Scan barcode
tinkeringcheck's review against another edition
3.25
I also feel bad saying this, but I'm not a big fan of books that feel like they were written mainly to Educate the Reader instead of tell a story. I might have bounced off because I know too much about the abortion rights movement in Canada already, but I'm glad this book is making that history more accessible.
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, and Vomit
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Panic attacks/disorders
sometimesalyreadsbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
That being said, it IS a great historical fiction! About other years. A teenager in the 70s who finds herself pregnant and forced to give her baby up for adoption, the trauma that she and the other women face, the eventual decision to become a doctor and join an underground abortion network, so that women can have a choice.
Another woman, modern day, desperate for a child of her own - discovers a letter. She decides, like many others, to go looking for Jane.
The plot twist in this book threw me for an absolute loop, I will give it that. I was flabbergasted. Taken back. Shocked.
The plot starts slow, and at time and dialogue at times, was a little too "scripted infomercial" on women's oppression and the fight for reproductive rights, but the plot was beautiful. I cried many times reading this book club pick and I highly recommend it.
Buckle up for the last 20% because the author does rush to tie everything together, but I felt it was well-done and really, all about women and our multitudes. 4.5 stars!
Graphic: Suicide and Abortion
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Cancer, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Dementia, Grief, Medical trauma, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Murder
abbeyroad1410's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book is definitely slow at times, and while I appreciate the clear message that everyone deserves a choice in motherhood, sometimes it felt like it was being hammered into my head a bit too hard. Reading from the perspective of various characters across time is always very interesting (and made the ending that much better), but sometimes I wondered about the purpose of Angela in the story. She is very much a plot device (with her own, kind of incomplete motherhood story) that has many chapters dedicated to her perspective. I think it was part of what made the story slow.
The main characters all offer a dynamic perspective on the idea of motherhood and what makes someone a mother. It is understanding of the complicated relationship with adoption, abortion, and IVF. Nancy and Evelyn have very exciting stories that suck in a reader. Angela has a healthy relationship with complex issues but a lot of love and support.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you like a creative perspective that offers a political opinion.
Graphic: Suicide, Abortion, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Miscarriage and Violence
Minor: Death of parent
rebar351's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Medical trauma, Abortion, and Suicide attempt
texas666's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Abortion, and Abandonment
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
tracey1981's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Violence and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Rape and Abortion
soobooksalot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Where to begin on Looking For Jane?
For starters, I loved this book. Such important messages about choices, motherhood and female empowerment; of medical safety and accessibility.
Of heartache, and groundbreaking victories for women.
Looking For Jane is told in multiple timelines among three main characters - Evelyn, Nancy and Angela.
Blending composite fact and fiction in Canadian history from the 1960s to present, the characters provide emotional insights into varied reproductive journies.
We are taken from a "maternity home" with forced adoptions in the 60s, to the road of legalizing abortions in the 80s, and the choices not easily - or at all - afforded in each.
I'm beyond impressed with debut author Heather Marshall's writing. It feels genuine, effortless (though I know there's no such thing as effortless in writing).
This is a special, unflinching read with some unexpected moments that absolutely kept my pages turning.
Though I know not everyone will be comfortable with the content, it's such an important part of our recent history and becoming more relevant each day.
I can't recommend this book enough.
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Death, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer and Infidelity