Forced Adoption

A Journey of Discovery, Forgiveness and Healing

by Alison Willoughby

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Book Details

Language : English

Publication Date : 29/11/2023

Format : E-Book

Dimensions : N/A

Page Count : 292

ISBN : 9781982298388

Format : Softcover

Dimensions : 6x9

Page Count : 292

ISBN : 9781982298395

About the Book

"A Riveting story about an ordinary person with an extraordinary life " - Bruce Sims, Australian Editor and Publisher

Forced adoption practices in Australia during the mid-1900’s impacted the lives of countless relinquishing mothers and adoptees.

For a long time, the secrecy surrounding these adoptions resulted in thousands of displaced children growing up without knowing their identity, biological parents, or what circumstances surrounded their adoption. This secrecy, fueled with guilt and shame, led to the disruption and trauma of so many lives.

Based on actual events, the author shares her compelling story, as she is reunited with her birth mother, revealing the truth behind her very existence, and why she was placed for adoption, while exposing the challenges and traumas she has faced throughout her life.

As this heart-warming story of bravery and resilience explores the long-term impacts of adoption, the author offers insights, and hopes to assist others in navigating their own emotional struggles, while striving to increase awareness in a world where forced adoption has been suppressed, shining light into a dark period of history, creating space for a nation to continue the journey of healing.

About the Author

Alison Willoughby, a female adoptee, was born in January 1965 in Melbourne, Australia. Just two weeks after her birth, she found herself in the care of her adoptive parents, and the legal processes of adoption were finalized 10 months later. Subsequently, her birth certificate, bearing the names given by her adoptive parents, was issued. It was not until the age of 19, following the enactment of new adoption legislation that her birth mother reached out, marking the first meaningful contact with her biological roots. This pivotal moment unraveled details about her identity and facets of herself that had remained unknown until then. Serendipitously, she also crossed paths with her biological father and his family. Despite these revelations about her origins and the circumstances surrounding her adoption, Willoughby's life continued to be fraught with unresolved issues. The persistent longing for a sense of "connection" and "love" proved perplexing, giving rise to confusion and numerous challenges. Through an arduous journey of personal development and soul-searching, she gradually gained insights into herself and the subsequent traumas she had endured. This process allowed her to acknowledge, forgive, and initiate the healing necessary to move forward in her life.

Customer Reviews

Such a vulnerable and authentic insight into the injustice, trauma & lifelong impacts of forced adoption. The author's heartbreaking journey and heartwarming determination to overcome is an absolute must read to be inspired by the resilience of a most beautfiul soul.

Marnie
A book that instantly engaged me! It is written with clarity, an authentic account of a series of impactful events. Thank you for your courage to tell your story and bringing to awareness the lived experience of so many other women.

Daniela
As a book enthusiast, I highly recommend this personal memoir. It's truly mesmerising from the very beginning to the very end. Expressing personal and traumatic truths takes a lot of courage, and the author has done so in a detailed and vivid manner. The book covers a range of experiences, from fun to sad to dramatic, and the descriptions are so immersive that I felt like I was a part of each scene. This is a must-read for anyone interested in adoptive parenting, forced adoption in the 60s, or gaining an inside perspective on what it's like to be adopted. It's a healing journey; in the end, the author finds peace with herself and those around her.

Francesco
Very honest and brave book. Will help many others who have gone through similar traumas.

Di
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this truly engaging , mesmerizing & raw authentic account of the Author’s personal journey through life . Demonstrating sheer resilience, braveness, determination, love and forgiveness to face life’s challenges. Having the strength to bring loved ones along the journey to a place of healing, and peace to shine through at the other side . A must read!

Carolyn
Great book by a wonderful lady who bears all to tell her story, Her truth. The book swings from sad beginning to joyous celebration of an amazing life that we can all relate to. I cried and i basked in the warmth of Ali's journey through the years. Ali overcome adversity and left no one behind. This is her story and i feel privileged.

Ziya Mustafa
It's not every day we read a book by someone we know well, and what a privilege. Although I knew a lot of Ali's story, there's so much I didn't know, especially regarding her feelings and the details of her journey with her adoptive and biological families. What courage to go deep and write such a heartfelt book.

Tracey
Such a fantastic insight into life after adoption. A very well written raw and honest book that I couldn’t put down! Lisa

Lisa
I’m not sure why I felt such a connection to ‘Forced Adoption’ by Alison Willoughby. My husband was adopted in 1969… same hospital, I’ve no doubt similar circumstances. He has never cared to know anything about his birth circumstances or ‘other’ family. It has always frustrated me somewhat. For women, perhaps it’s a maternal instinct to need to know these details that seem so intrinsic to oneself? Perhaps it’s because Alison shares the same biological father as my best friend of 48 years? Maybe it’s because after attending Alison’s book launch and meeting many of her friends, family members and partner, I felt an inherent human and soul connection beyond blood or genetics? Whatever the reason, thank you Alison for sharing your experience and life journey to date. You are an inspiration way beyond the adopted community. There is a shared commonality here that most women will relate to, adopted or not, particularly as our lives progress. You are a fine example of courage, resilience, self-awareness and a lesson for us all in forgiveness and unconditional love. An ordinary yet extraordinary read that will make you evaluate every relationship you’ve ever known and more importantly, the one you have with yourself. Leanne Neill (Author and Poet)

Leanne Neill
Thanks Alison for sharing so much about your life. I found your book quite emotional and shed a bundle of tears whilst reading. I am so proud to have you as a cousin. You have a wonderful heart and strength. Your book will be inspirational to many. I am looking forward to catching up again. Best wishes! Ginette

Ginette Brugmans
A phenomenal story. So informative, honest, raw and incredibly inspiring. I loved it!

Kittyn
An informative and insightful account of an adoptee and the generational ripple effect of forced adoption on all involved. A very engaging and heartfelt book. Loved it.

Lindsay
Such praise for Alison, and for having the courage to put her life’s story on paper. So beautifully written, and with such honesty and poise. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Caroline
Hello Alison. I just read your fabulous book - Forced adoption and I absolutely loved it. It was really well written, extremely educational and there was so much in there that I could also relate to. Thank you so much for opening up your heart and for sharing your journey with us. I would highly recommend Forced Adoption to anyone.

Wendy
It’s a rare privilege to read a book by someone familiar, and even more so when it reveals new insights about their personal journey. Despite knowing very little of Alison’s story, the depth of her feelings and her experiences with both her adoptive and biological families were surprising most of which I never knew about since we became good friends during high school. Her courage in sharing such an honest, heartfelt account is truly commendable. Great read!

James Bebarfald

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