Lilli de Jong

This is an intense story about Lilli, a young unwed mother in the late 1800s. Times were challenging for her, fiercely challenging; as she had so few options open to her. Lilli ended up in the Philadelphia Haven for Women and Infants. The woman running this place had the best of intentions, but funds were short which meant less than satisfactory conditions, resulting in abuse and misunderstandings.

It bewilders me to think that a young girl with her whole life ahead of her is essentially ruined if she chooses to keep her child or even if knowledge of her pregnancy becomes know. Lilli's journey is both shocking and incredible as she tries to overcome a series of hurdles, hardships and humiliating experiences - with very little support and shunned by most. This heart-wrenching story is about a mother's love for her child.