rachel_smrt 's review for:

Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh

5.0

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Is this the right time to read a book about an abortion clinic full of capable women just trying to provide essential services to people who need them, and the creepy dudes who become obsessed with that clinic for deluded and infuriating reasons? Hard to say. But it's so good and the characters drawn with such vivid details and compassion, even the creepiest dude, that I do recommend it. That said, I am relieved to be done with this book! The storylines begin to converge and Haigh ratchets up the tension and I had to bring this to my office to read during lunch. I really loved Claudia, the protagonist, who grew up broke in rural Maine and has found a sense of purpose in her efficient and urgent work at the clinic. The other three characters are harder to love, but Haigh gives everyone a story and motivation and they're honestly so tragic that you wish for relief more than comeuppance. Does it all tie up too neatly at the end? Perhaps. Also this is a SPOILER but if you, like me, would struggle to read this book if you're afraid it's just leading you to a horrifying scene where the creepy dude blows up the clinic, I want to reassure you: that's not where this is going. Spending time in his head is unsettling and tense, but Haight doesn't need a bloodbath to tell her story.

Very Boston-y! Streets and architecture and the orange line and traffic and Stop and Shop. That part is fun for my locals out here!