Praise
As a foster carer I was keen to read “Fostered”
The poem in the section “Anguish and Silence” - “No Man”, made me cry. They were my words, as a foster carer, to my children. And reading the poem you feel how your words landed. How your words are heard and interpreted through the eyes of your child. And you DO mean to never let go. But then sometimes they go home. And you have to let them go. Reluctantly. Without fuss. Leaving you heartbroken. Forever changed. But your fostered child will never know that.
“Postpartum Depression” in the “Trial of Motherhood” section enlightened me and I thank Eli Ash for that. She says it simply and honestly and I gain insight and understanding.
It’s an easy book to read ( for a poetry book) yet it evokes emotions which make you think and possibly re evaluate. I loved it.
As a social worker, I found Fostered to be a tender yet powerful portrayal of a young person’s experience in care. Eli Ash writes with a gentle honesty that is powerful, thought-provoking and deeply moving, capturing the quiet resilience, uncertainty, and hope that so many children carry. A must read for all social workers, foster carers and anyone working with children and young people growing up in care.