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The Secret Daughter
As I saw my new-born baby’s face for the first time I tried desperately to capture her face in my mind—to stamp it onto my eyelids. As she was taken from me I knew I might never see my daughter again.
38 years later…
‘You were adopted’. Three short words and Sabina’s life fractures. There would forever be a Before those words, and an After.
Pregnant with her own child, Sabina can’t understand how a mother could abandon her daughter, or why her parents have kept the past a secret.
Determined to find the woman who gave her away, what she discovers will change everything, not just for Sabina, but for the women who have loved her all these years.
From the bestselling author of Me Without You comes another touching, beautifully told story about the pain of separation and the enduring strength of love.
38 years later…
‘You were adopted’. Three short words and Sabina’s life fractures. There would forever be a Before those words, and an After.
Pregnant with her own child, Sabina can’t understand how a mother could abandon her daughter, or why her parents have kept the past a secret.
Determined to find the woman who gave her away, what she discovers will change everything, not just for Sabina, but for the women who have loved her all these years.
From the bestselling author of Me Without You comes another touching, beautifully told story about the pain of separation and the enduring strength of love.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2015
2922 people are currently reading
13660 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Rimmer
22 books8,044 followersKelly Rimmer is the author of historical and contemporary fiction, including The Warsaw Orphan, The Things We Cannot Say and The Secret Daughter, with 3 million books sold. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
Since 2022, Kelly has owned and operated Collins Booksellers Orange, the last remaining bookstore in the small regional city she calls home. Her next novel, The Midnight Estate, will be released in Australia, New Zealand and the UK in July 2025.
Since 2022, Kelly has owned and operated Collins Booksellers Orange, the last remaining bookstore in the small regional city she calls home. Her next novel, The Midnight Estate, will be released in Australia, New Zealand and the UK in July 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 842 reviews
June 9, 2015
Emotions were swirling as I read "The Secret Daughter", by Kelly rimmer. It's a fiction book....
set in Australia.
Much of the subject is very real: "Forced Adoption Practices". This history will turn your
stomach. At one time the government controlled laws about young woman who were
pregnant -(born out of wedlock)- Put into maternity homes against their will. Decisions
we're made for these young girls "BABY FOR ADOPTION". BFA marked their charts.
"Life is unfair, she whispered. But that doesn't mean it has to be cruel".
"I wanted to be a person who brought history to the next generation, because if we don't
learn from 'about' our history, how can we learn from it."
There is another important topic in this novel. When do you tell your own child they were adopted? Or the person they always thought to be their father wasn't really? When is the appropriate time to ever come forth with the truth? Is there ever a time when it's appropriate for a parent to 'lie'...(keep information away from them), for any reason that concerns their life history?
And if you do finally share truth to the 'adult' child...(married themselves), how do you think this information spills
over to them both, the couple? Do you think it carries over any scars for when they have children?
I have two close people in my life where - as adults --(much like this story), who received
shocking information about their biological parent. Both reacted different, but each
suffered....as well as others around them. Forgiveness? Yes! ....but when trust is in question of a person's character, pertinent witholding of communications, betrayal to several people... It leaves a scar.
Anyone who has an interest in social issues and justice - abuse of power...and a personalized
novel, will appreciate and devour this book.
People who have read the book - and loved it as much as me- called "Necessary Lies",
by Diane Chamberlain ... will enjoy this book with the same passion!!!
If I 'had' to fault one thing in this novel... It was towards the beginning half. I felt the author...(who mostly wrote a terrific story worth reading), might have left
out the dialogue about comparing food choices: egg white omelette versus pancakes is one
example... because the distorted anger around judging what others eat or not-- actually
cheapen Megan's character. It wasn't a flattering for a 38 year old ..( something to me just felt off: but it was minor enough). Her courage and love shined through in other ways.
My friend Sue, suggested I read this. Thank you, Sue!!
I recommend people read her extraordinary review on Goodreads.com
Thank you to Bookouture publishing, Netgalley, and Kelly rimmer... ( a wonderful new author to read)!!!
set in Australia.
Much of the subject is very real: "Forced Adoption Practices". This history will turn your
stomach. At one time the government controlled laws about young woman who were
pregnant -(born out of wedlock)- Put into maternity homes against their will. Decisions
we're made for these young girls "BABY FOR ADOPTION". BFA marked their charts.
"Life is unfair, she whispered. But that doesn't mean it has to be cruel".
"I wanted to be a person who brought history to the next generation, because if we don't
learn from 'about' our history, how can we learn from it."
There is another important topic in this novel. When do you tell your own child they were adopted? Or the person they always thought to be their father wasn't really? When is the appropriate time to ever come forth with the truth? Is there ever a time when it's appropriate for a parent to 'lie'...(keep information away from them), for any reason that concerns their life history?
And if you do finally share truth to the 'adult' child...(married themselves), how do you think this information spills
over to them both, the couple? Do you think it carries over any scars for when they have children?
I have two close people in my life where - as adults --(much like this story), who received
shocking information about their biological parent. Both reacted different, but each
suffered....as well as others around them. Forgiveness? Yes! ....but when trust is in question of a person's character, pertinent witholding of communications, betrayal to several people... It leaves a scar.
Anyone who has an interest in social issues and justice - abuse of power...and a personalized
novel, will appreciate and devour this book.
People who have read the book - and loved it as much as me- called "Necessary Lies",
by Diane Chamberlain ... will enjoy this book with the same passion!!!
