About the book (from Exclusive Books SA)
‘A fascinating and compelling story peopled with strong, brave women who had me cheering them on and moved to tears’ Tracy Rees, bestselling author of The Rose Garden ‘Just tell them you’re looking for Jane…’ 2017 When Angela discovers a mysterious letter containing a life-shattering confession in a stack of forgotten letters, she begins to look for the intended recipient. Her search takes her to the 1970s and 80s, when a group of daring women operated an illegal underground abortion network known only by its whispered code name: Jane . . . 1971 As a teenager, Dr. Evelyn Taylor was forced to give her baby up for adoption. Swearing she’ll do everything she can to make sure other women have the right to choose, she joins the Jane Network to provide safe but illegal abortions. There, she crosses paths with Nancy, who was told that if she ever found herself ‘in a position’, she should ask for Jane. Nancy soon becomes the Network’s newest volunteer, desperately trying to help others while family secrets threaten everything she knows to be true. Over the years, Evelyn, Nancy, and Angela’s lives intertwine to reveal the devastating consequences that come from a lack of choice, and the buried secrets that will always find a way to the surface . . . Spanning decades, Evelyn, Nancy, and Angela’s lives intertwine to reveal the devastating consequences that come from a lack of choice, and the buried truths that will always find a way to the surface…
As featured in Exclusive Books’ #EBRecommends list (fiction) for May 2022.
My thoughts (spoiler free review):
Wow, what a remarkable debut! Although this novel delves into the history of women’s rights for bodily autonomy in Canada, no matter where you are in the world, I can guarantee you that you will be invested in this story. It is a work of fiction, based on historical facts and events, “Looking for Jane” is bound to leave you astounded and even shocked. How is it possible the we, as women, have not been (and in some cases, are still not) allowed to make decisions about what is right for us? With the current Roe vs Wade overturning fiasco brewing in the US, this book could not have come at a better time. As Heather Marshall notes in the epilogue of this book – this is not a book about abortion, it is a book about motherhood and choices. She shares the disturbing history of maternity homes in Canada, and “The Jane Collective”. This book is filled with strong, but also flawed and very human, female characters. The story is told from three POVs who’s lives become cleverly interwoven and is such an compelling and thought-provoking read. I can’t recommend it enough!
Tip: check out Heather Marshall’s webpage for loads of additional information, including a book club reading guide, a timeline of events as in the book, etc.
With thanks to Exclusive Books SA for the opportunity to read this book, in exchange for a honest review.
