A Heartfelt Journey Through History: Reviewing The Girls We Sent Away
As a longtime fan of Meagan Church, I was thrilled to dive into her latest masterpiece, The Girls We Sent Away. Her debut, The Last Carolina Girl, lingered in my thoughts long after I turned the final page, so it was with great anticipation that I turned to her new novel—a gripping tale rooted in our complex Southern history.
Set in 1960s North Carolina during the Baby Scoop Era, the story unfolds through the eyes of Lorraine Delford, an intelligent and ambitious high school senior whose aspirations to study space and become an astronaut are derailed by an unexpected pregnancy. Lorraine’s journey not only explores the deeply personal turmoil of navigating adolescence and family dynamics but also offers a lens into a darker societal reality. The narrative wraps us in Lorraine’s world, making her fears and hopes palpably real.
What struck me most was Lorraine’s quiet resilience as she faces the abrupt changes thrust upon her. Her parents’ reaction to her pregnancy—refusing to provide support and opting instead to send her away to a home for “wayward girls”—leaves her feeling abandoned and filled with dread. The stark contrast between Lorraine’s dreams and her new reality was both heartbreaking and powerful, compelling me to root for her at every turn.
Church’s writing shines with its rich detail and historical depth. I appreciated the meticulous research that informed the backdrop of the story; it was clear that every element—from Lorraine’s love for science to the societal pressures of the time—was thoughtfully crafted. The pacing was just right, weaving moments of intense emotion with flashes of hope, making it difficult to put the book down.
I was particularly moved by Lorraine’s encounter with a sympathetic librarian who encourages her academic pursuits. This relationship becomes a beacon of hope in the otherwise bleak environment of the girls’ home. As Lorraine struggles against the odds, I found myself reflecting on the many silenced voices of that era, providing me a deeper understanding of women’s resilience and the fight for agency in their lives.
The quote that lingered with me, “In a world that wants you quiet, find your voice,” echoes throughout the book. It encapsulates not only Lorraine’s journey but also the broader struggle of women grappling with societal expectations and personal dreams.
The Girls We Sent Away is a beautifully written tale of shame, courage, and the strength to rebuild shattered dreams. For readers who enjoy rich character development, historical context, and emotional storytelling, this book will resonate deeply. Meagan Church has crafted a story that is not just to be read but felt, and it will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
This book is a must-read for fans of Southern fiction and anyone who appreciates stories of resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you’re joining a book club or navigating your own life’s challenges, Lorraine’s story offers a poignant reminder of the strength we can find in storytelling and connection. I can easily crown this my favorite read of March, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Scheduled for release on March 5, 2024, I am confident this book will find a cherished place on the shelves of many readers—just as it has in my heart.