Can I Let You Go? by Cathy Glass {Book Review}

I think everyone that reads my blog knows just how much I love Cathy Glass and her books! So when I was asked if I'd like to review a copy of this book, I of course said that it would be my pleasure. I have read all of Cathy's books (You can check out my reviews here).

For all of you that aren't aware of Cathy Glass, she is a foster carer and has been for over twenty five years. She has fostered over 150 children and some of those stories she shares with us in her books. She also has three children of her own. She is amazing woman and I wish there were more people like her in the world.

'Can I let You Go?' is Cathy glass's new book and has only recently just hit the shops (September 6th 2016). I was ever so excited to read this book!

Genre: Autobiography/Memoir
Pages: 336
The Blurb:

"Faye is 24, pregnant, and has learning difficulties as a result of her mother’s alcoholism. Faye is gentle, childlike and vulnerable, and normally lives with her grandparents, both of whom have mobility problems. Cathy and her children welcome Faye into their home and hearts. The care plan is for Faye to stay with Cathy until after the birth when she will return home and the baby will go for adoption. Given that Faye never goes out alone it is something of a mystery how she ever became pregnant and Faye says it’s a secret.

To begin with Faye won’t acknowledge she is pregnant or talk about the changes in her body as she worries it will upset her grandparents, but after her social worker assures her she can talk to Cathy she opens up. However, this leads to Faye realizing just how much she will lose and she changes her mind and says she wants to keep her baby.

Is it possible Faye could learn enough to parent her child? Cathy believes it is, and Faye’s social worker is obliged to give Faye the chance."

I'll try and write this review without giving too much away. It's always hard to review books without giving away spoilers but especially ones I have thoroughly enjoyed and 'Can I Let You Go?' is no exception!

My thoughts:
'Can I Let You Go?' is a true life fostering memoir, Cathy shares her experience with us.

At the beginning of the book, we learn that Cathy's father has recently passed away, which I found quite sad as he has come into most (if not all!) of Cathy's books. My heart really does go out to Cathy and her family.
Cathy tells us the story of a young adult (Faye) she fostered. Faye is in twenty four years old but has the mind of a much younger person due to 'Foetal Alcohol Syndrome' (FAS) which causes many mental, physical and learning disabilities which are the result of the mother drinking alcohol whilst pregnant. Faye's mother passed away when Faye was just a baby, Faye was brought up and lives with her Grandparents in a block of flats. It isn't easy for her Grandparents to get out as they have health issues themselves and simply can't take her to her appointments whilst she's pregnant as they struggle themselves. Faye has decided to place her baby for adoption as soon as her baby is born as she simply can not care for a baby. She can't care for herself very well and is very dependent on others to help her. Nothing is known about the father of Faye's baby. Cathy takes Faye in whilst she is pregnant. Faye is a very sweet, kind natured young lady and fits into Cathy's home and family perfectly. Cathy's own children (who are young adults themselves) really love Faye and that shines through in this book. Faye doesn't really acknowledge her pregnancy to begin with and seems to ignore the fact she is indeed pregnant. Cathy and Fayes social worker do manage to explain to Faye that she is pregnant . Faye eventually decides that she would like to keep her baby and learn everything she needs to know. It isn't at all easy but with Cathy's and her social workers help, is it possible for Faye to keep her baby? Will she be able to learn everything she needs to know? And WHO exactly is the father of Faye's baby?

If you enjoy Cathy's other books, you'll certainly enjoy this one. I feel it isn't quite as harrowing or sad as some of Cathy's previous experiences that she has shared with us. It's sad in places of course - It's real life after all. It was very easy to connect with Cathy (as always) and I fell in love with Faye. The choices Faye makes are not easy choices for anyone to make! Faye is a very brave, strong young lady. I loved reading the update on Cathy's website. I feel this book has a good ending. I could have quite easily have read this book in one sitting had I had the chance. On and off it took me around 5ish hours in total to read. I found it hard to put down. It's beautifully written and easy to follow and read.
In th back of the book there is a section of suggested topics for a group discussion, I'd quite like to discuss those topics on my blog at some point (watch this space!)
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves memoirs and fostering stories. I think 'Can I Let You Go?' is actually one of my favourite books by Cathy.

I rated this book five out of five stars.

What have you been reading lately?

Sarah xXx





I was sent a copy of 'Can I let you go?@or the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own, honest, personal opinions. I was not paid for this post.