Brantford Public Library's Online Book Club discussion

Social issues are rarely black or white. Actions taken to benefit one group of people often have negative results for other groups.

Do you think the author did a good job of portraying the complexities of the issues surrounding the Eugenics program? Did you see the complications from both sides?

I think the author did a good job of this. I liked the way she presented the one woman (Mrs. Jordan?)as someone who benefitted from the policy. I'm sure it was situations like that that society used as justification for the program.

I think the author also tried to give an honest portrayal of what life in poverty and without education can be like. She didn't try to sugar coat the situation in Ivey's household and we see examples of inadequate care and uneducated decisions. I'm sure we would all agree that Ivey and her sister were not able to handle any more babies. I think this was all part of the author's attempt that we should see this situation from both sides.

I think the author did an incredible job of presenting different aspects of the sterilization cases. But, I do think arguments for sterilizing seem prevalent. This book was a real eye opener for me; I had to realize it had to have happened in Ontario as well. I am so glad I read this...I'm glad to have "met" Ivy Hart.