Missing Persons, Or My Grandmother's Secrets

"Missing Persons, Or My Grandmother's Secrets" by Clair Wills is a captivating work of fiction that illuminates the deep and often painful secrets of a family. The author embarks on an emotional journey to uncover the story of her cousin Mary, who was born in a mother-and-baby home in Ireland in the 1950s. This discovery raises questions about the disappearance of people and the societal structures that lead to entire families and their stories being erased from memory. Wills' narrative spans several decades and geographical boundaries, from West Cork to Massachusetts, highlighting the challenges associated with uncovering family secrets. The author utilizes archives and personal stories to fill the gaps in her family history and bring often painful truths to light. This book is not only a narrative about loss and grief but also a reflection on the violence perpetrated in the name of family secrets.