Relative Strangers
Murdoch, PipWhen student nurse Pip Murdoch became pregnant while unmarried, she found herself in 1970 in a position shared by many young women of the time, in needing to give her child up for adoption. However, with changing societal attitudes and with the advent of the 1985 Adult Adoption Information Act, she was able to successfully search for her son, and embark on a fledgling relationship with him.
Unflinchingly honest, this touching and very personal story lays bare the author's experiences of the adoption circle as well as painting a vivid picture of life in the conservative New Zealand of the 1960s.
Pages
256
256
Year
2019
2019
Reviews
15-01-2024
Interesting as an historical document by a very brave woman.
19-09-2023
Interesting subject matter and everyone in the group had an adoption story that they knew of. Some found the author hard to like and some of her decisions hard to comprehend. At times it seemed there wasn't a lot of consideration to the others in the story and how they would have felt about some of her actions/revelations.
24-07-2023
Quite a range of opinions from not enjoying it at all, to thoroughly enjoying.
13-06-2023
Wow - this book kept us talking for a long time. Everybody knew of someone who had been involved (in some way) in the adoption process. There were lots of stories about that...We admired the author's honesty about her life and reactions, people thought she was gutsy, headstrong and impatient, but self-aware too. As a few of the husbands had gone to Lincoln Uni, they read the book too - said it took them back to their student days.
08-06-2023
Created a lot of discussion. Some members knew people in the story! We considered it a 'must-read' for all N.Z. women.
19-04-2023
Interesting read. Very candid. Came across as quite a self-centered person who ended up doing a lot of soul-searching as to why did she do those things Good discussion about adoption.
17-04-2023
Either loved or not depending on whether reader liked strong plot/action or something more personal or character loaded. Most enjoyed the lead into discussion re social mores of the 60s and 70s. Easy relaxing read.
16-03-2023
Lots of discussion, as members all remembered the times before adoptions 'dried up', with the advent of easily accessible, reliable contraception - and the DPB. One member was brought to tears by Pip's and David's story. Others felt Pip was a bit haphazard with her disclosures, and could have done with a filter or two - or a good editor. All were taken aback by Pip's refusal to help David keep his house. However, in many respects Pip was honest and brave - if a bit free with others' privacy.
17-11-2022
We could appreciate her "tell-all" autobiography, but felt she was placating her guilt. Was written more for her child (David).
17-11-2022
Most of the group loved it. Good discussion about adoption practices in N.Z.
17-11-2022
Huge amount of conversation with this book. All enjoyed it. Special for all of us who live in Omarama, as we know the house where the subject stayed.
15-09-2022
The general consensus was that although the author had sought help in developing her writing skills, the book seemed to be lacking in that area. There was considerable discussion around the subject of adoption and the impact on both the mother and child, and even the extended families. We were fortunate to have within our group one member who was adopted at that time, and many others with experiences that they could share. As to be expected, the outcomes were varied but all were sympathetic to the situation. However we all agreed it really was a very personal experience...
21-07-2022
Good discussion as we could all associate with the era! But not necessarily with the shenanigans!
01-06-2022
The book was well-written; the subject difficult. Caused a lively discussion. Not a popular book for several members.
18-05-2022
This book generated plenty of discussion in the group, all women of a similar age to Pip Murdoch. Most of the group could identify with some aspect of the book, whether it was adopting a child, keeping an 'out-of-wedlock' child, nursing experience or in fact being an adopted child. Certainly not a literary masterpiece, but a good discussion starter.
09-03-2022
All of the group enjoyed this book.
20-09-2021
All of us found this a very interesting (although disturbing!) read, and well-written. Being all of a similar age to the author, we all knew someone who had had a similar experience back in the late 60s/early 70s!
08-09-2021
Because we didn't have a meeting this month there was very limited discussion. Suffice to say, everybody loved the book. To several of us it brought back poignant memories of our young adulthood.