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Behind the wall: The women of the Destitute Asylum, Adelaide, 1852-1918
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Easy to read and full of lots of interesting information about a relatively unknown part of South Australian History. It gives a voice to so many women who lived in dire circumstances, while also shedding light on the political and social impact of the newly formed colony of South Australia.
June 30, 2023
This is 69 page non-fiction book on what life was like for Women, in the Adelaide Destitute Asylum from 1852-1918.
Back in May, myself and my mum attended a talk, at the remaining Lying-In Home Building (part of the Migration Museum), which was about the 1,678 babies that were born at the Asylum from 1880-1909. It was part of history month and I highly recommend going to see the display that they have on show - it’s truly very moving.
This little book was recommended by the women giving the talk and upon reading, I feel very thankful to have been born when I was and I’m very grateful to modern medicine, contraception, vaccines, hospitals, government assistance, women being able to vote, to be work in jobs other than domestic duties and having the ability to support ourselves without a man and being able to purchase a home our our own.
This is only 100-150 years ago and women didn’t have access to those things or they just didn’t exist yet.
It blows my mind and makes me wonder, that in another 100 years, what will people look back on and from now, think woah that’s crazy that people went through that.
I highly recommend this read to anyone interested in history and especially if you live in Adelaide.
Side note - who knew Baby Farming was a thing? Shocking!
💬 “The coming child had stolen her pride, her ability to earn a living, and, indeed, was going to be an economic and social burden. She knew it was wicked but she hoped that it would not live since that would be her only escape from the injustice of her fate.”
Back in May, myself and my mum attended a talk, at the remaining Lying-In Home Building (part of the Migration Museum), which was about the 1,678 babies that were born at the Asylum from 1880-1909. It was part of history month and I highly recommend going to see the display that they have on show - it’s truly very moving.
This little book was recommended by the women giving the talk and upon reading, I feel very thankful to have been born when I was and I’m very grateful to modern medicine, contraception, vaccines, hospitals, government assistance, women being able to vote, to be work in jobs other than domestic duties and having the ability to support ourselves without a man and being able to purchase a home our our own.
This is only 100-150 years ago and women didn’t have access to those things or they just didn’t exist yet.
It blows my mind and makes me wonder, that in another 100 years, what will people look back on and from now, think woah that’s crazy that people went through that.
I highly recommend this read to anyone interested in history and especially if you live in Adelaide.
Side note - who knew Baby Farming was a thing? Shocking!
💬 “The coming child had stolen her pride, her ability to earn a living, and, indeed, was going to be an economic and social burden. She knew it was wicked but she hoped that it would not live since that would be her only escape from the injustice of her fate.”
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews