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I loved this book. This is why we read fiction because it educates us.
I had previously learnt of reform schools but for boys and indigenous people. I also knew about the whole sketchy history around adoption for unwed mothers. However, with this book I learnt about the laundry child labour. It broke my heart immensely.
I find it very upsetting when Christians do not exhibit Christ like qualities. The fact that it was people associated with the church doling out these abuses does not surprise me but it is very disturbing. As a Christian, it is a known thing of how churches protect abusers of all kind. Things are changing slowly but surely , there are now opportunities and avenues to tell your story as a survivor. It is extremely difficult and challenges are still being faced.
One thing I truly adored was the friendship between the wayward girls and Mairin’s friendship with Fiona. When I tell you friendships will save your life!!!
You know who pissed me off? Mairin’s mother, Kevin and Bernadette. I just hate when people a passive. The girls might have forgiven them, I do not.
The romance between Mairin and Flynn made me so happy. Angela finding the love of a good woman after all she’s been through?!! Spectacular
I struggled with pacing after the girls escaped.
However this is a very difficult yet beautiful read. I’m glad to have read this.
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy
HIGHLY recommend
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Why, oh why, don't parents believe their daughters when something is wrong? Or teach them to trust their gut? Or how to protect themselves? Or why believe that people of authority always know best? Or why are girls to blame for pregnancy, yet boys face no consequences? Why haven't these things changed ever?
Well, this book covers it all! We need to trust the survivors! The previously incarcerated survivors of a fictional Magdalene laundry in Buffalo, New York, tell their story. I blindly believed these laundries were only in Ireland, but there were at least thirty-eight, per the author. Seriously?
The writing, characters, and plot are top-notch! This is an important, difficult, but horrible reflection on our history. It also proves how important history is. True history is important - not the whitewashed crap!
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/05/review-wayward-girls-earcebook.html
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Cursing, Mental illness