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kameethompson's review against another edition
4.0
The endurance Elizabeth had is admirable and I appreciated the chance to learn her story. It did feel a bit long at times but I can see why the in depth details helped shape the telling of the story.
kellylove's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, an amazing story, and very glad I read this -- the author did not explore the layers of white privilege in society as much as I thought, but did touch on these subjects. Sometimes the story felt like a bit of a slog, but perhaps that's how it actually felt to fight these important battles. Not sure many current feminists and mental health advocates fully realize the challenges faced with patriarchal laws, even those that continue today.
lgb_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fascinating true story of a women that fought for hear rights no matter what. I love reading nonfiction books that read as smoothly as this one, Kate Moore perfectly combines this women's story with the historical facts of women in insane asylums during this time period while also mirroring the Civil War. It almost feels like you are reading fiction through the entire story it does not feel like this all could possibly happen to one women. This is one of the best books I have read this year.
kimreadz's review against another edition
5.0
The book is narrative nonfiction and very readable! It is also very well researched. You will learn a lot from reading this book, not only about conditions in asylums in the late 1800s, but also about the status of women. Especially married women, who essentially had no rights—to property, to their own opinions... They could be institutionalized without their consent simply because their husband said "she's insane". No trial, no chance to speak for themselves...boom, they were gone!
This book tells the story of one woman, Elizabeth Packard. She was married to a minister for 20+ years, and the mother of 6 children. Her husband altered his views of his religion; Elizabeth did not. He didn't like this and threatened her with commitment to an insane asylum if she didn't change her views. She did not, and he followed through. Elizabeth was very obviously not insane, but the system was stacked against here. She spent several years in the asylum, secretly gathering evidence. This is the story of how she used that evidence to change the world. Be prepared to gasp, to shake your head in disbelief, to scream, and to throw the book across the room!
The Woman They Could Not Silence was a selection for my book club. It was a great pick and led to a great discussion. We'd talked for at least an hour before we even turned to the discussion questions. There is so much to discuss! If you are looking for a discussion-worth book for your book club, this is it!
This book tells the story of one woman, Elizabeth Packard. She was married to a minister for 20+ years, and the mother of 6 children. Her husband altered his views of his religion; Elizabeth did not. He didn't like this and threatened her with commitment to an insane asylum if she didn't change her views. She did not, and he followed through. Elizabeth was very obviously not insane, but the system was stacked against here. She spent several years in the asylum, secretly gathering evidence. This is the story of how she used that evidence to change the world. Be prepared to gasp, to shake your head in disbelief, to scream, and to throw the book across the room!
The Woman They Could Not Silence was a selection for my book club. It was a great pick and led to a great discussion. We'd talked for at least an hour before we even turned to the discussion questions. There is so much to discuss! If you are looking for a discussion-worth book for your book club, this is it!
jessbc91's review against another edition
4.0
Kate Moore did a great job, as with Radium Girls, in researching a badass historical woman and then telling the story in an engaging way. I would be concerned if any woman can read this and not feel bubbling rage for her situation and all her struggles. I imagine many people who aren’t women would have a similar fire in their belly reading her story. I am glad to know about this woman and her effect on generations of women that came after her. It was a bit long winded in places but not boring. Keep writing these stories, Kate!
stacia_reads's review against another edition
4.0
9h 29m
This was an interesting listen. I've always been interested in the history of asylums and mental health, and this accounting of the intersection with women's rights was fascinating. Elizabeth Packard's tenacity was impressive as she continued to keep a cool head and fight what must've often felt like an unwinnable battle.
This was an interesting listen. I've always been interested in the history of asylums and mental health, and this accounting of the intersection with women's rights was fascinating. Elizabeth Packard's tenacity was impressive as she continued to keep a cool head and fight what must've often felt like an unwinnable battle.
stennieben's review against another edition
3.0
Book club pick for the library -- the actual story of activist Elizabeth Packard was incredible, but I have a couple qualms with the way this account was written. I got extremely antsy by the end of this one, and I think it would've benefited greatly from another edit or two for length. I'm sure it's difficult to narrow down what to include once you've done so much research + want to tell someone's story thoroughly, but as a reader it felt quite bloated and started to lag a lot towards the end (when it should've been picking up). Also, the author added unnecessary drama to moments that could've spoken for themselves without corny lines, cliff hangers, etc. Just okay overall for me, we'll see how the discussion goes!
kwyma's review against another edition
5.0
A long, but sobering read. The author’s ending was just perfect. This book outlines the fight of an incredible woman who refused to be silent or pushed away into a dark corner. As a result, she changed the lives of many who had no one to speak for them. TW: domestic abuse, marital rape, torture. Certainly not for every reader