If I 'had' to fault one thing in this novel... It was towards the beginning half. I felt the author...(who mostly wrote a terrific story worth reading), might have left
out the dialogue about comparing food choices: egg white omelette versus pancakes is one
example... because the distorted anger around judging what others eat or not-- actually
cheapen Megan's character. It wasn't a flattering for a 38 year old ..( something to me just felt off: but it was minor enough). Her courage and love shined through in other ways.
My friend Sue, suggested I read this. Thank you, Sue!!
I recommend people read her extraordinary review on Goodreads.com
Thank you to Bookouture publishing, Netgalley, and Kelly rimmer... ( a wonderful new author to read)!!!
June 7, 2015
Sabina is 38 years old and pregnant with her first baby when her parents hit her with the bombshell that she is adopted in this extremely emotional and melodramatic story which weaves its way between 1973 and 2012. The story is told from three perspectives, Sabina herself, her birth mother Lilly and her adopted mother Megan, so we get all three angles of this very sad story. We follow Lilly throughout her pregnancy and birth, Sabina in the present and throughout the story and particularly during the second half of the book we find out just what the connection between Lilly and Megan was, and how she came to adopt Sabina.
It isn’t hard to imagine Sabina’s reaction to the news; one of anger and confusion, especially as her parents waited so long to break the news to her. Why wasn’t she told sooner? And, why are her parents still not telling her the truth and behaving so cagey about matters. It soon becomes clear that if she is going to find out anything at all about her birth parents, she is going to have to do it without their help.
The first half of the book is extremely emotional as we watch Sabina trying to come to terms with the news and her feelings towards her parents. However, the second half of the book is more upbeat and much more positive all round and I was quite relieved about this as I felt I was almost wallowing in angst. If you like a good melodramatic read where you can crack open a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates and the tissues, then you will really like this one. Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
It isn’t hard to imagine Sabina’s reaction to the news; one of anger and confusion, especially as her parents waited so long to break the news to her. Why wasn’t she told sooner? And, why are her parents still not telling her the truth and behaving so cagey about matters. It soon becomes clear that if she is going to find out anything at all about her birth parents, she is going to have to do it without their help.
The first half of the book is extremely emotional as we watch Sabina trying to come to terms with the news and her feelings towards her parents. However, the second half of the book is more upbeat and much more positive all round and I was quite relieved about this as I felt I was almost wallowing in angst. If you like a good melodramatic read where you can crack open a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates and the tissues, then you will really like this one. Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
June 6, 2015
I was eager to read this book as I have heard a lot about it so, when I was granted a copy from Bookouture via Net Galley in exchange for my honest review, of course, I jumped right in.
Kelly Rimmer the author doesn't mess about, she tells it like it is, and draws you without you noticing it. I sat and finished this book today, I had only started it late last night, but I just had to pick it up and carry on. I did text my book buddy to say 'you gotta read this', she looked, and she has it to read on her list. I am so glad of that because I just know she will love it.
What must it be like to be in your 30's. Married. Expecting a child of your own and then being told by your parents that you had been adopted. This is what happened to Sabina.
Can you imagine the impact?
Ted her husband is stood right beside her, he has her back, he has her emotions, he is a great help to her, solid and factual. But Sabina cannot come to terms with this, OF COURSE NOT, its a SHOCK to the must amazing degree. Her life [as she knew it] was now in pieces.
Its not easy to think "well, these are still my parents, they brought me up", its the big heap of questions that go around in your head and one of the big ones is: Who is my Mother?
She finds her parents very cagey.
Now this is where it got so addictive for me I was solidly glued to my Kindle.
Just what were the parents hiding?
Just what more shocks were in store for Sabrina.
Then I had a sudden thought......she is pregnant herself, what if the shock makes her loose her unborn child?
I did take note of when Ted was pointing out things about her family. I related to that as my husbands Father was controlling but my husband couldn't see this until many years later into our married life. I felt for Ted as its hard to point out something you see without causes offence but its for a persons own good.
There is an awful lot packed in this book.
I love how there are chapters that appertain to the biological Mother writing to her lover. How the book goes back, you can FEEL that poor girls anguish.
I felt quite choked up at times.
Sabina's emotions came out from the pages and completely smacked me between the eyes, I felt it, it was real.
As I got more into the book, I really wondered how parents could do this to someone. Keep this huge secret and not tell, how can someone do this, its messing with someone else's choices. THEN I got more information and it sort of altered the way I was thinking.
ABSOLUTELY A 5 STAR I would definitely give this more if I could.
*Heart renderingly real.*
January 22, 2020
3.5 stars
Sometimes, with the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that decisions made with the best of intentions were simply wrong. So was the case for Australia's forced adoption policy. In 2013 the Prime Minister of Australia issued an official apology to all impacted parties. In part the apology stated " We deplore the shameful practices that denied you, the mothers, your fundamental rights and responsibilities to love and care for your children. You were not legally or socially acknowledged as their mothers. And you were yourselves deprived of care and support.".
Perhaps author Kelly Rimmer drew inspiration for her novel The Secret Daughter from this apology. She focussed on the archaic but far too recent practice of forced adoption and made it personal in her story which alternated between 1973 and 2012. She not only vividly captured the emotional impacts to the mothers but she offered three different perspectives of the same story. As readers we walked a mile in Sabina, Lilly and Megan's shoes and came to understand the difficulties of forced adoption - from all sides of the story. Through Lilly, Sabina's biological mother, we learnt of the heartbreak of being forced to give up her daughter, of the myriad ways this changed her life, and of the lifelong legacy of pain and suffering stemming from the separation. Sabina showed how traumatic and disruptive it could be to learn late in life that you were adopted as a baby. The tension this new knowledge placed upon previously close and loving relationships was palpable and it was clear that trust dissolved only to be replaced by anger. And finally, through Megan, the woman who had raised Sabina as her own, we came to understand the fears, the insecurities and the incredible guilt offsetting the joy and love of having been blessed with a child. How difficult knowing every joyous moment was at the expense of the woman whose child had been stolen.
