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emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Loved this!!!!! Madame Restell had such an interesting life and everyone needs to hear it! It’s crazy that we’re still dealing with some of the same sentiment about birth control, a women’s right to choose, and access to healthcare and resources of the 1800s! Proof that history repeats itself! The books bio said it best, “this is a required lesson for anyone and everyone who when it comes to women’s rights, women’s bodies, and women’s history, women should have the last word!!!!
This was a fascinating story of birth control and abortion in 19th century New York. I do wish the language of the book was more inclusive of trans identities.
Well researched and well written biography of a historical woman. The woman herself was really interesting, paving her way in medicine in a world designed for men. I liked how it brought in medicine and science of the day, as well as political views and societal morals to paint a well rounded picture of the times restell was living in. I really liked how the author explored all angles of the story and gave a balanced view of Restell, telling her bad traits and deeds along with her good. It made me feel like I was getting a full and unbiased view of restell. What impacted me harder were the women that had to use Restell’s services, the reasons they found themselves in need of abortion was truly awful and i’m glad society are holding men more accountable these days, it’s not perfect but it’s progress. I was a little unsure of the narrator at first but I got used to her and I now want to read everything by this author
informative
slow-paced
Really great book and taught me a lot about the history of abortions and children in America. More of an informative read so had to reread some pages to fully understand what was happening. Could be very repetitive at times but overall loved what knowledge I’ve gained
I did like this book, but I'm not going to lie it felt long to me and I almost didn't finish it. But! What an interesting woman with such a fascinating life! I think certain parts felt redundant to me, or just didn't hold my attention as well. The topic material is super relevant and important, but I do think that if I didn't feel so passionately about this subject going into the book, I would never have finished it.
Still would recommend it as a read for people who are interested in women's rights, history, and the intersections thereof.
Still would recommend it as a read for people who are interested in women's rights, history, and the intersections thereof.
I'm so glad to be able to read a historical biography of this woman through a post-Roe lens. The writer did an incredible job weaving facts into a narrative that makes history relevant to today's events. And she injected her personality in an engaging way.
While extremely interesting, this is the densest book I’ve picked up in awhile (hence why it took me months of picking it up and putting it down again before I forced myself to plow through the last ~100 pages). I enjoyed the author’s tone and connections to health care today, but just know this is more text book reading than storytelling.
I've discovered Jennifer Wright's writing this year after hearing her on the Nobel Blood podcast and I have devoured her books ever since and this is my favorite of hers by far.
It is a timely book for everyone to read and I would recommend it to everyone. I listened on audio book and the narrator does an amazing job.
It is a timely book for everyone to read and I would recommend it to everyone. I listened on audio book and the narrator does an amazing job.
challenging
informative
medium-paced