The Girls Who Went Away

The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade

De: Ann Fessler

Narrado por: Coleen Marlo

In this deeply moving and myth-shattering work, Ann Fessler brings out into the open for the first time the astonishing untold history of the million and a half women who surrendered children for adoption due to enormous family and social pressure in the decades before Roe v. Wade. An adoptee who was herself surrendered during those years and recently made contact with her mother, Fessler brilliantly brings to life the voices of more than 100 women as well as the spirit of those times, allowing the women to tell their stories in gripping and intimate detail.

©2006 Ann H. Fessler (P)2016 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Fessler recounts her own journey to find and reunite with her birth mother in this heartrending look at the untold story of American women compelled to surrender their children." ( Booklist)

wow....I am an adoptee and a birthmom

it was an intense emotional book. it put words to some of the struggles I had in my heart that I didn't have words for before. it opened my heart to the women who suffer in silence. it gave me a new perspective on my birthmom and my brothers birthmom.

A fantastic read!

A wonderful book about what the baby snatch era was really like. The book is based on facts, but it is also gripping. Easy to follow. Worth every minute of my time. A must read for anyone who works in the adoption triad.

This is a good book to read if you are adopted.

I am glad I read this. I'm adopted. I hope to find my biological mother.

Greatly Increased My Understanding and Compassion

I am not close to anyone who is adopted, or who gave up a baby, but having listened to this book I feel a great compassion for people on both sides of the situation. Previously I assumed the stance of adoption being a great solution for all concerned, but having had three children of my own I now can't imagine having given one up to the unknown. The coercion that these girls went through, when they were incredibly vulnerable already, is amazing, and the thought of living with this the rest of your life is torturous. Thank you, Ann Fessler, for bringing this to light, for letting those living with it know that they are not alone, and those of us on the outside become aware of how multi-faceted adoption really is.

Such a validating and empowering read

This book was required reading in my Women’s Studies course and as an adoptee who reunited with my birth mother 30 years ago, I thought I knew all there was to know about this topic and experience. I was wrong. If your life has been touched by adoption, you’ll experience deeper compassion after hearing these unique and universal experiences of these young women who deserved respect and support and resources in order to make informed choices of their own.

Pain, heartbreak and healing

I listened to this as an OB/GYN who knows many more birth mothers than adoptive ones and I’m absolutely horrified. Obstetrics in the 60s/70s left a lot to be desired, but the way they these girls were treated by those who should be their advocates is shocking. It’s hard for me to imagine girls not knowing where babies come from and how their own bodies work. I’m grateful for how much is changed and hopeful for how far we still have to go.

Curious Adoptee

Just recently reunited with biological mother. I wanted to understand what she might have gone through being a young mother in 1967 and deciding to give your child away. This book did a good job of giving examples of what young women went through during that era.

The Forgotten Side of Adoption Brought

This book is an incredible exposé on toxic systems and culture surrounding birth mothers.

A Needed Book

I'm so thankful for this book to help me understand. I would have preferred it have been narrated by more than 1 person.

A must read for birth moms and adoptees!

As an adoptee, currently searching for my birth mother, this was an invaluable resource to help me prepare for whatever I find. I am overwhelmed with sadness of how cruel and insensitive the treatment of unwed mothers was during this era. I had no idea. Thank you Ms Fessler for shedding the light on this important topic and for the women having the willingness to tell their stories. I hope and pray women who endured this travesty find some sense of solace in knowing their story is finally being told!

Thank you!