Arklow Library plays host to Local Author Sadie Harpur next week as she gives us a glimpse into Her World as a Foster Child in the Irish Care system.
Growing up in Ireland in the 80’s and 90’s, Sadie takes us right inside the bureaucratic, traumatic and often heartless World of the Foster Care system. A World apart from what anyone could call a ‘normal’ upbringing. A World apart from the standards that could be called acceptable. Some things have changed but many unfortunately remain the same within the care system as it currently stands.
Writing her book to help other children who have either been in the foster system or have experienced emotional trauma, Sadie’s intent is very clear. With a desire to prevent other children from enduring the experiences she did, Sadie has bravely laid her heart out for all and what a full heart she has . Having released any resentment for those around her during her childhood who didn’t have her best interests to heart, Sadie sets aside her final few chapters to bring the reader up to speed with her current family situation.
Laying it all out on paper she says has been a form of therapy for her. From the early days of moving from place to place, unsure if the next stop was a pit stop or a place to unpack, Sadie doesn’t hold back. Her book is a raw account of the highs and lows of her life. The Hidden World of a Foster Girl is not for the faint hearted, it has grit, determination, love and integrity in every chapter.
With that said, it should be noted that there are many harrowing topics discussed within the book including the tragic loss of Sadie’s brother Gary to suicide. Despite the many years of sadness, fear, anxiety and depression, Sadie also shares many of the joyous memories of her childhood and has a particularly fondness for those with her twin sister Kizzy and her late foster brother, Gary.
It was a chance meeting with accomplished writer and Hot Press stalwart Jackie Hayden at a writers workshop in Gorey which resulted in Jackie co-writing with Sadie on the book. No stranger to biographical writing, having penned ‘The Don Baker Story’ and The best selling ‘My Boy’, The Philip Lynott Story, alongside Philips mother Philomena Lynott, Hayden tells how he was struck by Sadies ‘directness and energy’, something which is evident throughout the book.
On Tuesday, 2nd April @ 7pm, you are invited to hear readings from Sadies book, hear from co writer Jackie Hayden and of course meet Sadie herself.
Bookings required at arklowlibrary@wicklowcoco.ie or 0402 39977
Free Car Parking is available adjacent to the library at that time.
The self published, ‘Hidden World of a Foster Girl’, is available from many local book shops, Easons and online at the award winning Bridge Street Books in Wicklow Town. You can keep up to date with Sadie here.Â
