Behind Closed Doors
Abuse, Survival, and Endurance at the Lourdes Home Orphanage
by Clare L.D. White

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Please take good care of my baby, thinks Maggie, as she places Dorita in the arms of a nun at the Lourdes Home orphanage in Gozo, Malta. The young mother has no way of knowing that Lourdes Home will eventually become notorious, its name synonymous with orphan abuse. Dorita is only supposed to stay at the orphanage for a matter of months but an accident and a coverup by the nuns mean that she will be held there for almost sixteen years. Yet all along, Dorita believes her mother is out there somewhere, and that someday she will be set free again. Based on the author’s own experience, Behind Closed Doors is a story of survival of body, mind, and spirit against incredible odds in the face of regular abuse at the hands of those in power. It is also a testament to the power in moments of kindness, love, and grace.

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Clare has always enjoyed writing and was encouraged by many to share her story as a survivor of orphanage abuse. She hopes it will reach others who have gone through similar trauma–orphans, as well as survivors of residential schools–and inspire them to share their own stories as a way of healing. Defiance versus Evil is Clare’s first published work, and the first book in a series. The sequel will follow Dorita’s life in Canada. Alongside writing, Clare enjoys painting, cycling, playing soccer, dancing, and singing. She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, with her dog, Lily.

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Contributors

Author

Clare L.D. White