In autumn 2015 I read Mary Webb’s novel Precious Bane, set circa 1820, narrated by a woman with a cleft lip. That sparked my interest in it. I’m now working on a historical novel set in 1794, in which a major character also has a cleft lip.
So I feel I ought to do due diligence, and ask for stories and information about the condition, then and now. Was anyone here born with it? Have a family member born with it? Have historical information about the repercussions of it before surgical correction was possible? Want to stop me from making a Classic Blunder in my story?
Here’s your chance. Have at it. I’m happy to PM, too, if you’d prefer.