Lorraine Delford’s story is equal parts heartbreaking and enraging. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows Lorraine, a high-achieving teen with dreams of space exploration, whose plans are derailed by an unplanned pregnancy. Her disloyal boyfriend abandons her, and her parents, more concerned with appearances than their daughter’s well-being, whisk her away to a maternity home. Here, Lorraine endures a stifling regimen of “ladylike” lessons, where she’s pressured to give up her baby to restore her family’s “honor.”
The narrative digs into Lorraine’s inner turmoil, highlighting her strength and fierce love for her unborn child. The author skillfully immerses readers in Lorraine’s despair and determination, illustrating a chilling reality: societal views on teen pregnancy have changed little since then. Fathers often evade responsibility, and young women still face heavy judgment. Lorraine’s struggle against a system built to erase her agency is both gripping and enraging.
This book is thought-provoking and ideal for a book club discussion, as it confronts family, societal pressures, and the heartbreaking sacrifices some parents demand. Readers will root for Lorraine, but the novel doesn’t promise simple answers, only a raw exploration of autonomy and resilience. 4 stars
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this book. The opinions are my own.