Letters from My Mothers

In this riveting memoir, Sarnia Hoyt tells the story of her struggle to sort out the mysteries of growing up in a family with no siblings and three parents-one father and two mothers: Margaret, a privileged but mentally ill biological mother, and a devoted Norwegian nanny. "I called her Mady," Hoyt tells us, "to stand for Mama and Daddy." And indeed, Mady fills those roles in Hoyt's lonely childhood. She is a constant companion-arranging play dates and birthday parties, cuddling with...
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In this riveting memoir, Sarnia Hoyt tells the story of her struggle to sort out the mysteries of growing up in a family with no siblings and three parents-one father and two mothers: Margaret, a privileged but mentally ill biological mother, and a devoted Norwegian nanny. "I called her Mady," Hoyt tells us, "to stand for Mama and Daddy." And indeed, Mady fills those roles in Hoyt's lonely childhood. She is a constant companion-arranging play dates and birthday parties, cuddling with her on cold winter mornings, purchasing her clothes when she leaves for boarding school at fourteen. But as much as Hoyt thrives in the warmth of Mady's love, she longs to know more about her strange and distant mother. Her quest for the truth about Margaret reads like a novel, as Hoyt takes us on a journey of discovery in which she uncovers a dark secret that finally sets her free. Set in the 1950's in Manhattan's Upper East Side, a glittering world of elite private schools, celebrities, and international travel-when "coming out" meant a long white dress and gloves-"Letters from My Mothers" sparkles with energy and insight. It is certain to move you to a deeper understanding of love, loyalty, and family.