The Ginger Child

A compelling, heart-wrenching memoir that exquisitely describes a visceral pain all too many of us feel. * The Spectator * The Ginger Child is completely fascinating. I don't think I've ever read such a self-lacerating book about how an ostensibly straightforward desire - to have kids - is policed and politicized, and how operating outside the norm throws one up against one's own shortcomings. It is shocking, and consoling, in its honesty. A book that will certainly change the landscape of adoption literature but more broadly should be read by everyone who has - or has ever wanted - kids. -- Emma Brockes The Ginger Child is a real eye-opener; reading it you wonder how anyone manages to persevere in the adoption process at all. Patrick Flanery details the extraordinary journey of one queer couple trying to adopt in contemporary Britain and the often absurd challenges they face along the way. The book, whilst sometimes harrowing, even jaw-dropping, since you share Patrick and Andrew's journey alongside them, is also beautiful in its quiet indignation and lucid honesty. Exquisitely written - it pulls off quite a feat in that it is as compelling as it is lyrical - this is a book to be savoured by everyone interested in the shaping of family, in loss, in the joy of discovery, in love - meaning that this is a must-read for everyone. -- Jackie Kay A rare, brilliant and essential exploration of adoption in queer families, and one of the most significant additions to the canon of queer literature in years. -- John D'Agata Flanery is a master of puzzling, alarming and even terrifying storytelling. * A.S Byatt, Guardian * Patrick Flanery is an exceptionally gifted novelist. * Philip Gourevitch, New Yorker *