
A Mother’s Promise by K. D. Alden is a heartwrenching page-turner based on the life of Carrie Buck whom the U.S. Supreme Court failed miserably. I can’t say I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I picked up this book because I did. I’d read about eugenics a while back and the atrocities doctor’s playing God did to low-income people and people whom they considered too flawed to keep reproducing.
Read the full review at Higo & Miel
Read the full review at Higo & Miel
January 19, 2021
“There were all kinds of promises in the world. Some were false. Some were made in earnest, but easily betrayed. Some were awkwardly, imperfectly fulfilled. But the promise made by a mother to love her child…the promise that began in utero, via the umbilical cord that linked them…that promise could never be broken.” – p. 358
A Mother’s Promise provides a glaring look at the state of Virginia during the life altering Supreme Court case Buck v Bell (although given the fictitious nature of the book it is titled Riley v Price within). This case dealt with eugenics, or forced sterilization, which provided precedence for Nazi Germany’s sterilization of Jews. Buck v Bell remains law to this day, and continues to support forced sterilization, including the sterilization of 150 inmates since 2006.
Author K.D. Alden creates the loosely based “Colony” where her characters reside, based on real events from the time period in which the book is set. Ruth Ann and her mother both live within its walls, where they are deemed imbeciles and mentally unfit. Ruth Ann, arriving pregnant, immediately has her daughter taken away and given to a more “appropriate” family. Regardless of her hardships, Ruth Ann creates a life for herself at the Colony and readers quickly connect with her and the friends she’s made.
While little time is spent on the actual trial and case, the foundation of A Mother’s Promise comes together through Ruth Ann’s narrative. Alden’s skilled pen sheds a harsh light on Ruth Ann’s legal defense and creates brilliant character development that makes readers feel empathy for even the most vile characters within. Successfully navigating a black stain on American history, Alden enlightens readers while crafting an engaging, sad and intricate story.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher; all opinions are my own.
A Mother’s Promise provides a glaring look at the state of Virginia during the life altering Supreme Court case Buck v Bell (although given the fictitious nature of the book it is titled Riley v Price within). This case dealt with eugenics, or forced sterilization, which provided precedence for Nazi Germany’s sterilization of Jews. Buck v Bell remains law to this day, and continues to support forced sterilization, including the sterilization of 150 inmates since 2006.
Author K.D. Alden creates the loosely based “Colony” where her characters reside, based on real events from the time period in which the book is set. Ruth Ann and her mother both live within its walls, where they are deemed imbeciles and mentally unfit. Ruth Ann, arriving pregnant, immediately has her daughter taken away and given to a more “appropriate” family. Regardless of her hardships, Ruth Ann creates a life for herself at the Colony and readers quickly connect with her and the friends she’s made.
While little time is spent on the actual trial and case, the foundation of A Mother’s Promise comes together through Ruth Ann’s narrative. Alden’s skilled pen sheds a harsh light on Ruth Ann’s legal defense and creates brilliant character development that makes readers feel empathy for even the most vile characters within. Successfully navigating a black stain on American history, Alden enlightens readers while crafting an engaging, sad and intricate story.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher; all opinions are my own.
February 14, 2021
Ruth Ann is living at The Virginia Colony for the Epileptic and Feebleminded in Virginia as the novel opens. She is treated as if she was feeble minded but the main reason she was there was because she was seen as an impure woman. She had been raped and was sent to the home when she got pregnant. Her mother is also a patient there. The women are treated terribly - they are forced to work all day and frequently beaten by the woman in charge. Ruth Ann's main goal is to find her baby that was taken away from her at birth and given to a couple. She plans an escape with the help of Clarence who is also at the home due to the fact that he was born with only one hand. She ends up back at the home after her failed escape and finds out that the doctor plans to sterilize her so that she can't have more children. The scientific belief at the time was eugenics. Many doctors believed that if the feeble minded and less desirable people were sterilized, that would limit the feeble minded in the next generation because of the belief that people who were not bright, would have children with the same problem. Dr. Price is performing this operation on many of the young girls at the home and Ruth Ann is the first one to really fight him on the issue. He hires a friend who is a lawyer to defend Ruth Ann so that he can get more publicity and agreement from the state that eugenics is the proper treatment for undesirable people. Ruth Ann is a fighter and much more intelligent that she is given credit for. Her goal in life is to live in the outside world and raise her baby. Will this case going to trial help her or will it uphold the practices of Dr. Price?
Ruth Ann is a well written and very likable character. Even though she is labeled as feeble minded, she is much more intelligent than many of the people around her. Her fight to stop her sterilization had me rooting for her all the way to the Supreme Court. This fantastic book was based on a true story about the legality of forced sterilization on people who were believed to be undesirable.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Ruth Ann is a well written and very likable character. Even though she is labeled as feeble minded, she is much more intelligent than many of the people around her. Her fight to stop her sterilization had me rooting for her all the way to the Supreme Court. This fantastic book was based on a true story about the legality of forced sterilization on people who were believed to be undesirable.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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