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emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Usually I like biographies/histories if they read a lot like a novel. This book isn't like that - it's more like talking to a fascinating person you just met at a party who is writing their thesis on this really cool thing you never knew existed.
informative
reflective
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I liked this book a lot but the author left a huge gap in not discussing Black & Brown women’s struggles. This book very much focuses on the struggles of white women. It also would’ve benefited from a change in language from “women who get abortions” to “people who get abortions” - the author is extremely binary in their language regarding gender even though anyone with a uterus needs reproductive justice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This book is a rollercoaster! I already love historical explorations that have women giving the middle finger to societal norms, but this book has Madame Restell leading the parade from her fancy carriage, with a giant middle finger hanging out the window.
The book also peels back the layers on how people generally thought about abortion before Comstock and his gang of shame enthusiasts showed up -i.e just kind of part of life. It lays bare the roots of white male freak-outs over abortion: it's not about morality, it's about hanging onto power and keeping women in check.
Some might find this book a bit like a dense history textbook, especially if you're not into reading a lot of historical non-fiction, or if you're not interested in 1800's NYC and just want to read about Madame Restell. It's packed with info, and while I ate it up, I get that it might be too much for some. Even I had moments where the side stories, like the Civil War detour, lost me.
But, I have to say - the epilogue is truly the grand finale and is truly one of the best parts of the book.
Overall, this book is a wild ride through time, with Madame Restell as the rebellious tour guide.
The book also peels back the layers on how people generally thought about abortion before Comstock and his gang of shame enthusiasts showed up -i.e just kind of part of life. It lays bare the roots of white male freak-outs over abortion: it's not about morality, it's about hanging onto power and keeping women in check.
Some might find this book a bit like a dense history textbook, especially if you're not into reading a lot of historical non-fiction, or if you're not interested in 1800's NYC and just want to read about Madame Restell. It's packed with info, and while I ate it up, I get that it might be too much for some. Even I had moments where the side stories, like the Civil War detour, lost me.
But, I have to say - the epilogue is truly the grand finale and is truly one of the best parts of the book.
Overall, this book is a wild ride through time, with Madame Restell as the rebellious tour guide.
It was sad but fascinating what a person , no not a person, a woman has to go through to be able to control their own body. Intertwining today and the past was a good aspect of the book. The comedic relief was wanted with such a subject. You don’t know if you dislike or love madam, but you should respect what she did. I enjoyed it.
The cover is gorgeous. The colors stand out just as they should for such an incredible woman.
I have come across the story of this remarkable woman many times in other books, but only now learned the details of her life. Madame Restell, or Ann Trow, was a famous abortion provider in 19th century NY. She was fearless and determined to help others with their needs, be it contraception, or abortion. She could not, would not! be contained by the misogynist men around her.
This is an important read as rights are rapidly disappearing for pregnant capable peoplx in the United States. Highly recommended.
I have come across the story of this remarkable woman many times in other books, but only now learned the details of her life. Madame Restell, or Ann Trow, was a famous abortion provider in 19th century NY. She was fearless and determined to help others with their needs, be it contraception, or abortion. She could not, would not! be contained by the misogynist men around her.
This is an important read as rights are rapidly disappearing for pregnant capable peoplx in the United States. Highly recommended.
An overall well done portrayal of a woman of importance that most haven’t heard of. At times it took side roads that didn’t seem to be necessary. And about 15% could be cut to make a more concise and cohesive read that keeps the mind from wandering at parts.
Overall well done.
Overall well done.
Fascinating. The epilogue alone is worth the read. Well done, Jennifer Wright.