Mother’s Salvation
Publisher: Mozaïek
Based on conversations with those involved (mothers, children and carers) at Mother’s Salvation, the halfway house for unmarried mothers and their children in Breda
Two young women—Sofia, a working-class girl, and Maria, a girl from a good family—become pregnant in the early 1960s. Under pressure from their families, they are sent to Mother’s Salvation, a home where unmarried mothers must give birth with a cloth over their eyes before their children are taken away from them.
In a stifling world full of shame and persistent silence, the women in Els Florijn’s Mother’s Salvation seek control over their own bodies, lives and motherhood.
Praise:
‘Florijn combines historical facts with a powerful personal story, and the novel sheds new light on a past that continues to have an impact today.’ – BredaNieuws on Mother’s Salvation
‘Els Florijn brings the atmosphere of imposed silence and shame—where all blame is placed on the woman rather than the man—strikingly close. She achieves this through direct, poetic language and abundant dialogue.’ – Friesch Dagblad on Mother’s Salvation
‘Els Florijn has a subtle writing style and conveys Elisabeth’s thoughts and feelings in such a way that you almost experience what the main character is going through. Highly recommended!’ – Vrouw tot Vrouw on Elisabeth’s Angels
