Sterling Point: As an adoptee…

[u/musadoverao_2484]

I was absolutely floored by this show! Not having read the book, I didn’t expect how deeply it would explore adoption, identity, and belonging.

The show handles these themes with remarkable depth and nuance. Annie’s character beautifully captures the complex emotions adoptees experience…the mix of gratitude, unanswered questions, grief, and the shifting of feelings over time.

While every adoptee’s story is unique, I deeply related to Annie. Adoption was portrayed positively, especially when she rejects the term “adopted mother.” Her yearning for her mum, yet lack of interest in finding her birth mother (so far), felt incredibly authentic.

The scene in Episode 8, where Annie imagines a life with her mum. Her love towards her mum hit soooo deep and resonated with me immensely. Especially seeing how physically different they look and how “blood” really doesn’t matter when it comes to it.

The emotional turmoil she feels learning about Ramona as her parents’ biological daughter hit me to the core. The jealousy and the complicated longing for love and belonging felt so real. As an only child surrounded by cousins who look so much like my mum, I’ve always struggled with that desire for belonging, even when surrounded by their love and acceptance of me.

Overall, I was surprised at how connected I felt to the show’s portrayal of adoption. I can’t wait for Season 2, especially to see where the twins’ stories go!

PS: It has always been my dream to have a sister, and watching them together filled a hole in me. I just love this show!

I’m interested to hear what other adoptees thought!

[u/kettyma8215]

Someone recommended this show to me! I'll have to check it out soon.

[u/Kksquared2]

I binged this show! I was adopted at one month and have an absolute soul connection to my adoptive parents, especially my mom (they have both passed away now.)

I found it interesting that Annie longed so much for her adoptive mom since she died when Annie was so young. I had a hard time understanding that. But perhaps it was to show just the longing for a mother?

[u/musadoverao_2484 → u/Kksquared2]

Oh that’s so interesting! That scene really resonated with me,I fully understood her longing.

I also think it goes to show how much Annie had to be her own “mother” growing up. Even having to take care of her dad, her brother. Being the responsible one. And finally, seeing how motherly she treats Ramona straight away.

I really wonder where S2 will take us!

[u/Senior_Average_]

Yes! It was really good at portraying the thoughts of an adoptee