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thepagelady's review
4.0
In the summer of 1793 a crime was committed, the kind of crime that even victims usually kept secret. Instead, seventeen-year-old seamstress Lanah Sawyer did what virtually no one in US history had done before: she charged a gentleman with rape. Her accusation sparked a raw courtroom drama and a relentless struggle for vindication that threatened both Lanah’s and her assailant’s lives.
The Sewing Girl's Tale by John Wood Sweet is a powerful and riveting story about a young girl's courage and determination. There was an impressive amount of research that went into this book. It's definitely a piece that shows us what has changed and what hasn't. In a time where a woman's reputation was everything you can't help but admire and find Lanah’s determination and courage inspiring! Although it was a grim and heartbreaking tale I found myself lost in the pages! Fantastic read! Thank you Henry Holt for sharing this book with me!
The Sewing Girl's Tale by John Wood Sweet is a powerful and riveting story about a young girl's courage and determination. There was an impressive amount of research that went into this book. It's definitely a piece that shows us what has changed and what hasn't. In a time where a woman's reputation was everything you can't help but admire and find Lanah’s determination and courage inspiring! Although it was a grim and heartbreaking tale I found myself lost in the pages! Fantastic read! Thank you Henry Holt for sharing this book with me!
appalachiandiva's review
4.0
The story of a tremendously brave young woman who faces social ruin by pursuing criminal action against her "socially superior" rapist. In 1793. A truly heroic woman who deserves to be known.
booksadoodle's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating nonfiction recounting of the tale of Lanah Sawyer, a young seamstress of 17, who finds herself in a compromising situation in 1793 Revolutionary times, and is raped in the the backroom of a New York brothel. Absolutely a sensitive topic, but this depicts the story of the first published rape trial in American History, as she bravely and publicly accuses her rapist, and becomes the catalyst for social change and the treatment of women. Extensively researched, the book does a great job of depicting social and political norms for the time, and even involves more well known historical figures, such as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Given the vast amount of detail and background information, I found the Audiobook version particularly appealing for this read. The narrator did a fabulous job, and this kept my interest throughout. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this advanced Audiobook version!
caseyundercovers's review
5.0
This book made me angry. This book should make you angry.
Lanah Sawyer's story is devastating to read. It is more devastating to listen to her testimony as she seeks justice. And even still more devastating to listen to the defense lawyers degrade her even further by attempting to discredit her character and reputation.
Such an important story to be told.
It's such a shame how similar this 250 year old story is to today's rape culture.
Lanah Sawyer's story is devastating to read. It is more devastating to listen to her testimony as she seeks justice. And even still more devastating to listen to the defense lawyers degrade her even further by attempting to discredit her character and reputation.
Such an important story to be told.
It's such a shame how similar this 250 year old story is to today's rape culture.
redheadreadermom's review
Seems like a fascinating book. But I can't read something like this right now. Timing is not right.
lyellboi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0