Where the Girls Were

 “Where the Girls Were” by Kate Schatz
Published by The Dial Press / Penguin Random House
 
This is a great piece of historical fiction about a time in the United States when women’s rights were quite weak, sex-ed wasn’t very informative, and illegal abortions were killing young girls.  A time when unwed pregnant girls, no matter the circumstances, were sent away to “homes” to hide, have their babies, give them up, and return home as if nothing happened, to never speak about it again.  These girls were forced to experience pregnancy and labor without guidance or the support of their family or friends, to give up their children sight unseen without any emotional support or therapy.  My heart goes out to all woman who went through this experience – I hope you have found a way for your heart and mind to heal.
 
The book itself is very well written.  During a time in which abortion is again illegal in many states, this book could have been quite political, but it’s not.  It’s a story of an 18-year-old girl who has a world of opportunities in front of her, becomes pregnant, and suddenly has no say in her future.  Her freedom is stripped from her to the point she’s not even allowed outside.  It’s heartbreaking but yet, as her baby grows inside her, she grows as an individual.  It’s a combination of historical fiction and coming of age story and I highly recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press (Penguin Random House) for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this honest review are completely my own.
 
Finished 2/27/26 – 4/5 stars
 
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