I've read and enjoyed one other book by Kelly Rimmer and I suspect this will not be my last. Her writing is very engaging and I've found both reads to be somewhat emotional. I like the way she makes me sees issues from multiple perspectives and to think more deeply on contentious topics.
Sometimes, with the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that decisions made with the best of intentions were simply wrong. So was the case for Australia's forced adoption policy. In 2013 the Prime Minister of Australia issued an official apology to all impacted parties. In part the apology stated " We deplore the shameful practices that denied you, the mothers, your fundamental rights and responsibilities to love and care for your children. You were not legally or socially acknowledged as their mothers. And you were yourselves deprived of care and support.".
Perhaps author Kelly Rimmer drew inspiration for her novel The Secret Daughter from this apology. She focussed on the archaic but far too recent practice of forced adoption and made it personal in her story which alternated between 1973 and 2012. She not only vividly captured the emotional impacts to the mothers but she offered three different perspectives of the same story. As readers we walked a mile in Sabina, Lilly and Megan's shoes and came to understand the difficulties of forced adoption - from all sides of the story. Through Lilly, Sabina's biological mother, we learnt of the heartbreak of being forced to give up her daughter, of the myriad ways this changed her life, and of the lifelong legacy of pain and suffering stemming from the separation. Sabina showed how traumatic and disruptive it could be to learn late in life that you were adopted as a baby. The tension this new knowledge placed upon previously close and loving relationships was palpable and it was clear that trust dissolved only to be replaced by anger. And finally, through Megan, the woman who had raised Sabina as her own, we came to understand the fears, the insecurities and the incredible guilt offsetting the joy and love of having been blessed with a child. How difficult knowing every joyous moment was at the expense of the woman whose child had been stolen.
I've read and enjoyed one other book by Kelly Rimmer and I suspect this will not be my last. Her writing is very engaging and I've found both reads to be somewhat emotional. I like the way she makes me sees issues from multiple perspectives and to think more deeply on contentious topics.
December 3, 2015
Forced adoptions was a terrible plague where unwed mothers were treated almost as criminals and then forced to give up their babies. But I had trouble reading this book because of the characters. Sabina came off as spoiled, self-absorbed almost narcissistic. When she found out she was adopted, I could understand her confusion but, she treated her adopted mother with total disrespect. I couldn't stand Graeme, Sabina's controlling adoptive father. What a cruel thing to do to force his infertle wife who had multiple miscarriages to work in a home for unwed mothers. I found Meg with a personality who would do anything to please her overbearing husband completely spineless. The only person I found to have any decency was the birth mother Lilly who had compassion even though was probably hurt the most. I almost didn't finish this book because of the characters. I book I would recommend is Philomena a true story on forced adoptions which was also made into a movie.
April 7, 2020
Review to come
December 27, 2018
The story flicks between past and present. In the past we get to meet Sabina’s real mum in the lead up to giving birth and what life was like in the home that she was sent to. In present day we see first hand what it is like for Sabina coming to terms with finding out she is adopted.
I had so much empathy for Sabina. Usually most people know they were adopted from a young age or usually around the time they get to their eighteenth birthday. Sabina is only a couple of years off her fortieth! Understandably it comes as a big shock.
It usually always fascinates me in why a mother would give up a child. Sabina’s real mum’s story was so heart breaking to read. It was hard to imagine what life must have been like all the years she was apart from her daughter. It really makes for an emotional read.
The Secret Daughter is a heart breaking and emotional story. The author grabbed my attention right from the very first page and I was totally engrossed until the very last. Sabina and her real mother’s story will really move you and the author does it very sympathetically. Such a great read.
I had so much empathy for Sabina. Usually most people know they were adopted from a young age or usually around the time they get to their eighteenth birthday. Sabina is only a couple of years off her fortieth! Understandably it comes as a big shock.
It usually always fascinates me in why a mother would give up a child. Sabina’s real mum’s story was so heart breaking to read. It was hard to imagine what life must have been like all the years she was apart from her daughter. It really makes for an emotional read.
The Secret Daughter is a heart breaking and emotional story. The author grabbed my attention right from the very first page and I was totally engrossed until the very last. Sabina and her real mother’s story will really move you and the author does it very sympathetically. Such a great read.
August 30, 2015
Overall I thought it was a very interesting subject. However, I thought there was a lot of lazy writing when it came to the search and certain characters. It was too easy and fairly irritating how all the loose ends so easily came together.
I did like how it made me swing in emotion about how I felt about Lilly and Megan.
Overall a good read, but could have been a lot better given how weighty the subject matter is.
I did like how it made me swing in emotion about how I felt about Lilly and Megan.
Overall a good read, but could have been a lot better given how weighty the subject matter is.
August 26, 2018
This book was an emotional roller coaster. A bit upsetting and sad, but truly beautiful story about family, love and new beginnings.
And I am so happy that my reading challenge is completed with this amazing book.
And I am so happy that my reading challenge is completed with this amazing book.
