Day 18 #DebutAuthor #AboutABook
Day 18 #DebutAuthor #AboutABook
This is an important triple-stranded narrative that is about the many facets of bodily autonomy and the right to choice for women set in Canada in 1971, 1980, and 2017. There are some predictable pieces but it was still a good and engaging read. Full review at http://booknaround.blogspot.com/2024/06/review-looking-for-jane-by-heather.html
Great story, Meh writing.
Looking for Jane is an engaging tale about the underground world of terminating a pregnancy in the mid-20th century, and the impact it had on generations of women. Set in Canada, it truly highlights how women‘s bodies have scarcely been their own property in historical contexts. We are fortunate today to have a CHOICE.
The writing was not spectacular in this book, but it was a quick read.
Set in Canada, this book explores the Jane Network. An underground network performing illegal abortions in a safe clean environment before the legalisation of the procedure.
I also learnt alot, while I knew backstreet abortions took place, I had only thought of that in terms of the dirty coat hanger type, not the clean surgery ones.
Powerful read. In today‘s time of the overturning of Roe v. Wade it is even more so. There was a huge fight and lots of sacrifices made for women to be in charge of their own bodies; and this book gives that perspective. So many women do not have the privilege of choice. And to quote one of the characters, “as long as the male sex continues to exist there will be a need”.
Sunday = starting this again ( I bought a signed copy from an independent bookstore so I returned my library copy and waited for my bookclub reading time to get closer) I had the worst sleep Saturday night full of scaries about school a full day ahead of schedule 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ so my husband made breakfast and brought it to me in bed ❤️
Well researched, well written, and heartbreaking historical fiction based on real events that took place less than 100 years ago. I cried. I was, and still am, enraged. We should not repeat this shit, but here we are in 2023, back sliding into the very environment that allowed it to happen. The story is expertly woven to capture the realities of motherhood, womanhood, and sisterhood. The author's afterward is harrowing.
That was such a great read. The sentences were so poignant, with the perfectly plucked words that teared me up numerous times.
5-6-23: My 47th finished book of 2023! Absolutely gorgeous novel! 3 timelines. In 2017, Angela discovers a letter containing a life altering confession and she sets off to find the rightful recipient. In 1971, Dr. Evelyn Taylor who had been forced to give her baby up for adoption in her teens at a wayward girls home is now an abortion provider in the Jane Network. And in 1980, Nancy, unexpectedly pregnant and unwed, locates “Jane” for help.
I found this historical fiction with three timelines coming together interesting and timely. It‘s a Canadian perspective about choosing (or not) motherhood from 1961 until abortion rights were legalized in 1988. It‘s so disturbing to realize scenarios here our not only part of the past but possibly again the American future. The characters were well-drawn and I anticipated a full-circle moment - just not that circle! ↓
A beautiful story from start to finish. A very emotional story. Three women who are from different eras but are brought together in the end for what to me was the most beautiful ending I've read in a long time.
This book is filled with so much emotion. It's debut novel by Heather Marshall. A must read.
Full review: https://tinyurl.com/3v48ypcv
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This was a beautiful book about an issue still very prominent in 2022 American society, especially with the overturning of Roe v. Wade earlier this year. I learned a lot about the Canadian abortion movement and the history behind it, from figures like Dr. Morgentaler to forced adoption and maternity homes to the Jane Collective. It's a very thought-provoking read and really sticks with you. 10/10 would read again.
Wow, what a wonderful and informative read. This book is about motherhood and the history of reproductive rights in Canada. The author is Canadian and this is her debut novel. Spanning from the 1960's until 2017 we are introduced to a great cast of characters whose grit and determination make this a very entertaining story. My congratulations to the author and I hope to see more from her in the future. This is a must read...5/5 stars.