Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

In Woman of Interest, Tracy O’Neill offers readers an introspective and haunting memoir that navigates the complexities of adoption, identity, and the relentless search for self-understanding. At its core, the memoir documents O’Neill’s journey to find her Korean birth mother, a quest that she embarks upon in her thirties after a lifetime of being raised by her American adoptive parents. This search, catalyzed by the looming threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, reveals itself to be as much about reconnecting with her birth mother as it is about rediscovering parts of herself long buried under the layers of her adopted identity.

O’Neill’s writing is both philosophically reflective and creatively inventive, weaving a narrative that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. She delves into the isolating experience of being an adoptee—how it distances her not only from her roots but also from those around her who cannot fully grasp the urgency of her need to find her birth mother. The narrative is rich with introspection, as O’Neill explores the void left by her cultural disconnection, a gap that only widens as she confronts the realities of the American adoption industry and its often exploitative practices.

One of the most compelling aspects of O’Neill’s memoir is her exploration of ancestry and lineage as fundamental components of identity. The discovery of a distant cousin through a DNA test propels O’Neill to Korea, where she hopes to piece together the fragments of her past. Her journey is fraught with challenges, from navigating language barriers to reconciling her dual identities—one tied to her natal family and the other to her adoptive one. The revelation of her Korean name serves as a poignant symbol of the intersection between language, identity, and belonging, further complicating her sense of self.

Despite the eventual reunion with her birth mother and the siblings she never knew, O’Neill finds that the void within her remains. Her memoir poignantly illustrates that the pursuit of one’s truth and lineage does not necessarily lead to closure or completion. Instead, it highlights the fluidity of family, suggesting that the bonds we choose to form can be as meaningful as those we are born into.

Woman of Interest is a layered and contemplative narrative that blends lyrical prose with sharp, analytical observations. O’Neill’s use of intricate sentence structures and vivid metaphors invites readers into a space where vulnerability and philosophical reflection coexist. This memoir is not just a recounting of events but a meditation on the complexities of identity, the struggle for belonging, and the tension between societal expectations and personal freedom.

In conclusion, Woman of Interest is a deeply moving and thought-provoking memoir that masterfully captures the intricacies of identity, family, and the quest for self-knowledge. O'Neill's exploration of her own "mommy issues" is both intimate and universal, offering readers a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional turmoil that accompanies the search for one's origins. Her journey is marked by a profound vulnerability, and her ability to articulate the complex emotions tied to adoption and cultural dislocation is nothing short of remarkable. I found myself completely engrossed in O'Neill's story, admiring her courage to confront these deeply personal issues with such clarity and eloquence. This memoir is a testament to the power of self-exploration and the relentless pursuit of truth, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who enjoy introspective and lyrical memoirs, those interested in the intersections of adoption, identity, and cultural heritage, fans of philosophical explorations of self-discovery, and admirers of Maggie Nelson’s The Red Parts.

🔑 Key Themes: Adoption and Identity, Cultural Dislocation, Ancestry and Lineage, Self-Discovery and Belonging, Familial Bonds and Emotional Exploration.