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A review by becca_thegrimreader
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is about women supporting women. “Looking for Jane” is a powerful book that is one that will break your heart over and over again. In the author’s note, Marshall tells us this book is about motherhood, abortion rights, women’s reproductive rights, and so much more.
I will say that this book is not for the faint hearted. There are several interweaving story lines, each one as powerful as each other. In the 1960s we witness the horrific abuse that young unmarried women suffered in mother and baby homes in Canada, something that resonated with me as an Irish woman with a harrowing history of the same in my own country. The systematic abuse that the women suffered is difficult to read, and it is painful to see how many women were forced to give up their babies. In the 1970s we learn of the fight for women’s rights in Canada, with a focus on the illegal underground abortion services. Though the author does say that many accounts are fictionalised, it rings true to the history of the fight and struggle towards reproductive rights.
This book is timely after the decision of the Supreme Court in America. This book honours women who have fought hard for the rights over their own body. Marshall did extensive research for this book, and the outcome is that it is full history and bravery.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
I will say that this book is not for the faint hearted. There are several interweaving story lines, each one as powerful as each other. In the 1960s we witness the horrific abuse that young unmarried women suffered in mother and baby homes in Canada, something that resonated with me as an Irish woman with a harrowing history of the same in my own country. The systematic abuse that the women suffered is difficult to read, and it is painful to see how many women were forced to give up their babies. In the 1970s we learn of the fight for women’s rights in Canada, with a focus on the illegal underground abortion services. Though the author does say that many accounts are fictionalised, it rings true to the history of the fight and struggle towards reproductive rights.
This book is timely after the decision of the Supreme Court in America. This book honours women who have fought hard for the rights over their own body. Marshall did extensive research for this book, and the outcome is that it is full history and bravery.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Sexual assault, Suicide, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Abortion, Death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical trauma, Rape, and Suicide attempt