Love Forms

I read Love Forms by Claire Adam with Methley Book Club.
I really loved the book, which I thought was written with a certain ‘casualness’ of style, as though I was having a chat with Dawn, the main character. To me, this made it feel quite intimate, which suited the subject matter.
I very much enjoyed the story which unfolded well and I enjoyed the contrasts in the locations. The action shifted from present to past and then back and forth again. I enjoyed this and felt that it worked well for the story in which Dawn was constantly looking back and reflecting.
Her life, after her daughter was born , was quite ordinary in its path….she built a career, got married, had two boys, found it difficult juggling everything, visited her family back in Trinidad and Tobago, etc but what happened to her at 16 always haunted her and was forever with her.
I was pleased with the way the author chose to end the story. It wasn’t all ‘happy ever after’ and tied up with a bow, but the novel closed on a positive and optimistic note. The last few pages in particular were so very beautifully written and were incredibly moving.
A reflective read which I would highly recommend.

A very relatable modern read of a woman soul searching about her path in life and where it has led her. A story of a young girl not knowing enough about the consequences of giving into a current intense desire to experience sex and being grown up and then making a life changing decision about what to do about it given the advice from her parents. This is the point, you can only learn by living! There are no bad guys in this story which makes a refreshing change!

Dawn has to part with her daughter but manages to create a ‘successful’ life in the UK becoming a doctor, marrying and having children but interlaced with all this is the impact on her emotionally of giving away her first born and how this affects her relationships with her family, It is the story of how she tries to come to terms with this and of her efforts to find her lost child.

Claire Adams’s writing of well to do family life in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 80s is exemplary, showing how the constrictions of societal expectations informed the outcomes is handled beautifully. The solution to the unwanted pregnancy is rather extreme and the descriptions of the journey had me right there with the fear and confusion. Equally the descriptions of the Islands were beautiful (I want to go there) and the history of how life in Trinidad and Venezuela are intertwined and changed over the decades I found fascinating.

I felt like I was in a counselling session but without the tools to help Dawn and I wanted to!
A good and sometimes painful read.

Love Forms is a poignant novel by Claire Adam, following the life of Dawn Bishop, a Trinidadian woman who, at sixteen, is bundled off to give birth in Venezuela and place her daughter up for adoption. Decades later, a mother of two sons, divorced, now fifty-eight and living in England, Dawn is contacted by a woman claiming to be her long-lost daughter. This revelation propels Dawn on an emotional journey, revisiting her past decisions and the enduring impact of motherhood. The narrative weaves through Trinidad, Venezuela, and London, exploring themes of identity, family, and the complexities of maternal love.
Claire Adam's prose in Love Forms is both lyrical and evocative, capturing both Dawn's internal and external worlds. Written in a reflective tone, the author allows the reader deep into Dawn’s thoughts and recollections giving us a glimpse into the emotional contexts that shaped her choices. The ambling pace of Adam’s storytelling is slower than some may be used to, but I feel it allows the reader dive deeper into the emotional threads of the story.
Adam’s characterisation of Dawn is beautiful and relatable. She breathes complexity and self-sacrifice, and seeks identity, belonging and empathy, making her unwavering love for a lost daughter truly heart-wrenching.
The book examines how past decisions reverberate through time, affecting one's sense of self and relationships. The settings—ranging from the vibrant landscapes of Trinidad to the urban backdrop of London provide a rich tapestry that reflects the characters' inner turmoil and growth.
Those who came of age in the 1980s, particularly those around Dawn's age, will find resonance in Love Forms. The novel's exploration of generational expectations, the evolving role of women, and the weight of past decisions mirrors the societal shifts many experienced during that era. Additionally, the themes of identity and belonging offer a reflective look at personal histories and the paths not taken.
I found Love Forms a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of motherhood. Claire Adam's beautiful storytelling and rich character development make this novel a compelling read for those seeking a narrative that delves into the heart of human experience. I loved the slow pace, that allowed time to reflect and empathise, like winding down a window on a country lane drive. If you like a book that makes you pause for a minute after you close it, it won’t let you down.

Written with sensitivity and a poetic beauty this story revolves around the lasting emotional trauma of an action taken at age 16 years. As Dawn's comfortable middleclass life empties ,her mind becomes evermore fixated on finding the child she gave up for adoption. Moving between London & the Caribbean island of Trinidad & Tobago allowed for some beautifully descriptive writing, in particular the carnival and the accompanying festivities. My only negative comment would be to say at times there seemed to be too much "padding" & repetition.
Jacqui - Methley Book Group