Looking for Jane

by Heather Marshall
Looking for Jane cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1281
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-03
  • ISBN: 9781668015322
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2024-01-16
  • Formats: 13
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Looking for Jane follows three women across different decades, each facing personal struggles and secrets that lead them to the Jane Network, an underground abortion service in 1970s Toronto. Angela Creighton, a modern-day woman, discovers a life-altering letter that sends her on a quest to uncover the past. Meanwhile, Dr. Evelyn Taylor and Nancy Mitchell, each dealing with their own traumas and secrets, find solace and purpose within the network, despite the constant threat of arrest. The novel is a powerful exploration of women's choices, resilience, and the fight for bodily autonomy, inspired by real historical events. /n/n The story is not just a historical fiction but also a timely reminder of the struggles women faced and continue to face in their fight for reproductive rights. It's a searing narrative that blends personal drama with a broader social commentary, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and women's literature.

Reviews
She's Becoming Bookish · 2023-12-31
bold 4.50

The storytelling is bold, emotionally rich, and deeply human, leaving a lasting impression.

This reviewer is particularly impressed by the bold and emotionally rich storytelling in the novel. They highlight how the author's ability to delve into the human experience makes the story deeply resonant. The reviewer also mentions that the novel's exploration of reproductive rights and motherhood is both timely and impactful, making it a compelling read. They are eager to see what the author writes next, indicating a high level of appreciation for the book.

Quick quotes

    Marshall's storytelling is bold, emotionally rich, and deeply human.

    I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

    The novel is a powerful exploration of the human experience.

Fictionophile · 2023-02-09
moving 4.50

The novel is a moving fictional portrayal that humanizes the history of Canadian women's reproductive rights. It is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

This review highlights how the novel puts a human face on the often overlooked struggles of women fighting for reproductive rights. The reviewer finds the story both emotionally engaging and educational, appreciating its ability to blend historical context with compelling storytelling. They also note that the novel's exploration of motherhood and autonomy is particularly poignant, making it a must-read for those interested in women's history and social justice.

Quick quotes

    A moving fictional portrait that puts a human face on the history of Canadian women's reproductive rights.

    The novel is entertaining and thought-provoking.

    It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

The Geeky Bibliophile · 2022-12-25
masterful 4.75

The debut novel is masterful, weaving together the lives of three women connected by a long-lost letter and a secret network fighting for reproductive rights.

The reviewer praises the novel for its intricate plot and emotional depth, highlighting how the lives of the three main characters are beautifully intertwined. They appreciate the historical context and the secret network of women fighting for reproductive rights, which adds a layer of complexity to the story. The reviewer also mentions that the novel's exploration of motherhood and love is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, making it a standout debut.

Quick quotes

    A masterful debut novel about three women whose lives are bound together by a long-lost letter, a mother's love, and a secret network of women fighting for the right to choose.

    Marshall's storytelling is rich and deeply human.

    This novel is a powerful exploration of motherhood, love, and the fight for reproductive rights.

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