Adopted

To not know your family story is a huge loss of your sense of self. It has the potential to undermine your wellbeing and your relationships across a lifetime. Adopted is the powerful and honest account of two of the thousands of children affected by closed adoption in Aotearoa New Zealand, from 1950 to the mid-1970s.


Jo Willis and Brigitta Baker both sought and found their respective birthparents at different stages of their lives and have become advocates for other adopted New Zealanders. They share the complexity of that journey, the emotional challenges they faced, and the ongoing impacts of their adoptions, with candour and courage. Closed adoption also exacts a physical and emotional toll on birthparents, partners and children. Their stories are also told in this compelling book.