Searching for Charmian: The Daughter Charmian Clift Gave Away Discovers the Mother She Never Knew

by Suzanne Chick

Search for birth mother

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

361 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[T.D. Whittle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book may be helpful for people who are adopted and wish to know more about their biological parents (not all of them do want that, such as Chick's brother, who was also adopted) but I picked it up at our local second-hand bookshop because I'd thought it would have more to do with Charmian Clift herself, who interests me. It is no fault of the book or its author that the focus is on Suzanne Chick's big, "Aha!" moment (and its aftermath) of discovering not only who her mother is, but that her mother is a famous Australian writer. Clift was dead by the time Chick learnt of her identity, so she never actually met her. The first several chapters of the book that I've read are mostly Chick going around telling everyone about her discovery that Clift is her bio mother and emotionally processing that, whilst trying to learn more about her. All very understandable but not interesting in terms of Clift or her writing.

[Goldenwattle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the first few chapters of this book but lost interest. For Suzanne Chick this would have been an exciting, momentous event in her life to discover who her mother was, but the story was not enough to keep me interested. I found it strange that the author would at one moment write in the first tense "I", which I felt was appropriate, but then the next moment write "Suzanne" (the author herself) did this or that, as though another person had written it. I would like to know if she found who her father was too, but I didn't get that far.

[Sally Edsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lovely journey of discovery - a mature woman's search to find her place in the world through learning about the mother she never knew. Charmian Clift was a gifted writer, and we learn much about her, but we also connect at a very 'here and now' level with her unknown daughter.
I plan to re-read this when I have some time.

[Lia Perkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was an unpleasant experience to read. I'm so glad other people don't write like this.

[Nola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book, it was an easy read - heartbreaking to find out who your birth mother is and then a well known Australian author lived near by and had passed away before you find out. A rough riding 12 months for the first time author. Now to read the book on her mother, Charmain Clift.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I missed reading this book until now, but I'm so glad I discovered it. The writer beautifully parallels her life against that of her mother Charmian Clift, who gave up the author for adoption when she was 19. The parallels between them in terms of looks, artistic flair and writing ability are amazing. Also the similarities in looks and personality with one of the author's children is particularly marked.
There were so many moments in this book that I identified with including the fact that the author said she had read her way through the children's section of the library by age 10. I well remember the librarian giving me a special dispensation to join the adult library at the exact same age.
I will no doubt read this book again, it was inspiring and full of interesting anecdotes.

[Farrells Bookshop · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this - an interesting read despite not really having much awareness of the Australian literary figures it involves. Interesting from the perspective of adoption and adults searching for their biological parents/family. Chick has a beautiful writing style and I enjoyed the nostalgia for an Australia long gone (e.g Christmas in 1950s)

Read by Kate.H

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting true adoption story.

[Brenda Rosser]

fascinating story

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable. Found my way to it by reading the authors daughter Gina Chicks book.