June 24, 2015
A very beautiful and sensitive story based on truly heartbreaking true events in Australia in the early 70's concerning forced adoptions. I loved reading about the main character "Bean's" emotions and feelings towards her adoptive parents and her birth parents and the wonderful relationship she has with her husband. All the characters felt very real to me and I would recommend this book.
November 11, 2020
Galvojau rašyti ar nerašyti apie šią knygą.. Retai mane tokio tipo knygos įtikina, kad nebelieka jokių teiginių, kas būtų jei būtų. Puikiai supratau kiekvieną veikėją ir jo motyvus.. Vieniems atrodančius neįsivaizduojamai skaudžius.. Bet ką darytumėte jei 14 metu nepavyktų susilaukti vaiko.. Ir staiga atsirastų proga turėti dukrą? Jos motinai būtų neįmanoma išspręsti problemų ir būti jos mama.. Tai sprendimas pakeičiantis daug likimų.. Bet kas garantuoja, kad jei viską būtų buvę kitaip, visi būtų laimingi? Nuoširdžios rekomendacijos ❤️📚
June 8, 2015
Original review at www.125pages.wordpress.com
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.25 Stars
When Sabina plans to surprise her parents with the news she is pregnant, she is certainly not planning to hear the family secret. She’s adopted. Nothing in her experiences could prepare her for those words. Setting off on a journey to reconcile her past with the truth, she cannot imagine what lies ahead.
This was a book that was fine. Fine characters and story. I was hoping for a step above fine given the subject matter. However everything happened quickly and lose ends were tied up in record speed. A subject like forced adoption, to me, should be messier and more emotional. There was one scene towards the end that did make me tear up, and I wish the whole book was like that. My one other issue was unnecessary description (I blame you Lord of the Rings with your six pages describing a tree). I don’t need to know how someone unwrapped and hung up their scarf. Too much description to me seems like the author just wants to up their word count. Yes, description is needed but not about banal items like taking a coat off. If you are looking for an emotional read about family scars and secrets, this is not it. If you are looking for a nice book where everything is neat and tidy by the end, then this is your read.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.25 Stars
When Sabina plans to surprise her parents with the news she is pregnant, she is certainly not planning to hear the family secret. She’s adopted. Nothing in her experiences could prepare her for those words. Setting off on a journey to reconcile her past with the truth, she cannot imagine what lies ahead.
This was a book that was fine. Fine characters and story. I was hoping for a step above fine given the subject matter. However everything happened quickly and lose ends were tied up in record speed. A subject like forced adoption, to me, should be messier and more emotional. There was one scene towards the end that did make me tear up, and I wish the whole book was like that. My one other issue was unnecessary description (I blame you Lord of the Rings with your six pages describing a tree). I don’t need to know how someone unwrapped and hung up their scarf. Too much description to me seems like the author just wants to up their word count. Yes, description is needed but not about banal items like taking a coat off. If you are looking for an emotional read about family scars and secrets, this is not it. If you are looking for a nice book where everything is neat and tidy by the end, then this is your read.
May 15, 2022
Newly pregnant, Sabina discovers she was adopted at birth. Was her biological mom forced to give her up? Were her adopted parents in on it?
I've read a few of Kelly Rimmer's books and LOVED them all. At the beginning of this one, however, I found the writing and conversations a bit stilted and unnatural. I could definitely tell this was one of her earlier works. About halfway through, it felt more natural and then I really enjoyed it. Adoption is very personal for me because my mother was adopted at just a few days old. I liked that the story showcased the perspectives, character flaws, and growth from all three women: Sabina, her adopted mom, Megan, as well as her biological mom, Lilly. The letters written by Lilly to her boyfriend while living in the home for unwed, pregnant mothers were especially heartbreaking. This was a complicated journey for all three women from anger and confusion to love and acceptance, and I would highly recommend it for the important piece of history it provided about forced adoptions, not just in Australia but in many parts of the world.
"Even though I'm to be an unwed mother, am I not also just a mother?"
Location: Sydney, Australia
I've read a few of Kelly Rimmer's books and LOVED them all. At the beginning of this one, however, I found the writing and conversations a bit stilted and unnatural. I could definitely tell this was one of her earlier works. About halfway through, it felt more natural and then I really enjoyed it. Adoption is very personal for me because my mother was adopted at just a few days old. I liked that the story showcased the perspectives, character flaws, and growth from all three women: Sabina, her adopted mom, Megan, as well as her biological mom, Lilly. The letters written by Lilly to her boyfriend while living in the home for unwed, pregnant mothers were especially heartbreaking. This was a complicated journey for all three women from anger and confusion to love and acceptance, and I would highly recommend it for the important piece of history it provided about forced adoptions, not just in Australia but in many parts of the world.
"Even though I'm to be an unwed mother, am I not also just a mother?"
Location: Sydney, Australia
June 1, 2015
As a mother, The Secret Daughter spoke to me directly.
We meet Sabina. At 37 years of age, she falls pregnant, only to find out she was adopted.
What a shock that would be to anyone.
It's also a shock to Sabina as she already loves her unborn child more than she would have imagined possible.
How could anyone abandon their child? Why was she put up for adoption?
Sabina struggles with these questions and then sets out to find her biological mother.
At this point in The Secret Daughter, I was almost frightened for Sabina.
Sure, she has a right to know, but that knowledge could easily be a horrible tale?
To say more would spoil this book for prospective readers, but what I will say is I thought The Secret Daughter was written with such sensitivity and skill you almost feel touched by Sabina personally.
It's a beautifully constructed story that I can honestly recommend.
