Adoption in the twentieth century was messy, as it turned out. The mass practice of forced removal of babies from ‘undeserving’ mothers and inserting them into ‘worthy, middle class’ families was to have dire consequences for many.

This memoir documents one adoptee’s story after discovering, at age 27, that she was adopted, forcing her to re-evaluate her life in light of this new knowledge.

Created over more than three decades, these poems have been curated as a powerful narrative, highlighting key issues that are both individual and universal. The story of adoption is polyphonic and diverse. While this story is unique, reflecting one adoptee’s lived experience, these lines will resonate with others who have found themselves in the tangled chaotic web of adoption. Perhaps it will also help those who have not been adopted themselves, but who wish to understand what might be happening for an adoptee in their lives.

Why poetry? As Julia Kaylock has found, poetry tells the truth in a way prose cannot. However, Child of the Clouds is not just for poetry lovers, anyone who loves a good story will find this a fascinating read.

Included in the book is a section that discusses various aspects of adoption in the twentieth century that relate to the key themes of this book.