The Ghost at Heart's Edge: Stories and Poems on Adoption

by Susan Ito

This literary anthology on the experience of adoption longing for identity and family. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1556433239
• ISBN13: 9781556433238
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books
• Length: 346 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The Most Literate Adoption Reader

As as adoptive mom & as a writer, I find it hard to locate books that satisfy my yearning for both literary fulfillment AND insight into the "triad" that is Adotpion. "Ghost at Heart's Edge" is that rare book; It's elevating intellectually, an imaginative opening (lots of them) while giving deep thought to what adoption, at its "heart" entails. This is not a "reunion" book, good though those are, nor is it a psychological tome, good though theory can be for understanding. Rather, this compendium is literature of a high order and insight with unusual depth. I've carried my copy, literally, from East coast to West, from Canada to Hawaii, hoping to meet one of the editors and get it signed. Along the way, I dip in and out of these poems and stories, and am never anything but fully immersed. Highly recommended, and not just for those who are in Adoptive world, but for us with a hole in our hearts or, better said by the editors, with a Ghost at the Heart's Edge, which includes virtually all of us. Yes? Yes!

A wonderful collection of adoption stories

This book is probably the most balanced collection of stories I've ever read about adoption from all different viewpoints. I love this book and highly recommend it to anyone touched by adoption.

Head and shoulders above most adoption-related books!

Wow! What an achievement, it bowled me over, I stayed up until 3 am and had sand eyes all day the next day. Heartfelt thanks. Like reading the songs from my own heart.

Full of reality, wonderfully executed

This type of book has been needed for a long time. A very real collection that looks at the joys of adoption without shrinking from the loss and pain. Should be required reading for prospective adoptive parents and potential birthparents.

Thankfully lacking in sap!

The main thing that distinguishes this anthology from many other books about adoption is its literary, unsentimental approach. Unlike the usual humourless depictions, this book goes for depth instead of decibel level, mind over melodrama. It also includes some oft-ignored perspectives such as that of a birthfather, birth-grandparents, adoptive grandparents and adoptees whose reunion stories are not the spangly stuff of the 6 o'clock news. As a contributor to the anthology, I am proud to find my work in such good company. As a reader, I appreciate its literary treatment. As an adoptee, I'm moved by the unflinching accounts.