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informative
medium-paced
This is an entertaining book that delves into the atmosphere of mid-1800s New York with wit and charm while delivering the biography of a bull-headed, flawed but admirable woman forgotten to history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Death, Incest, Mental illness, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail
This was such an informative and witty book. The topic is very timely as the author notes throughout but especially in her very personal and must read epilogue.
It was filled with information but told in an engaging way.
It was filled with information but told in an engaging way.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Madame Restell by Jennifer Wright is a super interesting biography about Madame Restell (born Ann Trow), an abortion provider in New York City in the 1800s. The book focuses on Restell's rags-to-riches story as she becomes famous (infamous) for advocating for and providing birth control and reproductive health services in New York and other major cities on the East Coast. The book also captures the rollercoaster of sentiments about abortion, sexuality, and women's rights throughout that century. Not only does Wright bring to light the life and contributions of a historical woman most have never heard of, but she does so with a distinctly modern voice, situating Restell's story in a clear line of sight to today's challenges to women's reproductive rights. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in American history, women's rights, and health care.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Suicide, Medical content, Abortion, Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcoholism, Rape, Sexual assault, Medical trauma, Alcohol
Minor: Racism, Kidnapping
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
challenging
informative
medium-paced
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
The book was written in a really light, pop history way, and I was looking for something a little deeper.
Interesting topic just couldn't make it through more than 15 pages at a time without losing interest.