A review by reallyblxndes
The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe V. Wade by Ann Fessler

4.0

Fessler's work is an crucial piece of feminist literature that everyone should read. This is a narrative we don't often hear about often, especially in the years after Roe v. Wade. In the 21st century, these stories are still necessary, especially in the wake of Texas' abortion bans. Adoption isn't an easy choice to make either and can lead both the adoptees and their mothers with trauma that can last a lifetime. Fessler and the women she interviews argue that there need to be better laws for both parties that could ease the damage caused. With all of this said, it is a very difficult book to read-emotionally. It was heartbreaking and I cried some tears I needed a lot of breaks throughout reading. My heart goes out to all of the interviewee, the women who did get interviewed, and all of the women who never told their story.