“Wayward Girls ”’Kicked Open the Doors’ of Homes for Unwed Mothers. Here’s How Survivors Responded (Exclusive Essay)

**Author Susan Wiggs Reflects on the Impact of ‘Wayward Girls’ as Survivors Share Their Stories**

After the publication of Susan Wiggs’ novel, *Wayward Girls*, the author found herself inundated with messages from women who resonated deeply with the themes of her story. Many reached out to share their own experiences of hardship, silence, and shame — often detailing personal histories that echoed the plight of the characters in the novel.

Wiggs, who grew up near Buffalo, New York, embarked on a nostalgic journey back to her roots in 2021 with her brother, Jon, who was facing a terminal illness. This poignant trip allowed them to revisit their childhood, including a church where an accidental fire during an altar service abruptly ended Jon’s early aspirations. This experience served as a catalyst for Wiggs, inspiring her to explore the Catholic Church’s historical impact during the 1960s and 70s.

Her research led her to uncover the grim realities faced by “wayward girls,” who were often sent to homes run by strict nuns for so-called rehabilitation. These institutions, which included facilities on Best Street in Buffalo, acted as sanctuaries of sorts — albeit oppressive ones — for young women deemed in need of moral correction, particularly those who had fallen pregnant outside of wedlock. Wiggs recounted how many of her babysitters and friends had been sent away, with their fates largely obscured from public knowledge.

As she delved deeper into the histories of survivors, many of whom now find themselves in their seventies and eighties, she felt a profound combination of anguish and outrage. This insight enriched her narrative, infusing *Wayward Girls* with a personal and emotional authenticity that resonated with readers. Wiggs described the writing process as an act of justice for these women, creating a story that captures their struggles and triumphs.

On the release of the novel, Wiggs was taken aback by the volume and intensity of the responses she received. Readers began sharing their own stories of being shamed, silenced, or exiled, revealing the lasting trauma that lingered decades later. One reader expressed that while the book unearthed painful memories, it also helped her feel acknowledged for the first time.

Wiggs emphasised the importance of these shared experiences in facilitating healing, noting how many women articulated their fears about discussing their stories openly. One woman conveyed that reading *Wayward Girls* had catalysed her own emotional journey, shedding light on the shame she had carried for years. Such testimonials are both heart-wrenching and affirming, reflecting the powerful connection between literature and lived experience.

However, many messages were not solely about suffering; some conveyed a sense of empowerment and recovery. A poignant message from another reader resonated with Wiggs, who noted the therapeutic potential of storytelling. The author shared that while the fictional account could never wholly encapsulate the severity of these experiences, it nonetheless ushered light into the dark corners of history.

Yet among the messages, there were those that described horrific realities that seemed almost too extreme to contemplate. Some survivors recounted traumatic experiences that, if portrayed in fiction, would be dismissed as implausible. Nonetheless, many also shared uplifting accounts of resilience and strength, further highlighting the duality of their narratives.

Even amid the serious subject matter, *Wayward Girls* offers an uplifting story of defiance and hope. The character Mairin, representing the indomitable spirit of youth, refuses to be subdued by her circumstances. Ultimately, she leads her friends toward justice, affirming that the voices of the past continue to ring out in the present.

Wiggs’ reflections on her readers reveal the transformative power of storytelling in addressing historical injustices that still resonate today. She expressed gratitude for those who have engaged with her work, honouring their struggles while underscoring the ongoing need for societal change.

Wiggs concluded that while the damage inflicted on these young women reverberates through time, it is imperative that society continues to listen, believe, and protect rather than punish. With this in mind, *Wayward Girls* stands not only as a historical reflection but as a call to action to ensure that such injustices do not recur.

Available now in bookstores, *Wayward Girls* serves as both a narrative of the past and an inspiration for a more compassionate future.