That's My Baby

Set in Ontario in 1945, That's My Baby follows Hanora Oak as she searches for information about her birth parents. Working as a newspaper illustrator in the aftermath of WWII, she balances her quest with her career and relationships in a changing post-war world. The narrative moves between Hanora's present-day investigation and glimpses of the 1920s, when her adoptive parents took her in. Her journey intersects with both personal and historical elements, revealing connections between individual lives and broader societal shifts. Music forms a central thread through the novel, with jazz and classical compositions marking pivotal moments and relationships. The book examines questions of identity, belonging, and the complex bonds between parents and children during a transformative period in Canadian history. Through parallel stories of seeking and loss, That's My Baby explores how the search for origins shapes the understanding of self, and how art and music can bridge gaps in personal history.

Readers appreciate the book's sensitive portrayal of adoption and family bonds, with many noting the authentic dialogue and complex relationships. The historical details of 1940s Canada receive consistent praise for accuracy without overwhelming the story. Positive comments focus on: - Strong character development, especially of Hanora and her evolving emotions - Integration of music themes throughout the narrative - Connection to Itani's previous works while standing alone Common criticisms include: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found the ending too neat and predictable - Supporting characters could use more depth Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (216 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) One reader noted: "The musical elements add layers to an already nuanced exploration of motherhood." Another stated: "The war-time setting feels authentic but the plot drags in places." Several reviewers mentioned difficulty connecting with the protagonist's decisions in the latter half of the book.

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🌟 Frances Itani received inspiration for "That's My Baby" from her own family history, including her father's service in World War II and her mother's work as a military nurse. 📚 The novel is part of Itani's "Deseronto Trilogy," along with "Deafening" and "Tell," exploring interconnected lives in the small Ontario town across different time periods. ✈️ The book's portrayal of wartime aviation training is based on extensive research into the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which trained over 130,000 aircrew in Canada during WWII. 🎭 The protagonist's journey to uncover her adoption story reflects a significant period in Canadian history when many adoption records were sealed and birth parents' identities were kept secret. 🏆 Frances Itani is a Member of the Order of Canada and has won multiple awards, including the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for her writing about Canadian social history and family relationships.