I picked up this book with in mind. Although the intent was only because these were loaned to our book club. A few months ago we signed up our book club with the Glen Eira Library. I was so excited to get yet another library card. It means they choose our books and lend us enough books to cover every person in our group. I think we’re near the maximum number of people for one group. It’s interesting to go in cold with a book.
This book was inspired by a real case. Set in America’s Deep South a four year-old goes missing. The boy who turns up is claimed by two mothers. It’d be much easier today, they’d run some DNA tests, but back in 1913 this wasn’t possible and they relied on visual recognition and scarring. You’d think you’d know your own son despite not having seen him for two years.
I loved the writing in this book. I could really feel the emotions, and they were so raw. It was interesting to see those characters who really had no agency, because of their colour or their age, try to do the right thing.
Things I’ve noted include racism. This being the Deep South racism is endemic. People of Colour are considered less than second rate and the segregation is shown quite casually. There’s no outrage from the whites with the racism, it’s just there as if it’s as natural as breathing. I was horrified, but I’m looking at this from the modern point of view.
One thing that will horrify many people is Grace considering using her knitting needles. This was not for creating something by knitting, but for destroying something. She considered giving herself an abortion, instead having the child. What I’m pointing out is the old-fashioned method she was considering. It was dangerous and it sometimes worked, but people were often desperate and medical abortions were rarely performed for those with little money.
According to my notes we’re meant to ‘explore the parent-child bond, identity, and what it measn to be part of a family’. But there is so much more in this book. I’m quite excited to discuss it tomorrow with my book club and find out what I’ve missed.
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