December 1, 2019
A far too simplistic view of a complex subject. I have read many other books about adoption that were more sensitive to the perspectives of adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees. I was frustrated by how the author told the story. It didn’t feel like real. The characters were not well developed so it was hard to care about them.
Stories about birth moms being forced to give up their babies need to be told, but I don’t recommend this book.
Stories about birth moms being forced to give up their babies need to be told, but I don’t recommend this book.
March 21, 2016
Wow what a corker. Weepy and possibly predictable in a way, nevertheless this does not detract from a simple, heartwrenching story that is well told. Good, clear writing that comes across as true (rather than fiction based on real situation).
Had me in tears on the tube, choking back the sobs.
Very well written, highly recommended.
Had me in tears on the tube, choking back the sobs.
Very well written, highly recommended.
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July 6, 2023Labai keistas viršelis. Toks nei šis, nei tas. Nesuprantu nei spalvų, nei to kvdratiško išskaidymo logikos. Jei ne dramatiškas ir į žanrą nukreipiantis pavadinimas, tai net nebūčiau atkreipus dėmesio į romaną. Bet pasiskaičiau internete, Goodreads vertinimai geri, daug kas lygina knygą su Picoult ar Chamberlain kūryba, tai, galvoju, pabandysiu. Plius, tokia nedidukė, tai ir laiko daug neatims. Laiko daug neatėmė, bet jo prasmingu irgi nepavertė. Labai paprasta, plokščia ir nuspėjama istorija.
Sabina laukiasi vaikelio. Jai 38 metai ir tai bus jos pirmagimis. Tiek ji, tiek jos vyras nesitveria džiaugsmu. Tačiau kuomet gerąją naujieną jie praneša Sabinos tėvams, mama sureguoja per ne lyg keistai. Ji liepia dukrai per daug nesidžiaugti, nes nėštumas dar ankstyvas, o ir pati neatrodo nė kiek laiminga. Sabina kiek įsižeidžia dėl tokios reakcijos, tačiau pasidomi kodėl mama ją taip perspėjo. Beklausinėdama apie mamos patirtis ir galimą paveldimumą, Sabina sužino ją pribloškiančią tiesą: mamos ligos jai negresia, mat ji yra įvaikinta. Moteriai sunkiai sekasi susitaikyti su tiesa, juolab, kad tėvai neatvirauja apie jos tikrąją šeimą. Sabina nusprendžia dalykus aiškintis pati ir sužino dar skaudesnę tiesą: iš savo tikrosios mamos ji buvo atimta.
Knyga turėjo vilties, mat autorė rašė apie tikrus, Australijoje veikusius, priverstinio įvaikinimo namus. Tėvai ten atvešdavo savo jaunas, nėščias dukras, kurias tuose namuose laikydavo iki gimdymo, o po to vaikelius tiesiog atimdavo. Bet tikros informacijos apie tai buvo tiek mažai, kad gal net nevertėjo autorei rašyti, jog rašė apie tikrus įvykius. Jau tiek mažai buvo faktų ir realiai įdomių, autentiškų dalykų, kad pikta darėsi. Šiais metais skaityta knyga „Kol nepriklausėmė jums“ taip pat rašė apie nelegalią įvaikinimo sistemą. Ten viskas buvo taip detaliai pateikta, su tiek papildomos informacijos, net nuorodomis. O čia viskas sausa, prėska ir be jokių papildomų pastangų. Pati istorija visai neišvystyta. Viskas vyksta per greitai, emocijos kažkokios užskubintos, dėl to pasirodė neįtikima ir manęs pačios visai nepalietė. Net nelyginčiau knygos su Picoult ar Chamberlain darbais. Nebent būtų galima Rimmel pastangas vadinti kažkokiu neišdirbtu noru lygiuotis į puikiai žanrą valdančias rašytojas. Nusivylimas.
Sabina laukiasi vaikelio. Jai 38 metai ir tai bus jos pirmagimis. Tiek ji, tiek jos vyras nesitveria džiaugsmu. Tačiau kuomet gerąją naujieną jie praneša Sabinos tėvams, mama sureguoja per ne lyg keistai. Ji liepia dukrai per daug nesidžiaugti, nes nėštumas dar ankstyvas, o ir pati neatrodo nė kiek laiminga. Sabina kiek įsižeidžia dėl tokios reakcijos, tačiau pasidomi kodėl mama ją taip perspėjo. Beklausinėdama apie mamos patirtis ir galimą paveldimumą, Sabina sužino ją pribloškiančią tiesą: mamos ligos jai negresia, mat ji yra įvaikinta. Moteriai sunkiai sekasi susitaikyti su tiesa, juolab, kad tėvai neatvirauja apie jos tikrąją šeimą. Sabina nusprendžia dalykus aiškintis pati ir sužino dar skaudesnę tiesą: iš savo tikrosios mamos ji buvo atimta.
Knyga turėjo vilties, mat autorė rašė apie tikrus, Australijoje veikusius, priverstinio įvaikinimo namus. Tėvai ten atvešdavo savo jaunas, nėščias dukras, kurias tuose namuose laikydavo iki gimdymo, o po to vaikelius tiesiog atimdavo. Bet tikros informacijos apie tai buvo tiek mažai, kad gal net nevertėjo autorei rašyti, jog rašė apie tikrus įvykius. Jau tiek mažai buvo faktų ir realiai įdomių, autentiškų dalykų, kad pikta darėsi. Šiais metais skaityta knyga „Kol nepriklausėmė jums“ taip pat rašė apie nelegalią įvaikinimo sistemą. Ten viskas buvo taip detaliai pateikta, su tiek papildomos informacijos, net nuorodomis. O čia viskas sausa, prėska ir be jokių papildomų pastangų. Pati istorija visai neišvystyta. Viskas vyksta per greitai, emocijos kažkokios užskubintos, dėl to pasirodė neįtikima ir manęs pačios visai nepalietė. Net nelyginčiau knygos su Picoult ar Chamberlain darbais. Nebent būtų galima Rimmel pastangas vadinti kažkokiu neišdirbtu noru lygiuotis į puikiai žanrą valdančias rašytojas. Nusivylimas.
