Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain FIC Cha

 

(I listened to the audiobook from WILBOR).  This novel takes place in 1960.  Ivy is only fifteen but she basically is the one taking care of her grandmother (who suffers from diabetes), her older sister (who is not too responsible   some mental illness) named Mary Ella, and Mary Ella's son whom they called Baby William.   In a way they are lucky because they have a house to live in in exchange for the two sisters working on the tobacco farm.  Ivy also has epilepsy.

Jane Forrester is the newest social worker who is getting ready to marry Robert, a doctor, and she is crazy about him.  He is not thrilled that she wants to work (none of his colleagues' wives work except one who is a teacher) but doesn't say no.  Of course she doesn't tell him everything that it will involve.  Is she a good social worker?  Yes, because she is totally invested in the lives and needs of her clients......but no say her husband and her boss - because she is totally invested in the lives and needs of her clients.

The story was interesting but even more so was revisiting the way the world was back then.  Jane having to ask the doctor for a birth control pill (wouldn't do it without an okay from her fiancé) is hard to read!  The sterilization programs that went on were inhuman.

A great book that will captivate you.  I think it would be a great book club selection - lots to talk about!