Every once in a while you find a book that actually makes you gasp. THE SECRET DAUGHTER takes place in Australia, so at first there are little blips with language. It's hard not to notice an unusual new word or phrase but that takes second place to an amazing story. THE SECRET DAUGHTER is frank and direct in its handling of an awful topic. What makes it even worse is knowing it is based on facts. Several years ago, there was legal action against the Australian government for its failure to put a stop to the barbaric practice of forced adoptions. Kelly Rimmer makes it very personal. THE SECRET DAUGHTER is told from the perspective of the very people affected by a forced adoption and Rimmer doesn't mince words or soften the blow. She took something straight out of history and made sure that the reader gets it.

There are many victims in the case of forced adoptions. THE SECRET DAUGHTER is told by the triangle of women caught up in this monstrous activity -- the unwed pregnant teenager, the now adult child born at the maternity home, and the woman who was a social worker at the home. Ah, you are thinking -- so simple. Not at all. Nothing is as it appears and the story continues to unfold page after tragic page. It was all out of their control. Lily, the teenager, had all her rights stripped away by the very people who were supposed to love and protect her. Sabina is coming to realize that her reality is totally off kilter. And Megan continues to be haunted by her role.

Kelly Rimmer does an amazing job of setting the stage for what will become a fascinating series of scenes in a play right before our eyes. Her imagery is spot on and highly effective. You can't come away from THE SECRET DAUGHTER without feeling as though you had just been a witness to a tragic wrong done to so many innocents. Rimmer delves deeply into the social morays of a time that allowed something like this to happen. The institution stood by its mantra that this was done in the best interest of the unwed mother and the child. But as you read THE SECRET DAUGHTER some very disturbing information comes to light and you realize how barbaric this practice really was.

There have been other situations where governments and religions have taken over the rights of pregnant woman. Tragic procedures done in the name of whatever force is in control at the time. THE SECRET DAUGHTER will stay with you long after you close the book. It is that powerful and well written by a formidable author. Suffice it to say I can't wait to see what Kelly Rimmer will write next.