Both sides of the story

I first heard about Freeing Grace (Charity Norman) from one of our volunteers. By the time my requested copy had arrived on my desk it had also been recommended to me another librarian, a couple of volunteers and one of the local book shops. It was even more appealing with it's subject matter of adoption (as I am lucky enough to have an adopted neice and often ponder the turmoil associated with the process and the people involved).

The Publisher's description calls it Witty, warm and poignant, Freeing Grace tells the story of a young couple: David, the vicar of an inner-city London parish, and Leila, his Nigerian-born wife. Not able to have children of their own, they're desperate for a family, and when they finally hear they' ve just been approved to adopt a young baby, Grace, they are over the moon.

Of course, just like adoption, it is never going to be as straight forward as that and that is the strength of this novel. It is tightly written, with engaging (if sometimes frustrating) characters and provides an insight into the gruelling and often tragic decisions that need to be made in this type of situation. Chapters alternate between Grace's birth family and the life of her family in waiting (we hope). As Christmas approaches people on both sides are hoping for a miracle. It is highly recommended and well worth the read to find out who gets their wish.