A review by bookmarkedbybecky
The Girls We Sent Away: A Novel by Meagan Church

adventurous dark informative sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Heartbreaking yet riveting! I couldn't put this down, even though many of the adults in this book angered me - these poor girls!!!

Church pens the untold stories of teen pregnancy in the 1960s.  Parents and society, at this time,  viewed teenage pregnancy as shameful and should be hidden at all costs. Consequently, parents sent their daughters to a home for unwed pregnant teens, where they were often coerced into giving up their babies for adoption. Church examines the experiences of these young girls from diverse backgrounds who had limited choices and autonomy over their bodies, leading to psychological scars. Their stories I found upsetting, challenging, and heartbreaking to read, but I believe that's the exact emotions Church hoped to elicit as she unfolded this unsavory history.   

Susan Bennett's narration is excellent!  She performs the multiple POVs seamlessly.  Her tone and inflection add to the innocence of our teenage girls while also adding to the southern feel of the story. 

If you're looking to read about women's history this month, be sure to add The Girl We Sent Away to your reading list.