These unforgettable stories uncover the hidden histories of “troublesome” women — those who were sent away, silenced or erased from society’s pages. Through both fiction and fact, they reveal the shocking truth behind institutions that controlled women’s lives, from forced adoptions to Magdalene laundries.
Each book illuminates the way society dealt with women who dared to challenge its rules. But women came back with their unbreakable spirit, challenging the patriarchy, the church and the institutions that sought to silence them. Like my upcoming novel, Wayward Girls, these are stories of triumph and sisterhood.
Girl in the Tunnel: My Story of Love and Loss as a Survivor of the Magdalene Laundries by Maureen Sullivan
Girl in the Tunnel details Maureen’s harrowing experiences as one of the youngest-known survivors of Ireland’s infamous Magdalene laundries, offering an intimate look into a dark chapter of Irish history. At just 12 years old, she endured years of forced labor, mistreatment and isolation. Yet Maureen’s story highlights the resilience of the human spirit amidst systemic cruelty.
The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church
Set during the 1960s Baby Scoop Era, this novel dramatizes a time when unwed pregnant women were often coerced into placing their babies for adoption. Lorraine, a gifted student with dreams of becoming an astronaut, confronts harsh realities and must decide whether to fight for her child or conform to societal expectations. Church’s compassionate storytelling brings a wrenching situation to life.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Already a classic, this bestseller is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written historical novel that unearths the dark truth behind the Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal. In 1939, young Rill Foss and her siblings are kidnapped and forced into a corrupt adoption system, while in the present day, Avery Stafford, a woman from a prominent political family, begins uncovering secrets that tie her to this tragic past. Emotionally gripping and deeply moving, this novel will haunt you long after you turn the last page.
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
An eye-opening nonfiction account of the women who were forced to give up their babies for adoption during the Baby Scoop Era (the 1940s – 1970s). Through personal interviews, Fessler captures the heartbreaking stories of unwed mothers who were shamed, coerced, and often given no choice but to relinquish their children in a society that prioritized secrecy over compassion. The book is both a poignant exploration of loss and a powerful critique of the social structures that perpetuated this injustice. Fessler allows her subjects’ authentic voices to shine through, making this a must-read for anyone interested in reproductive rights, adoption history or untold female experiences.
Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams
Single mother Mallory Dunne confronts past secrets to save her ailing son, delving into her mother’s mysterious adoption and a poignant summer romance with her childhood friend, Monk Adams, now a renowned musician. A captivating story that is both heart-wrenching and redemptive, exploring themes of love, sacrifice and resilience.
The Girls with No Names by Serena Burdick
A historical novel of the 1910s, privileged Effie Tildon ends up trapped in a notorious workhouse while searching for her rebellious sister. Based on the historical House of Mercy, this is a tale of survival and sisterhood, and highlighting the injustices faced by women deemed inconvenient by society.
The Magdalen Girls by V. S. Alexander
Set in 1962 Dublin, this novel sheds light on the Magdalene Laundries. Three young women are sent to the Catholic-run institution, where the cruel nuns subject them to forced labor, emotional abuse and the stripping away of their identities. This is a powerful and haunting story of injustice and survival.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
This new novel centers on suburban housewives in the 1960s who, after reading Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, form a book club that evolves into a profound sisterhood. The members confront societal expectations, personal aspirations, and the uplifting power of female friendship.