"Somebody Else's Daughter" visits my brain

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Today I want to welcome Elizabeth Brundage to "Welcome to My Brain."

I'll be discussing her newest book, "Somebody Else's Daughter," as the TLC Book Tour swings through today.

Some of you have read her debut novel, "The Doctor's Wife." I have not, so this was my first exposure to Brundage. I would not normally agree to do a review like this without having heard of the author or the book (YES, I'm still trying to finish "Jesus for President" - the book I started at the beginning of the SUMMER!). However, this particular novel is woven together with aspects of adoption, and after reading an excerpt, I was intrigued.

First off, let me say that this is an extremely dark story. There is pain and tragedy in the history of the birth parents, Nate and Cat. The rawness of their lives stands in stark contrast to their daughter, Willa's, forever family. Yet, the secrets behind the glossy exterior of the Berkshire wealthy make you flinch. Money certainly isn't the answer to everything, and "Somebody Else's Daughter" rattles you through everyone's closets. Brundage's comparisons are smart.

"People like Golding didn't like to be kept waiting. They had the attention span of a peanut, and when they wanted something they figured out how to get it, no matter what. It was something the very rich and the very poor had in common."

I found myself focusing on the adoption aspect throughout the entire book, because it is such a large part of my family. While I believe first families are vital, it was unnerving for me to read as Nate silently and purposefully reentered Willa's life without her knowing. His heart holds so much more for her than just biology, but I was twisting in my chair wondering how he would handle things if she one day came looking for him.

"She had no blood relatives. Her parents had told her that it didn't matter, but what if it did?"

Everyone has secrets. The stories behind the behaviors are telling, but "Somebody Else's Daughter" places you as the fly on the wall. So, the unknowing characters are not quite so understanding. At one point I thought, "Dear God! They're all just a MESS!" It is a story, but it also reflects the pitfalls and realities of the world around us.

"I often ask the question: Is it impossible to have a simple life?"

"Somebody Else's Daughter" would pull an "R" rating for language, violence, sexual content and drug use (the birth father's letter to his infant daughter covers most of that on its own - understandably for such a tragic existence). Again, it's a dark novel. The story is riveting and there are unexpected turns (I did catch myself at one point, saying out loud, "Oh no you don't, Brundage - you are not going there!"). Yet, it was a painful novel for me to read - not because it wasn't well-written, but because of my intimate feelings on adoption.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my review. I will give away my copy to one of you - just leave me a comment telling me you're interested. I'll accept entries until Saturday night at midnight. Make sure I have a way to contact you, either through your blog or email.

To read other reviews for "Somebody Else's Daughter," check out the TLC Book Tour.