By 
My Review of “Wayward Girls: by Susan Wiggs, William Morrow, July 15, 2025
WOW! Susan Wiggs, the Author of “WAYWARD GIRLS” has written a powerful, thought-provoking, memorable and heartfelt novel. Kudos to Susan Wiggs for this impressive and high-powered writing and storytelling. The Genres for this novel are Women’s Literary Fiction, Twentieth Century Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction, and LGBT Adult Fiction. The timeline is set around the Vietnam Era, and goes to the past and future, when it pertains to the events or characters. The author vividly captures the timeline, plot, scenery, and the dramatic and colorful characters. The topics surrounding this book are fighting for survival, sisterhood, friendship, and redemption. This is based on a true story, and the tragedies and injustices that occurred are heartbreaking.
Six teenagers find themselves imprisoned in a Catholic Reform School in Buffalo, New York. They each are sent for various problems. Mairin is outspoken, and a free spirit. When her Stepfather attempts to assault her, Mairin’s mother sends her to Our Lady of Charity Refuge and Sisters of the Good Shepherd, believing that she will be safe and “reformed”. Mairin meets some of the other girls, who were placed there. They are forced to do laundry and other chores, acting as “free labor”. Several times, Mairin tries to escape, and suffers terrible punishment.
It is difficult to believe that punishment and cruelty could exist in the format of a Church setting. The girls became friends, “comrades” and sisters trying to help one another survive another day. This journey is quite painful, and I appreciate how Susan Wiggs does conclude the story, by showing us that family, friends, honesty, truth, love and hope are important. I highly recommend this amazing and inspirational novel.
Linda's Book Obsession: 