Review of 'My Only Daughter' by Ann O'Loughlin
Review of 'My Only Daughter' by Ann O'Loughlin
Release date: June 21, 2023
Publisher: Bookouture
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REVIEW
What a vivid life-changing plot! Ann has once again provided a story that tosses you into a ring of fiery trials that scorch and break your heart. But she does not leave you sitting in a pile of ashes: rather she offers viable solutions and a worthy road to healing.
The emotion My Only Daughter raises is raw and expected. I don’t think I would be the first to say as a parent, when you give birth to a child in a hospital, your mind can entertain many potential things that could go wrong. Of course, one of the worst fears outside death of an infant, is the worry that the hospital staff might mix up the babies and give you someone else’s. Even though a child is normally tagged at birth, what if something else happens after that, that could cause an error of identity? It is not a perfect system but even more, humans are prone to making mistakes. My Only Daughter is about that very topic and whether you are a parent or not, it will grip your heart as Ann has written this novel so well, you will be instantly drawn into the story and deeply into the forest of fears, regrets, delusions and doubts. But as always, the rough pathway is strewn with sweet flowers: emblems of beauty, friendship, renewal and love.
Two women: one in the United States (Cassie) and the other in Ireland (Margo) gave birth to girls in France. Both women were away from their normal homes of residence. Even though unknown to them at the time, their children (Tilly and Elsa) were switched at birth. Twelve years later, that realisation is about to happen. It’s only when the American lady, Cassie, finds herself in marital discord and separation that she learns of this horrid event. Her husband has left her, and their daughter Tilly, and refuses to pay child support until he is certain the child is his. They must all have a DNA test. This test proves the mother’s worst fears. She is shocked really. Legal advice and proceedings must begin. All babies born that day, or around that time, in this certain French hospital must be tested. And a match is discovered. Margo and her late husband (in Ireland) are the real parents of Cassie’s daughter. Which means Elsa is her birth daughter and that of her estranged husband. Ann presents the questions: what would you do in such a case? Would you fight to get your own blood child back or continue to raise the child you loved and thought your own? Then there are the questions that haunt the mothers. How did they not know they took home a different child? There were some interesting comments about that.
Which leads me to the age old topic of nature vs nurture that is hinted upon in this novel. One might argue a child really is the product of both. Physical resemblances, certain abilities and personality traits certainly can be attributed to a child’s set of genes inherited from birth parents, grandparents, etc. But we may also project our own ideas and characteristics and sometimes see in children what we want to see. Then there is the nurturing, the environmental factors that also shape a child. This story explores all those and more.
I was deeply moved by this novel and there are some incredible twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. The ending might surprise many. It is one possible outcome. My heart was squeezed quite tightly for sure but I cannot say anymore or spoil it for others. I will praise Ann for doing a magnificent job on such a difficult topic. She has made the child swap scenario very real through memorable characters, their actions, dialogue and reactions. But this story also proves that out of distress and chaos, new friendships can be forged, hearts can mend and viable solutions can be found. It is true, there’s lots of sadness painted across these pages but there’s heaps of love, too, that cradles and restores the wounded. I certainly recommend My Only Daughter but be prepared for tears and skipped heartbeats. Oh, and keep boxes of tissues close at hand. I dare say you’ll be staying up half the night reading this story, as I did, because it is so compelling and haunting. 5 Heartfelt Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
