A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life

Simone’s happy family life is disturbed by the news that her birth mother wishes to meet her. At first she is deeply opposed to this idea, but a variety of influences – including a school friend who is also adopted, and particularly her very liberal, loving parents – persuade her to go ahead. Her birth mother’s story and background surprise her and help her re-evaluate her social and religious beliefs.

This is more than an issue novel about ‘how it feels to be adopted’. Reinhardt weaves together storylines about family relationships, teenage love and freedom of belief. These disparate issues are all necessary to the book, which deals with Simone’s coming of age and the formation of what we see will be her character as a young adult. The writing can be humorous or moving as appropriate; symbolism is neatly and naturally worked into the narrative; and Simone’s voice is convincing, easily read and yet stylish.