by Jill: I paired the book with the audiobook read by Sarah Borges who does a nice reading of this novel. Looking for Jane is a historical fiction novel, following three main characters living in Toronto from the 1960s to 2010s. All three are deeply impacted by the struggle for reproductive rights in Canada. Their lives become intertwined with a secret network of volunteers and health care providers known as, Janes, who risk arrest and other dangers to provide illegal abortion services. Exploring reproductive rights, choices, motherhood, and justice under unjust systems.
I enjoyed reading and listening to this novel and I’m surprised it’s a debut. I found it to be a well written novel with relatable characters. A powerful reminder of why it’s important for women to fight for their rights. Abortion has been legal in Canada since 1988. “What we have to remember is that before it was legalized many, many women died seeking abortions, and many, many fought – at great personal risk – to make abortion legal.”
I will be eagerly awaiting Heather Marshall’s next book.
