The Light in the Window - Hardcover

Goulding, June

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1853718920 ISBN 13: 9781853718922

Publisher: Poolbeg Press Ltd, 1999

Synopsis

'I promised that I would one day write a book and tell the world about the home for unmarried mothers. I have at last kept my promise.'

In Ireland, 1951, the young June Goulding took up a position as midwife in a home for unmarried mothers run by the Sacred Heart nuns. What she witnessed there was to haunt her for the next fifty years. It was a place of secrets, lies and cruelty. A place where women picked grass by hand and tarred roads whilst heavily pregnant. Where they were denied any contact with the outside world; denied basic medical treatment and abused for their 'sins'; where, after the birth, they were forced into hard labour in the convent for three years. But worst of all was that the young women were expected to raise their babies during these three years so that they could then be sold - given up for adoption in exchange for a donation to the nuns.

Shocked by the nuns' inhumane treatment of the frightened young women, June risked her job to bring some light into their dark lives. June's memoir tells the story of twelve women's experiences in this home and of the hardships they endured, but also the kindness she offered them, and the hope she was able to bring.

About this title

Review:

"'I promised that I would one day write a book and tell the world about the home for unmarried mothers. I have at last kept my promise.'"

From the Publisher:

A moving account of the cruel reality of life inside a home for unmarried mothers in 1950s Catholic Ireland

About this edition

• Publisher: Poolbeg Press Ltd
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1853718920
• ISBN 13: 9781853718922
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208