TL;DR
By Any Other Name is a poignant and thought-provoking memoir that delves into the complexities of adoption and identity. Sandi Bachom shares her personal journey of growing up as an Indian child adopted by a white Jewish family in the 1960s. The book explores themes of cultural displacement, racial identity, family secrets, and the search for belonging. Bachom’s story sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of navigating multiple identities and the profound impact of adoption on one’s life.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
Sandi Bachom is an Indian American writer and adoptee. Her experiences growing up in a transracial adoptive family greatly influenced her work. “By Any Other Name” is her debut memoir, and it has been praised for its honesty, vulnerability, and insightful exploration of adoption and identity.
Key Takeaways
Transracial Adoption
The book delves into the complexities of transracial adoption, exploring the challenges and rewards of growing up in a family with a different racial and cultural background. Bachom shares her personal experiences of feeling like an outsider and struggling to reconcile her Indian heritage with her American upbringing.
Identity and Belonging
A central theme of the memoir is the search for identity and belonging. Bachom grapples with questions of who she is, where she belongs, and how her adoption has shaped her sense of self. She explores the complexities of navigating multiple identities and the challenges of feeling like she doesn’t fully fit in anywhere.
Family Secrets
The book reveals the impact of family secrets on Bachom’s life. She discovers that her adoption story is not what it seemed, and she uncovers hidden truths about her biological family and the circumstances surrounding her adoption. This discovery leads her on a journey of self-discovery and a quest to understand her past.
Cultural Displacement
Bachom explores the experience of cultural displacement and the feeling of being disconnected from one’s heritage. She reflects on the challenges of growing up without a connection to her Indian roots and the impact it had on her sense of identity.
Racism and Prejudice
The memoir touches on the realities of racism and prejudice that Bachom faced as a person of color growing up in a predominantly white community. She shares her experiences of discrimination and the ways in which it shaped her understanding of race and identity.
Reconciliation and Acceptance
Throughout the book, Bachom embarks on a journey of reconciliation and acceptance. She learns to embrace her multiple identities and finds a sense of belonging within herself. The memoir highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the power of embracing one’s unique story.
The Power of Storytelling
By sharing her personal story, Bachom emphasizes the power of storytelling as a tool for healing and understanding. Her memoir sheds light on the complexities of adoption and identity, and it offers a powerful message of hope and resilience.
Universal Themes
While Bachom’s story is unique, the themes of identity, belonging, family, and self-discovery are universal. Her memoir resonates with readers who have experienced similar challenges or who are simply searching for their place in the world.
FAQ about By Any Other Name
By Any Other Name Quotes
- “I was a brown girl in a white world, and I was always aware of the difference.”
- “Adoption is a lifelong journey, and it’s not always easy. But it’s also a journey of love, loss, and ultimately, self-discovery.”
- “I am not just one thing. I am Indian. I am American. I am adopted. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend. And I am finally starting to understand who I am.”