June 18, 2015
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
The Secret Daughter is Kelly Rimmer's second novel with publishers Bookouture. Kelly's first novel with Bookouture, Me Without You, was published back in June 2014, and is one that I haven't yet had the chance to read, but I'm certain that after my experience with The Secret Daughter, I will definitely be treating myself! There is no doubt in my mind that Me Without You will be absolutely saturated with the same effortlessly real emotion that Kelly's second novel is.
In The Secret Daughter, Kelly Rimmer masterfully handles a truly tender and moving plot that had the floodgates bursting open. One of the things that I adored most within this book was how it was structured. Rather than taking the reader right the way through Sabina's story of self-discovery in the present day, the reader is swept into the past during a time of great sadness and grief. Not only do we watch this emotional novel unfold from Sabina's first-person narrative, which was completely overwhelming, but we're also invited to watch the past reveal itself first through Lily's letters, and then through Megan's first person perspective, too. I've probably made it sound complicated in my review but I can assure you that this is most definitely not the case. Kelly handles these different times and narratives with excellent ease, and I cannot applaud the author enough on the effect that this had on me as a reader. I believe that when an author takes a reader into the past, something magical happens. Not only are we involved in the story and the characters, but in this novel, we're finding things out before the characters themselves, life-changing things that I sort of felt a bit awful for knowing before the person who these things affected most. This graceful slipping between the past and the present left me breathless, with sadness and disbelief and utter, utter despair, because I knew that past events, no matter how awful, just couldn't be altered. I believe Kelly chose the most effective way to tell this story, the most impassioned, stirring way.
What unfolds in this novel is something that I've never experienced first-hand in my own life, but Kelly deals with the situations which arise beautifully. It's a very serious, very delicate subject, and even more so because the main character Sabina has absolutely no idea what it is that's about to unfold when she and husband Ted announce their pregnancy to her parents. It was a shock for me, as the reader, to watch Sabina's life suddenly be tugged from beneath her when just moments ago it had seemed so neat and orderly. Kelly's descriptions of Sabina's emotions captured the sheer distraught and confusion perfectly. Despite having never been in such a situation myself, I did feel as if I were experiencing Sabina's emotions right alongside her. It was a captivating read, filled with a very raw and devastating account of a time gone by, and the consequences from past actions.
As I mentioned above, this isn't the type of book that I'd usually go for, but I am so very happy that I did. This tugged my heart in so many directions I'm surprised it didn't tear completely apart in my chest. This novel was over-flowing with realness and selfishness that arises only from love. Kelly really does know how to drag her reader into the story and ensure that they stay there. I couldn't have been more involved if I'd tried. I was desperate to see where the discovery of Sabina's circumstances would take her. Whilst reading in the present day, I was eager to get back to the past to see what happened next and whether it would affect Sabina in the here and now. It did, of course, because every action has a consequence, and these consequences echoed through time, so many years down the line.
I adored this novel. Absolutely, 100% adored it. Kelly Rimmer is a beautiful writer and I will definitely be visiting her books again sometime in the near future. The Secret Daughter packed such an emotional, powerful punch, one that I don't think I've felt before that I'll always associate with her novels from now on.
Becca's Books is awarding The Secret Daughter by Kelly Rimmer with five of my cupcakes! I believe this stunning story will curl around the hearts of many, and squeeze ever so tightly.
The Secret Daughter is Kelly Rimmer's second novel with publishers Bookouture. Kelly's first novel with Bookouture, Me Without You, was published back in June 2014, and is one that I haven't yet had the chance to read, but I'm certain that after my experience with The Secret Daughter, I will definitely be treating myself! There is no doubt in my mind that Me Without You will be absolutely saturated with the same effortlessly real emotion that Kelly's second novel is.
In The Secret Daughter, Kelly Rimmer masterfully handles a truly tender and moving plot that had the floodgates bursting open. One of the things that I adored most within this book was how it was structured. Rather than taking the reader right the way through Sabina's story of self-discovery in the present day, the reader is swept into the past during a time of great sadness and grief. Not only do we watch this emotional novel unfold from Sabina's first-person narrative, which was completely overwhelming, but we're also invited to watch the past reveal itself first through Lily's letters, and then through Megan's first person perspective, too. I've probably made it sound complicated in my review but I can assure you that this is most definitely not the case. Kelly handles these different times and narratives with excellent ease, and I cannot applaud the author enough on the effect that this had on me as a reader. I believe that when an author takes a reader into the past, something magical happens. Not only are we involved in the story and the characters, but in this novel, we're finding things out before the characters themselves, life-changing things that I sort of felt a bit awful for knowing before the person who these things affected most. This graceful slipping between the past and the present left me breathless, with sadness and disbelief and utter, utter despair, because I knew that past events, no matter how awful, just couldn't be altered. I believe Kelly chose the most effective way to tell this story, the most impassioned, stirring way.
