Wayward Girls

"After decades of bestsellers, Wayward Girls might be Susan Wiggs' opus. A gut-wrenching story of survival, friendship, and justice. Masterful."--Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell"The magnificent Susan Wiggs takes a leap into the history of women..a page-turner, replete with mystery and suspense."—Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Left UndoneFrom New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs, a wrenching but life-affirming novel based on a true story of survival, friendship, and redemption. Set in the turbulent Vietnam era in the All-American city of Buffalo, New York, six girls are condemned to forced labor in the laundry of a Catholic reform school.In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked awaymerely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

“Wayward Girls is all about the power of female bonds. Yet reading it, I was reminded that it hasn’t been all that long since women had no rights to contraception, sex education, or reproductive rights…and how we seem to be reverting back to a world like that. This isn’t just a moment in time—it’s a cautionary tale.” — Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author 

"After decades of best-sellers, Wayward Girls might be Susan Wiggs opus. A gut-wrenching story of survival, friendship, and justice. Masterful." — Robert Dugoni, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

"A stirring read that examines the primal struggle of the spirit to not just survive evil but candidly confront it, buoyed by imperishable courage and hope. Wiggs thoughtfully explores the dynamics of her protagonists’ relationships, deftly defining their successes and failures, their wins and betrayals...” — Shana Abe, bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor

"Compelling...This powerful and unforgettable novel is a poignant and enlightening look into a sad chapter of recent history." — Library Journal (starred review)

"Heart-wrenching...sweeping. This one lingers long after the last page." — Publishers Weekly