"Inspired by true events this heartbreaking, eloquent, deeply compelling novel explores the case of children in the USA being sterilised without their consent. "
Haunting and powerful Take My Hand burrowed its way into my awareness and will stay with me. Newly qualified nurse Civil Townsend is set to truly take care of her African American community, but a shocking discovery tests her resolve and courage. This skilful blend of fact and fiction is set in 2016 and early 1970’s Alabama, and the sense of place and time is extraordinary. The writing brings to life the characters and period, and surround the facts of the case so that it is all too easy to see, believe, begin to comprehend the enormity of actions taken. Author Dolen Perkins-Valdez explains the case in the Author’s Note and why she wrote a novel rather than non fiction. Not only does she bring a horrifying time in the not too distant past to life, she also highlights current issues too. This is a superbly readable and rewarding book, with a moral and ethical messaging that soaks into and carries through each page. Deep breath time, I want to shout about this novel, yes, it is at times painful, but it is also imbued with hope and just had to be included as a LoveReading Star Book, Take My Hand is provocative, emotional, and so relevant it hurts.
Montgomery, Alabama. 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Civil Townsend has big plans to make a difference in her community. She wants to help women make their own choices for their lives and bodies.
But when her first week on the job takes her down a dusty country road to a tumbledown cabin and into the heart of the Williams family, Civil learns there is more to her new role than she bargained for. Neither of the two young sisters has even kissed a boy, but they are poor and Black, and for those handling their welfare benefits, that's reason enough to have them on birth control. When Civil discovers a terrible injustice, she must choose between carrying out instructions or following her heart and decides to risk everything to stand up for what is right.
Inspired by true events and a shocking chapter of recent history, Take My Hand is a novel that will open your eyes and break your heart. An unforgettable story about love and courage, it is also a timely and uplifting reminder that one person can change the world.
'Shot through with spirit and hope, it's one hell of a book' STYLIST
'Magnificent . . . I cheered out loud!' BONNIE GARMUS, author of LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY
'Unforgettable' CELESTE NG, author of LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE
'Deeply moving . . . impossible to put down' AJ PEARCE, author of DEAR MRS BIRD
'A wonderful novel. Moving, powerful and completely absorbing' CATHY RENTZENBRINK, author of THE LAST ACT OF LOVE
'An unforgettable book whose characters will stay with me forever' EMMA STONEX, author of THE LAMPLIGHTERS
'Extraordinary . . . I could not put it down' EMILY ITAMI, author of FAULT LINES
'Utterly gripping . . . storytelling at its finest' GLAMOUR
'A jewel of a book . . . truly extraordinary' WASHINGTON POST
'Extraordinary and powerful . . . a must-read' PRIMA