What unfolds in this novel is something that I've never experienced first-hand in my own life, but Kelly deals with the situations which arise beautifully. It's a very serious, very delicate subject, and even more so because the main character Sabina has absolutely no idea what it is that's about to unfold when she and husband Ted announce their pregnancy to her parents. It was a shock for me, as the reader, to watch Sabina's life suddenly be tugged from beneath her when just moments ago it had seemed so neat and orderly. Kelly's descriptions of Sabina's emotions captured the sheer distraught and confusion perfectly. Despite having never been in such a situation myself, I did feel as if I were experiencing Sabina's emotions right alongside her. It was a captivating read, filled with a very raw and devastating account of a time gone by, and the consequences from past actions.
As I mentioned above, this isn't the type of book that I'd usually go for, but I am so very happy that I did. This tugged my heart in so many directions I'm surprised it didn't tear completely apart in my chest. This novel was over-flowing with realness and selfishness that arises only from love. Kelly really does know how to drag her reader into the story and ensure that they stay there. I couldn't have been more involved if I'd tried. I was desperate to see where the discovery of Sabina's circumstances would take her. Whilst reading in the present day, I was eager to get back to the past to see what happened next and whether it would affect Sabina in the here and now. It did, of course, because every action has a consequence, and these consequences echoed through time, so many years down the line.
I adored this novel. Absolutely, 100% adored it. Kelly Rimmer is a beautiful writer and I will definitely be visiting her books again sometime in the near future. The Secret Daughter packed such an emotional, powerful punch, one that I don't think I've felt before that I'll always associate with her novels from now on.
Becca's Books is awarding The Secret Daughter by Kelly Rimmer with five of my cupcakes! I believe this stunning story will curl around the hearts of many, and squeeze ever so tightly.
June 7, 2015
I received this from Netgallery in exchange for an honest review. I requested this book because I’m adopted. I grew up knowing that fact the same way I knew I was left handed & loved the water. The idea of someone finding that out at thirty nine when pregnant was shocking. I was interested to see how the author would handle this.
The Secret Daughter is one of my ‘stand-out’ books of the year so far. I had read about the atrocities surrounding illegitimacy and adoption in Ireland but I was shocked to read about the way young pregnant girls were treated in Australia in the early seventies.
It would have been easy to take sides and condemn the adoptive parents outright. What they did was awful; no one should have that shock thrust upon them. However the way the story is told, from the three women involved does make you realise that nothing is totally black and white – I still dislike Grahame intensely though!
I think this book would appeal to many people who like family stories with a bit of a puzzle thrown in. I have no hesitation in giving it five stars. It really is a lovely book.
The Secret Daughter is one of my ‘stand-out’ books of the year so far. I had read about the atrocities surrounding illegitimacy and adoption in Ireland but I was shocked to read about the way young pregnant girls were treated in Australia in the early seventies.
It would have been easy to take sides and condemn the adoptive parents outright. What they did was awful; no one should have that shock thrust upon them. However the way the story is told, from the three women involved does make you realise that nothing is totally black and white – I still dislike Grahame intensely though!
I think this book would appeal to many people who like family stories with a bit of a puzzle thrown in. I have no hesitation in giving it five stars. It really is a lovely book.
June 17, 2015
This book really makes an impact. Sabrina finds out she was adopted when she is 38 and expecting her own baby. She is absolutely stunned- why did her parents wait so long to tell her and what aren’t they telling her still.
The book is told from Sabrina’s, her birth mother Lily and her mum Megan’s points of views. Lily’s pregnancy is described and how Megan came to adopt the baby.
It’s set in Australia and covers ‘Forced Adoption Practices’ where the government made decisions for pregnant girls.
Sabrina is desperate to find out more and realises she will have to look into it herself. Her husband is right beside her and tries to help her negotiate her way through her emotions.
This is one of those books that stays with you a while.
A new author to me and I will be really keen to read more from this author.
With many thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for the chance to read this one.
The book is told from Sabrina’s, her birth mother Lily and her mum Megan’s points of views. Lily’s pregnancy is described and how Megan came to adopt the baby.
It’s set in Australia and covers ‘Forced Adoption Practices’ where the government made decisions for pregnant girls.
Sabrina is desperate to find out more and realises she will have to look into it herself. Her husband is right beside her and tries to help her negotiate her way through her emotions.
This is one of those books that stays with you a while.
A new author to me and I will be really keen to read more from this author.
With many thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for the chance to read this one.
August 5, 2021
1.5 stars. I absolutely hated this book. The characters are just awful. The birth mother who, at age 16, didn’t know how women became pregnant? Come on, that’s ridiculous. But of course she is just sweet and so maternal. Gag. Then the daughter who absolutely hates her adoptive family for keeping the truth from her. I understand some anger but to threaten to never have contact with them again? Also ridiculous. And the men were just shadowy characters, except for the adoptive father, who is said to be ‘controlling and overbearing’, which is implied that it was typical in the 1970’s. Really?? Not in my experience. This book made me angry from beginning to end. I have planned to read other books by this author, hopefully they are much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2022
This book was definitely not a fast read. I wanted to really like it, especially since it had good reviews. I thought the idea behind the book was tremendous, but I thought the delivery was lacking in some ways. It seemed to drag on in some parts, and leave too much out in others.
What this book did teach me was about maternity homes. After doing a quick online search, I found that these homes existed not just in Australia, but in other parts of the world has well. It was so disturbing, and just one more horrific thing done by religious institutions and charitable organizations. I am glad that this book opened my eyes to this atrocity.
