By: Brittany Garcia
“Sixteen years ago she was forced to give up her baby for adoption. Now she’s in a race to track her child down before it’s too late.”
Content warning: this review contains information which may be upsetting for some readers. Please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you need to talk to someone.
In her latest novel ‘Three Juliets’, Minnie Darke has brought her readers a story that simultaneously wraps them in the love story of Motherhood, whilst highlighting the strength of the bond between mother and daughter, against all odds.
This novel follows the story of Claudie Miller, who was forced to give her baby up for adoption in the 1960’s.
While ‘Three Juliets’ is a work of fiction, the issue of forced adoptions in Australia between the 1950’s and 1970’s is profound and heartbreaking.
Young, unwed women (some of whom were merely children themselves) who found themselves pregnant, were forced to hide away for the duration of their pregnancies.
With pain and suffering, alongside the use of drugs being administered without their consent, they had to give birth in traumatic situations, with little to no family support.
Thousands of these women never laid eyes on their children before they were taken away and adopted out to an ‘appropriate’ family.
After all of this, the women are returned to their homes, and told to slip back into their normal life as if nothing had happened – it’s all about keeping up appearances!
Her whole life, everything Claudie Miller has worked towards and achieved has been with her child in mind…
How old are they now?
Where do they live?
What do they like to play with?
But as situations unfold, she is forced to confront her past and take action… now.
Minnie’s writing is charming, poetic and heartwarming, and while it touches on a heavy topic, ‘Three Juliets’ is a beautiful story that you could share with your own mother once you’re finished!
You can find out more about Minnie Darke and her works at minniedarke.com.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Publicity Image Used with Permission
