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A review by samsweebooknook
Bessborough: Three Women. Three Decades. Three Stories of Courage by Deirdre Finnerty
5.0
Bessborough is the story of one of Ireland's largest mother and baby institutions, more specifically sharing the accounts of three women who were confined there in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
As a bit of background for anyone in the UK or further afield who isn't aware of the scandal surrounding the mother and baby homes here in Ireland, these institutions were predominantly run through church orders and funded by the Irish government. Unmarried mothers, who were seen to be committing a great sin by having a child out of wedlock, were sent here in shame to give birth to babies who they were not allowed to keep, often being adopted out against the mothers wishes. Babies who were seen as unadoptable (due to race or disabilities) didn't tend to thrive and the mortality rate was devastatingly high.
The experiences shared in this book are devastating and it's hard to believe that this all occured in such recent history - Bessborough was operational until 1998. While the majority of us have heard tales of what happened in institutions like this, this book gives a vivid and more personal look at not only what they experienced while there, but how it affected their lives after they left.
I'm not sure I can say much more than has already been said in various reviews so I find myself echoing others - this should be mandatory reading. What a powerful and important book, giving a voice to those who have been silenced for so many years, and whose stories must not be forgotten.
I bought this not long after it was released but didn't read it as I wasn't sure if it would be too heavy a read. My only regret is not having picked it up sooner. Yes it's harrowing and upsetting but it's handled sensitively and compassionately. Infact I could barely put it down.
I have so much admiration for Deirdre for providing a platform for these stories to be told, and to the amazing women who were brave enough to come forward and share their truth. A moving and powerful read that will sit with me for a long time.
As a bit of background for anyone in the UK or further afield who isn't aware of the scandal surrounding the mother and baby homes here in Ireland, these institutions were predominantly run through church orders and funded by the Irish government. Unmarried mothers, who were seen to be committing a great sin by having a child out of wedlock, were sent here in shame to give birth to babies who they were not allowed to keep, often being adopted out against the mothers wishes. Babies who were seen as unadoptable (due to race or disabilities) didn't tend to thrive and the mortality rate was devastatingly high.
The experiences shared in this book are devastating and it's hard to believe that this all occured in such recent history - Bessborough was operational until 1998. While the majority of us have heard tales of what happened in institutions like this, this book gives a vivid and more personal look at not only what they experienced while there, but how it affected their lives after they left.
I'm not sure I can say much more than has already been said in various reviews so I find myself echoing others - this should be mandatory reading. What a powerful and important book, giving a voice to those who have been silenced for so many years, and whose stories must not be forgotten.
I bought this not long after it was released but didn't read it as I wasn't sure if it would be too heavy a read. My only regret is not having picked it up sooner. Yes it's harrowing and upsetting but it's handled sensitively and compassionately. Infact I could barely put it down.
I have so much admiration for Deirdre for providing a platform for these stories to be told, and to the amazing women who were brave enough to come forward and share their truth. A moving and powerful read that will sit with me for a long time.