A review by opossumom
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore

1.5

I'm extremely turned off by how the author absolutely refuses to provide any critical analysis, but will comment (uselessly) on the appearances of the women (repeatedly). This book is almost apolitical in its handling of its subject, and very rarely does it ever engage with it in any meaningful capacity. So much was left unexplored, such as how most of the women affected were immigrants or the daughters of immigrants. Surely, that would have something to do with their mistreatment! The women’s pains and concerns were, in large part, dismissed for so long because of misogyny, but the author barely acknowledges it. Worker's rights are discussed, but every serious conversations seems to be over sensationalized, with the text sometimes reading like fiction. Every chapter felt like a gossip session, and the book was overall very sexist with its messaging.
Kate Moore clearly did a lot of research, so I am hesitant to tell you not to ever pick this up, I just hope that you will find other (better) literature on the subject.