Fixing the Fates: A Memoir by Diane Dewey

The best part about this book was the narration / the writing. There was a great flow to the words and the clarity of the conflict of thoughts in the author’s mind comes across in a pretty stark manner. Diane Dewey has always known she was adopted but that fact has always had a hold on her thoughts and actions and here she chronicles the time when she finally started to get some answers.

I picked this book up because I thought it would be interesting to see how the lack of knowledge of the past could factor into someone’s present. The author is in her forties when the story begins. It seemed slow at first but picks up steam as soon as contact is made by her biological father. The constant back and forth of thoughts, loyalties and how genetics might play a role are predominant points of discussion here. The book spans a lot of time and a lot of things happen within that time frame. Relationships are forged, people meet and have an impact in another life all the while there is a constant barrage of questions plaguing the author as she tries to make sense of her life. Theoretically, it makes for interesting reading and it is meant to raise questions (as mentioned in the epilogue) and is a form of a call for action. It was a little long for my liking and although realistic (obviously), it was a little repetitive. I liked the book and really liked the writing.

I received an advance copy thanks to NetGalley and the publishers. The review, however, is completely based on my own personal reading experience.

Book Depository (affiliate link)