OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
This is the first book by Susan Wiggs that I have read. The premise aligns perfectly with many of my recent reads. The fictional storyline was about incarcerated young women at a Roman Catholic Magdalene laundry in Buffalo, New York, from 1968-1969.
The scary part is that this book is inspired by true-life accounts of what happened in these so-called laundries from the 1880s to the 1970s. Horrific!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Susan writes so beautifully with compassion but descriptively without being prurient. The storyline is difficult to read, but the writing makes it fascinating, although anger-provoking.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters (in the 1968-1969 timeline) include the "wayward girls", the Our Lady of Charity Roman Catholic order, and the Good Shepherd Institute. The ridiculous reasons for these young women being incarcerated are unbelievable, and the horrible treatment that they receive is unconscionable.
The secondary characters (in the 1968-1969 timeline) are the parents who send their daughters to the Institute, the girls' friends and partners, and the inept local Buffalo community that was supposed to protect them.
The tertiary timeline (present time) is the new lives for the "wayward girls", their friends, family, and their friendships.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This is a historical fiction novel, but it is primarily about seven "wayward girls" and one nun. Their story ends in 1970ish at the Institute when six of the girls escape. Then everything explodes again when two of the girls rekindle their friendship many years later. Powerfully done!
The location was primarily Buffalo, New York, and the surrounding area.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I had no idea that these laundries occurred in the United States. I had heard of them in Ireland, But A Note from the Author indicates that there were at least thirty-eight of these institutions in our country.
We need to remember this history and protect our daughters and granddaughters from this type of abuse from ever occurring again!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs
400 pages
William Morrow
FUTURE release date: 7/15/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Rape, incarceration, pregnancy, physical abuse, adult-minor relationships, drug use, sexual situations, mild cursing, infidelity
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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