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informative
slow-paced
challenging
informative
medium-paced
What a fascinating book. It looks at the life of the infamous 19th century abortionist adding in historical context of other figures she interacted with. It's a good example of how history is not a linear march toward progress. Many of the book's themes reflect our own era of misinformation and the criminalization of abortion. It's a good reminder that the past was not so different from the present.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
An extremely readable biography about a fascinating but little known figure, ably narrated by Mara Wilson (although I wasn’t overly fond of the accent used only for direct quotes from Madame Restell herself). Covers both Madame Restell’s life and a greater historical context, particularly regarding perspectives on abortion, with occasional wryly humorous interjections — honestly, I could have done with more of that to offer a bit more of a consistent tone. Leans a little too heavily on my narrative nonfiction pet peeve of speculating on the thoughts or reactions of historical figures, but overall very interesting, strongly written, and well-researched.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
“Restell was a businesswoman, a scofflaw, an immigrant, and an abortionist. She made men really, really mad. She deserves a place in the pantheon of women with no fucks left to give.”
-I pulled that from the ARC copy I received so is it an actual accurate quote? I don’t know - but it damn well should be. It’s a powerful line and says a lot about not just her, but women who fight in general.
-I pulled that from the ARC copy I received so is it an actual accurate quote? I don’t know - but it damn well should be. It’s a powerful line and says a lot about not just her, but women who fight in general.
This book was clearly well researched and written with the respect and appropriate amount of snark that a book like this requires. It’s obviously a pro-choice narrative and if that offends you then either skip it or go in with an open mind and maybe you’ll learn something.
I really enjoy history like this. This is basically the history of medicine in the 1800’s USA. We get information about surgeons, lack of germ theory (yuck), midwifery, general practitioners and of course abortionists. We even get a look into women choosing a midwife over the hospital because a midwife was the safer option (again because germs). There’s information surrounding limiting the expansion of families (aka birth control that isn’t abortion) but it really is a dive into the life of Madame Restell - a woman I had never heard of - from seamstress to abortionist in New York City. It’s a wild ride. The parallels between 1800’s USA and today are absolutely no surprise to me either, but that’s a different story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ebook!
informative
reflective
medium-paced
*I was able to read this book early via NetGalley thanks to Hachette!*
It's unfortunate how timely this book is right now. But at least while it's being depressingly relevant, it's also captivating and even fun to read!
Madame Restell is, as the title would suggest, a biography of one of America's most infamous 19th century abortionists, but despite all of the history, her story and the story of the world around her is never dry. Wright spins an engaging tale of an immigrant woman who discovered what she was good at, made a lot of money doing it, and gave very few fucks about what people thought of her. She's not always a good person - and Wright makes room for her less flattering moments - but she is a strong one, as well as someone who is passionate about women's right to make decisions about their own bodies.
There's tons of information packed into the pages of this book, stretching well beyond Restell's story. Most of the time, the background info and complementary biographical digressions fit in well and enhance the overall picture, though on occasion, I did find myself wishing we could get back to the star of the show. Still, overall, this book is easy to gobble up, even if it does depress you how cyclical history can ultimately be.
It's unfortunate how timely this book is right now. But at least while it's being depressingly relevant, it's also captivating and even fun to read!
Madame Restell is, as the title would suggest, a biography of one of America's most infamous 19th century abortionists, but despite all of the history, her story and the story of the world around her is never dry. Wright spins an engaging tale of an immigrant woman who discovered what she was good at, made a lot of money doing it, and gave very few fucks about what people thought of her. She's not always a good person - and Wright makes room for her less flattering moments - but she is a strong one, as well as someone who is passionate about women's right to make decisions about their own bodies.
There's tons of information packed into the pages of this book, stretching well beyond Restell's story. Most of the time, the background info and complementary biographical digressions fit in well and enhance the overall picture, though on occasion, I did find myself wishing we could get back to the star of the show. Still, overall, this book is easy to gobble up, even if it does depress you how cyclical history can ultimately be.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
funny
informative
sad
funny
informative
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Fascinating account of a fierceless woman. Especially interesting to read after the recent overturning of Roe v Wade in the US, and learning about the history of abortion there (and glimpses of it elsewhere). It was very enlightening both in why such extreme anti-abortion views have been adopted, but also in introducing me to another historical woman lost to history.
Only thing to note is that (as I listened to the audiobook) I really struggled to not wince at the poor English accent the narrator put on for Restell. Completely took me out of the writing and it wasn't even a necessary addition.
Only thing to note is that (as I listened to the audiobook) I really struggled to not wince at the poor English accent the narrator put on for Restell. Completely took me out of the writing and it wasn't even a necessary addition.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Abortion