Lilli de Jong in Retro Chapter Chicks

Mar 09, 2018 Candi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

"I can be considered free only if I can choose."

Pregnant and unwed, Lilli de Jong takes a journey of discovery of self and spirit during the 1880s, when she must choose her course in order to protect the new life she holds within her. Shunned by family, her fellow Quakers, and society in general, it seems Lilli has little or no choices available to her. It has become painfully evident to her that she has been abandoned by the man to whom she gave herself so freely with the promise of future wedd "I can be considered free only if I can choose."

Pregnant and unwed, Lilli de Jong takes a journey of discovery of self and spirit during the 1880s, when she must choose her course in order to protect the new life she holds within her. Shunned by family, her fellow Quakers, and society in general, it seems Lilli has little or no choices available to her. It has become painfully evident to her that she has been abandoned by the man to whom she gave herself so freely with the promise of future wedded bliss. Having recently lost her mother to a tragic accident, Lilli feels utterly alone and unanchored. "My life’s order and beauty fell down flat—as if they had been nothing more than painted scenery." The only option that appears available given her desperate situation is to take shelter within the walls of the Philadelphia Haven for Women and Infants. It is here that we meet Lilli and learn the story of her agonizing struggles through an extraordinary first person narrative as written by her in the form of a diary, those words to be read by her child in the future.

Gosh, what a trial to be born a woman in those times, and, in particular, to find oneself in those circumstances that left one truly cut off from society as a result of judgmental and prejudiced views! Not that we find ourselves free from unfair scrutiny and narrow-mindedness in this day and age, but certainly we have made some advances in the right direction. Lilli was a Quaker, she was educated, she had reaped the benefits of the tenderness of a devoted mother, and she was brave. But when she learns that in exchange for a new lease on life following her ‘transgression’, she must give up her newborn baby for adoption, it seems no background or strength of character could possibly leave her spirit consoled. "But the moment I let go of Charlotte and pretend she never existed, my life of sin begins. Lies will color—no, suffuse—my most intimate relations. The pain at my center will stay closed in and festering, while lies spread like a layer of lard beneath my skin." She becomes determined to keep that precious life by her side no matter the cost. She does not know how she will manage to do so, and she goes through pure hell in a series of decisions and much soul searching. Opportunities are often not what they appear to be, and she meets mostly resistance and contempt along the way. We see only a glimpse here and there of any persons with a sense of compassion and humanity in their hearts.

There is so much to take away from this book. It is very well-researched and beautifully written historical fiction. Poverty, homelessness, orphanages, the plight of unwed mothers, and even the occupation of wet nurses are all topics touched on here. You cannot help but feel as if you are on this journey right with Lilli – author Janet Benton captures her thoughts and her spirit perfectly. You will root for her and you will understand her fear, her sorrow, her loneliness and her moments of joy. Religion obviously plays a role in the story, as Lilli is a believer and a Friend. However, this aspect of the novel is not one bit preachy. Rather, we are shown Lilli’s beliefs and how her convictions are tested and reevaluated in a search for truth. Above all, this is about motherhood written in all its many facets. "So little is permissible for a woman—yet on her back every human climbs to adulthood." If you do read this lovely book, which I highly recommend, then be sure to read the Author’s note at the end. It’s a small treasure of information as well. Now, why am I not handing out 5 stars for this one after mostly gushing? Well, one scene towards the end made me cringe and fear we were headed in the wrong direction. Fortunately I was wrong, but then where we do end up seemed a bit rushed after all we had been through with the courageous Miss de Jong. No other ‘complaints’ from me, however, and I will jump at the chance to read anything else Ms. Benton might offer us in future! ...more

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May 03, 2018 Tasha rated it liked it

I started off liking this but as it went along I found I sort of lost interest in the story and I feel like it just wasn't holding my attention like it did at the start. Not sure if it was a mood thing or if I just couldn't connect with the MC. I didn't feel like she was fully drawn out and I sort of lost interest with her plight. I'm not insensitive, I just lost a connection to her as the story progressed. In all fairness, I must add that the book prior to this one was a stellar read so it's al ...more

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