In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked awaymerely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.
Mairin— free-spirited daughter of Irish immigrants, committed to keep her safe from her stepfather.
Angela—denounced for her attraction to girls, sent to the nuns for reform, but instead found herself the victim of a predator.
Helen—the daughter of intellectuals detained in Communist China, she saw her “temporary” stay at the Good Shepherd stretch into years.
Odessa—caught up in a police dragnet over a racial incident, she found the physical and mental toughness to endure her sentence.
Denise—sentenced for brawling in a foster home, she dared to dream of a better life.
Janice—deeply insecure, she couldn’t decide where her loyalty lay—except when it came to her friend Kay, who would never outgrow her childlike dependency.
Sister Bernadette—rescued from a dreadful childhood, she owed her loyalty to the Sisters of Charity even as her conscience weighed on her.
Wayward Girls is a haunting but thrilling tale of hope, solidarity, and the enduring strength of young women who find the courage to break free and find redemption...and justice.
My Thoughts
Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs is a compelling tale. The story goes from 1968 to the present day. The author captured the late 1960s when men were being drafted for the Vietnam War, Catholic schools were popular, nuns could do no wrong, communes popped up in the countryside, and unwed pregnant girls brought shame to their families. I thought the story was well written with realistic characters. I liked the main character, Mairin O’Hara who was spirited and determined. I felt for the girls and the horrible atrocities that they suffered. I was shocked that parents would stick their children in this “school” (a Magdalena laundry) and then never visit them.
What
the girls suffered was heartbreaking. The author did a terrific job at handling
these traumatic topics. I like how the girls became friends and
helped each other. We get to see how
childhood/teenage experiences shape their future. I did feel that a smidgeon of the dialogue
ventured over the line into cheesy while some felt a tad forced. I liked the
movie and book references in the story.
The ending was realistic. Wayward Girls is a fascinating narrative with a protective big brother, best friend
with bad news, loads of laundry, a dark closet, a wild ride, a frantic call,
and friends forever.
Wayward Girls is available from Amazon*. You can find Susan Wiggs other novels here. If you follow the author on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for dropping by today. On Thursday, July 17, I am featuring Death of an Ex by Delia Pitts. It is the second A Vandy Myrick Mystery. I am off to run a couple of errands. My mother's 80th birthday is tomorrow, and I have a couple more items to pick up (her cake request for example). She is enjoying her birthday week where she gets a gift a day (I spoil her). What are you currently reading? I just finished A Family for the Cowboy Cop by Tanya Agler. It is the third A Violet Ridge Novel. I hope that you have a special day. Take care, stay cool (it is so hot and humid), and Happy Reading!
The Avid Reader
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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