Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and T. Greenwood for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel - a heartbreaker of a story. 5 stars!
It was a different time in the late 60s, so when Ginny gives birth to a Down syndrome girl, Lucy is whisked away by the doctors and Ginny is told that Lucy has no hope for a good future. Instead, her wealthy father-in-law finds a school for Lucy and she is placed there. Ginny tries to see Lucy but is told by her husband that it is not in Lucy's best interest. Two years later, Ginny's best friend, Marsha, sends Ginny a newspaper series that reports on the deplorable conditions taking place at Willowridge, the school Lucy was sent to. Ginny takes Peyton, her 6-year-old, and they set out with Marsha to see the conditions and Lucy for themselves. What she finds leads Ginny to take Lucy and refuse to send her back to Willowridge. Will Ginny finally be able to stand up to her husband and in-laws and take control of her family?
The prevailing thoughts about Downs and other disabilities at that time is the true heartbreak of this story. The basic "throw away" model that existed and the anguish that parents faced with no support. This was a great read - would be much to discuss in a book club setting.
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