Survival Without Roots (Survival Without Roots, #1) - Memoir of an Adopted Englishwoman

by Anna Anderson

Adopted as a baby in the 1950s and transported to the North Yorkshire market town of Yarm-on-Tees, Anne grows up feeling an ‘imperfect fit’ for the ‘Mum’ who raised her.
Years of criticism, control and complete withdrawal of love destroy Anne’s self-esteem and affect her choices in life as she endlessly seeks the love and acceptance she craves.
Join her as she careers and swerves through the first eighteen years of searching for somewhere to belong.
Will she find the resilience to survive her upbringing and the tragedies encountered along the way?
A story of hope, resilience and determination.

267 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2022

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to deny someone else’s experience!

[Richard Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an apt title for a truly gripping read. The emotional heartache oozes through each chapter as the author describes her upbringing from her earliest memories into early adulthood. What most girls have, this author craves - a mother to love, cherish and encourage her little girl; and the lack of all these influences her storytelling.

The book is clearly written from the heart. There were times when I wanted to cry with her, such is the descriptive power that Anna has skillfully mastered in recounting her memories. This is a declaration of how the adoption system failed children in the 1950s, but despite that, it's a testament to the author's resilience and determination to make the best of what life has to offer.

A must-read book, which is beautifully presented with a clever and intriguing style twist at the end of the book.

Congratulations Anna on a remarkable debut novel.

[Helen Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. From the start, it evoked powerful emotions and I was drawn to find out more about all of the characters – especially Anne. I felt Anne’s frustrations, as she was growing up and found myself sighing when things went wrong and smiling when she had some mini victories. I could imagine myself right beside Anne at each stage of her journey and her references to growing up at that time in the North East of England were brilliant. Some parts were so unbelievably heart wrenching it was hard to read. Well done on such a powerful, well-written book. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Cathryn Vogeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written in a way that made me feel like we were best friends. Anna's relationship with her mum was sadly fraught with disappointment on both sides, but as an adoptee, her adoptive mother's responsibility to show love and encouragement was sadly lacking. The last half of the book, for me, was the most compelling and no spoilers here, has some shocking scenes. I recommend the book for any first mothers and/or adoptees looking for true adoption stories, but also for memoir lovers interested in the cultural history surrounding unwed pregnancy.

[Derek Lamplugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Brilliant true story, well written.”
From start to finish Anna’s true life story covering adoption had me fully engaged. Her writing style dragged me in and at times left me feeling very emotional as if I was in fact there with her. Losing her beloved father at a young age and been left with a mother who was incapable of love followed by having her baby taken away in her teens left Anna on a rocky road. First class reading, I cannot wait for Book Two of her memoir trilogy!

[Emma Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written memoir had me hooked from the start. I felt every emotion Anna felt growing up under the strict, cold rules of her adopted mother. I finished the book last night, but as it is only book 1, it didn't finish as such, and I'm gutted. I want to know what happened next! Hurry up Anna and finish volume 2! I highly recommend this book.

[Linda Rainbird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping, heartfelt memoir, giving a raw honest account of childhood. Her descriptive style enables her to share a rollercoaster of emotions with the reader. A must read for all adoptees and those with similar childhood experiences. Left on a cliff hanger, I’m really looking forward to part two!

[R.K.J. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first words to the last, Survival Without Roots had me gripped. Anna’s descriptions of people and places in her younger life are stunningly sharp and her observations of life in the late 1950s and 1960s immediately gave me a vantage point to glimpse her childhood. At times, her honesty is shockingly and uncomfortable to read, her experiences harrowing. However, as she lays her soul bare, you become familiar with Anna’s world and how she managed to survive. Her memoirs are described as ‘a story of hope, resilience, and determination.’ This first book shows all three in great measure. I truly hope that the second book in her trilogy is written soon.

[Debbie Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must for anyone who enjoys a real rollercoaster of emotion. The author tells the story of the first 18 years of her life with such incredible frankness, it is hard to comprehend how she managed to write it.

The adventures, the life changing traumas; it’s all in there. And there’s more to come in book 2 of this amazing trilogy. Can’t wait!

[The Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet Review but what more can we say…

Survival without roots is a tear jerker. Personally, I found this, whether or not the effect will happen to others I don’t know, but the power of the writing leads me to believe so. Absolutely 5 stars – excellently presented and edited, smooth flow even over rocky territory, a book I devoured in one sitting. Highly recommended.

[Linda Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heartfelt insight into the trials and heartfelt emotions of being an adoptee and also the attitudes in the 60s. An excellent read that I read in one go.

[Vicky Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna is a fabulous author with the ability to convey deep emotions and paint vivid pictures with her words. Her story made my heart ache for her as a small child. It made me laugh, smile and cry. This is a must-read.