Genre: Historical Fiction

In Looking for Jane, Heather Marshall creates a compelling look at the history of the autonomy of women through multiple timelines. A mysterious letter that Angela finds in 2017 sends her on a quest that allows her to discover much about the Jane network of the 1970s. Eileen, who was forced to give up her own baby in a Catholic home, is one of the doctors in the Jane network. In the 80s, Nancy joins Eileen there after experiencing her own difficulties. Based on the Jane Collective in Chicago - Marshall’s impeccably researched books explores women, motherhood, reproductive rights, and family.

Marshall’s characters are fully developed and represent the eras in which she places them excellently. She introduces the horror of young girls being forced to relinquish their babies - the absolute cruelty surrounding their “care.” She explores the extensive means by which women attempt to gain control of their bodies and reproductive rights. She does so with these women - for whom I have much empathy. These women are inextricably bound by their histories and experiences.

As always I find myself stunned by the lack of rights held by women - my mother’s age - in my lifetime. Books like All You Have to Do is Call by Kerri Maher and The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church have also contributed to my awareness of how much I take for granted. I consider it my responsibility to continue to learn and acquire as much information as I can. The perspectives provided by history are invaluable to me in this process. Morris is sensitive, thoughtful, and thorough. I was led to Heather Marshall’s Looking for Jane after I read her novel, The Secret History of Audrey James. While the topic differs, the insight into the strength of women remains. Heather Marshall is good! Listen; I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I take much of my freedoms for granted. No matter where you land in terms of your own beliefs and perspectives, education is always good.

Completely unrelated to the topic of the book and the strength of the writing, the cover is top notch. The rotary dial phone is just the touch for a woman of a certain era.