Unveiling Guatemala’s Adoption History: Nolan’s Book Praised
Rachel Nolan, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Contributing Editor at Harper’s Magazine, has garnered attention for her newest work, “Until I Find You: Disappeared Children and Coercive Adoptions in Guatemala.” Guernica, a non-profit magazine dedicated to global art and politics, provided a comprehensive review.
Guernica lauds Nolan for her comprehensive effort in shedding light on the historical intricacies of Guatemala’s adoption landscape. In a review that underscores the significance of Nolan’s research, Guernica emphasizes the broader context of the international adoption industry. At its peak, this industry moved thousands of children annually, generating millions in profit. However, it was shut down fifteen years ago due to improprieties and fraud.
Since its closure, the international adoption industry has become a subject of extensive scrutiny by journalists and academics, all attempting to unravel its complexities. Guernica positions Rachel Nolan’s work as a standout contribution in this ongoing examination, describing it as the most comprehensive effort yet. In her book, Nolan traces Guatemala’s adoption infrastructure through the decades, utilizing adoption files from the national police archives dating back to the Guatemalan Civil War.
Guernica commends Nolan for her graceful and expansive approach, stating,
“Her unprecedented work weaves together social and political context and masterfully lays out the most complete history of Guatemalan adoption we have.”
The review concludes by emphasizing the ongoing search efforts by the first wave of Guatemalan adoptees, noting the complexities and ongoing nature of this captivating story. Nolan’s book stands as a testament to the resilience of those seeking their roots and the importance of uncovering the truth in Guatemala’s adoption history.
As Guernica says,
“Her book will continue to perplex and devastate, especially as those adopted to the Global North during the boom begin to come of age as adults, grappling with their own questions.”
The full review, and interview with Nolan, can be accessed here.
Rachel Nolan is a historian of modern Latin America. Her research focuses on political violence, Central American civil wars, childhood and the family, historical memory, and U.S.-Latin American relations. She is currently completing a book manuscript on the history of international adoption from Guatemala. Read more about Professor Nolan on her faculty profile.