What this book did teach me was about maternity homes. After doing a quick online search, I found that these homes existed not just in Australia, but in other parts of the world has well. It was so disturbing, and just one more horrific thing done by religious institutions and charitable organizations. I am glad that this book opened my eyes to this atrocity.
June 13, 2015
A lovely story about motherhood and the sacrifices and the choices we make or in Lilly’s case, are forced into, in life. Sad, heartbreaking and heartwarming. Beautiful and uplifting. Loved it.
September 15, 2017
I found myself skimming through the Sabina sections at the end, they just didn't pull me in. Also, the overuse of italics for emphasis drove me crazy. It was a good plot, though.
May 22, 2020
Great book, with an interesting and consuming story. I was intrigued with the main topic of the book, forced adoption in Australia.
The story of Lily, 16-year old who got pregnant in 1973 and was sent to facility in Orange where she was used and trapped until she gave birth to her daughter, it was heartbreaking. But that was just a beginning, it got much more emotional and tragic after that, when the only person she trusted took advantage of her and stole her baby.
Parallel with Lily's story, 38 years later, we are now following a story of Sabina, a married music teacher who just found out happiest and the most devastating news in her life. She's expecting a baby, but also she finds out that she was adopted. The more that she investigates her origins, she is more and more confused and sad. After she finds out the whole truth, will she be able to forgive her parents for everything that they have done?
This is a very special, emotional and shocking book that makes you feel hopeful and desperate in the same time. I adored it! I felt so many things while reading it and it made quite the impact on me. I am so glad I decided to read exactly this book, it was so worth it!
The story of Lily, 16-year old who got pregnant in 1973 and was sent to facility in Orange where she was used and trapped until she gave birth to her daughter, it was heartbreaking. But that was just a beginning, it got much more emotional and tragic after that, when the only person she trusted took advantage of her and stole her baby.
Parallel with Lily's story, 38 years later, we are now following a story of Sabina, a married music teacher who just found out happiest and the most devastating news in her life. She's expecting a baby, but also she finds out that she was adopted. The more that she investigates her origins, she is more and more confused and sad. After she finds out the whole truth, will she be able to forgive her parents for everything that they have done?
This is a very special, emotional and shocking book that makes you feel hopeful and desperate in the same time. I adored it! I felt so many things while reading it and it made quite the impact on me. I am so glad I decided to read exactly this book, it was so worth it!
September 27, 2018
Iako mi je tema zanimljiva i čvrsto sam vjerovala da će me ova knjiga oduševiti, sam njen početak mi nije djelovao obećavajuće. Sabinina priča mi je u početku bila monotona i previše otegnuta. Lillina, s druge strane, iako teška, jako emotivna i zanimljiva. Poslije se taj dojam popravio i uživala sam u čitanju.
Dotaknula me priča o majci koja je toliko dugo čekala da vidi svoju kćer. Lillina priča mi je baš onako ugrijala dušu i izmamila suze u očima. I baš zbog toga što sam žena, mogla sam toliko suosjećati s njom. I mada još nisam majka, iz ove priče sam uvidjela koji je to divan osjećaj, osjećaj veći od same ljubavi.
Nije ovo knjiga koja me oborila s nogu, možda bih joj dala i manju ocjenu da nije bilo ovih divnih emocija koje su me prožimale dok sam je čitala. Preporučila bih je, svakako.
Dotaknula me priča o majci koja je toliko dugo čekala da vidi svoju kćer. Lillina priča mi je baš onako ugrijala dušu i izmamila suze u očima. I baš zbog toga što sam žena, mogla sam toliko suosjećati s njom. I mada još nisam majka, iz ove priče sam uvidjela koji je to divan osjećaj, osjećaj veći od same ljubavi.
Nije ovo knjiga koja me oborila s nogu, možda bih joj dala i manju ocjenu da nije bilo ovih divnih emocija koje su me prožimale dok sam je čitala. Preporučila bih je, svakako.
February 15, 2019
James and Lil(l)y... Samo sam čekala kad će odnekud da bane Harry.. xD Šalu na stranu, malo me zasmetalo što su baš ova imena u paru jer sam veliki fan Harry Pottera, i pored toliko imena nije baš morao da bude James.
Osim toga knjiga mi se jako dopala. Lillyina pisma su potresna, naročito jer znamo da je ipak ostala bez djeteta iako se ona do samoga kraja nadala da će uspjeti da je zadrži. Najgore od svega toga je što su ta prisilna posvajanja zaista postojala i što su mnoge majke ostale bez djece, a cijeli sistem je učestvovao u razdvajanju.
Uglavnom, happy end je tu i zadovoljna sam time. :D
Osim toga knjiga mi se jako dopala. Lillyina pisma su potresna, naročito jer znamo da je ipak ostala bez djeteta iako se ona do samoga kraja nadala da će uspjeti da je zadrži. Najgore od svega toga je što su ta prisilna posvajanja zaista postojala i što su mnoge majke ostale bez djece, a cijeli sistem je učestvovao u razdvajanju.
Uglavnom, happy end je tu i zadovoljna sam time. :D
March 2, 2017
Very interesting read. I didn't realise that Mother and Baby homes and forced adoption happened in other countries, not just Ireland! This was set in Australia and it amazed me that it could happen there.
July 12, 2019
4 traumatic stars. Forced adoption, and the psychological (and sometimes physical) scars it left the women/girls is a topic that is incomprehensible, especially when it was still happening so recently in Australia. A quick read that was predictable, but enjoyable none the less.
July 8, 2020
Round up to 4.5 stars.
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