Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

25 reviews

laurennicole98's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, and Pregnancy

Moderate: Physical abuse, Rape, and Emotional abuse

Minor: Infidelity and Cancer

ashleyerne's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Infertility, Cancer, Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, Child death, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Death, Rape, Miscarriage, Grief, and Forced institutionalization

becca_thegrimreader's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is about women supporting women. “Looking for Jane” is a powerful book that is one that will break your heart over and over again. In the author’s note, Marshall tells us this book is about motherhood, abortion rights, women’s reproductive rights, and so much more. 

I will say that this book is not for the faint hearted. There are several interweaving story lines, each one as powerful as each other. In the 1960s we witness the horrific abuse that young unmarried women suffered in mother and baby homes in Canada, something that resonated with me as an Irish woman with a harrowing history of the same in my own country. The systematic abuse that the women suffered is difficult to read, and it is painful to see how many women were forced to give up their babies. In the 1970s we learn of the fight for women’s rights in Canada, with a focus on the illegal underground abortion services. Though the author does say that many accounts are fictionalised, it rings true to the history of the fight and struggle towards reproductive rights. 

This book is timely after the decision of the Supreme Court in America. This book honours women who have fought hard for the rights over their own body. Marshall did extensive research for this book, and the outcome is that it is full history and bravery. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical content, Sexual assault, Suicide, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Abortion, Death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical trauma, Rape, and Suicide attempt

onestephatatime's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective fast-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? N/A

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Suicide, Abortion, Pregnancy, Forced institutionalization, Sexual violence, Police brutality, and Emotional abuse

amycarreira's review against another edition

emotional sad

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Medical content, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Abortion, Grief, Medical trauma, and Suicide