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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
Set in Chicago in the 1960’s and 70’s, Jane, an illegal underground women’s movement, started after Veronica accompanies a friend, blindfolded, to an abortion. A married housewife, she sees how empowered her friend is after her abortion and pivots her advocacy to action. An intricate network is born and women across the city risk their homes and identities to help others.
Within the plot of an underground abortion clinic are personal stories of 3 women. Patty is conservative and a rigid Catholic. Veronica is the head of the organization, living a double life, and Margaret is a university professor who falls in love with a man she soon realizes is using her. Their stories are intertwined, their passions become shared, and their stories are ones of inspiration.
I love that alongside these strong women there are emotionally mature men who champion their women. Of course there are male villains, but this book is more about camaraderie, vision, calculated risk, and women finding their voices.
Within the plot of an underground abortion clinic are personal stories of 3 women. Patty is conservative and a rigid Catholic. Veronica is the head of the organization, living a double life, and Margaret is a university professor who falls in love with a man she soon realizes is using her. Their stories are intertwined, their passions become shared, and their stories are ones of inspiration.
I love that alongside these strong women there are emotionally mature men who champion their women. Of course there are male villains, but this book is more about camaraderie, vision, calculated risk, and women finding their voices.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought we were heading to 4 stars because I struggled to believe that some of the characters would've expressed some of the dialog in the historical era. But, the conversation Siobhan has with Veronica about possibly returning to school was the exact words I needed to hear in my own path towards a degree while balancing motherhood. Plus the ending was beautiful! Excellent supportive role model male characters and beautiful endings for each character that showed reflection, growth and are inspiring.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Addiction
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is a fictional take on the Jane Club (which if you haven't read about, I highly recommend reading "The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service") and a quick read. It's pretty incredible that this was a real group of women!
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
I really enjoyed the complicated relationships between women featured in this story. One warning, and it may just be for audiobook listeners: Lots of characters are introduced in the beginning and I had trouble keeping them straight, so paying close attention to names is crucial in the first few chapters.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No