sooz_767's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
I've read quite a few nonfiction books about women in history and their lack of rights to literally anything, but every time I'm still absolutely baffled how much women were so completely ruled by men. By law, women were nothing and had nothing, not even the right or custody of their own children.
This is the story of Elizabeth Packard who was branded insane and put into an asylum solely on the word of her husband, who she had been married to for over 20 years and had children with, because she had the audacity to think for herself (the horror!) and have a difference of opinion about her religious beliefs. I kid you not.
The rest of the book follows her fight to get out of the asylum, make people aware of the abuse women had to endure, eventually change the law and ultimately get back to her children. She was simply amazing and I loved learning her story and what she achieved.
I actually can't believe that piece of sh*t husband had the balls to stick around after everything he put her through and she let him!! But I suppose it was a different time and it would have been another battle to get a divorce.
My only issue with the book is that it's too long, if I hadn't have been listening on audio I would have struggled with the length.
This is the story of Elizabeth Packard who was branded insane and put into an asylum solely on the word of her husband, who she had been married to for over 20 years and had children with, because she had the audacity to think for herself (the horror!) and have a difference of opinion about her religious beliefs. I kid you not.
The rest of the book follows her fight to get out of the asylum, make people aware of the abuse women had to endure, eventually change the law and ultimately get back to her children. She was simply amazing and I loved learning her story and what she achieved.
I actually can't believe that piece of sh*t husband had the balls to stick around after everything he put her through and she let him!! But I suppose it was a different time and it would have been another battle to get a divorce.
My only issue with the book is that it's too long, if I hadn't have been listening on audio I would have struggled with the length.
psheflin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
chrliesangel28's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
This was a great story. Elizabeth was a strong women who was able to overcome so much. Especially in a time when women had no power. They were owned by their husbands but she didn’t let that stop her. She was very impressive.
leasummer's review against another edition
5.0
The most enraging book I’ve read so far this year. This is wonderfully researched and told in the most engaging way. The narrator was perfect. This story is one everyone should read.
The epilogue was a gut punch. Highly recommend - as long as you’re prepared to be very angry the entire time.
The epilogue was a gut punch. Highly recommend - as long as you’re prepared to be very angry the entire time.
charlee92's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
3.0
this was an interesting biography. a scary tale with a very moving post script for current times. I did feel it was super long though and there were times I was drudging through it.
kilonshele's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Classism, Chronic illness, and Torture
Minor: Suicide
savento95's review against another edition
5.0
What a wild ride and important story. Again I am reminded of all the women we don't learn about who changed the course of history and the way history changes upon the telling. I want to see a Behind the Bastards podcast about Andrew McFarland. The narration of the book felt pretty seamless as it integrated diary entries from and news about the characters. An altogether enjoyable, educational, and important read.
dorothy_gale's review
4.0
4★: INSTITUTIONALIZED FOR THINKING! The general theme of this book was not new, but the extent her husband and other men went to lock her up and keep her from her children was disgusting. Thank goodness women have made progress with their rights, but it's unfortunate it was so slow and so many women had their lives destroyed.
kld2128's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, and Mental illness