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Looking For Jane

The deeply moving historical novel spanning five decades of powerful women
4.36 goodreads logo

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( 71,666 ratings, 7,871 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Looking for Jane, Heather Marshall intertwines the lives of three generations of women confronting the challenges and consequences of reproductive choice. Angela's discovery of a confessional letter sparks a journey into the past, revealing the 1970s and 80s underground Jane Networkโ€”an illegal abortion service run by brave women like Dr Evelyn Taylor and volunteer Nancy. Set against the backdrop of societal restrictions, this historical fiction reveals the strength, solidarity, and sacrifices made by women fighting for the right to choose.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel is ideal for readers interested in historical fiction that illuminates women's rights, social history, and emotional family dramas. It will particularly resonate with those seeking stories of female empowerment and the impactful struggles surrounding reproductive choice.

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A story of female unity that transcends generations. Based on the true story of the Jane Collective, an illegal underground abortion service, Looking For Jane reimagines the fraught battle for reproductive rights and the women who demanded the right to choose.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

THE INSTANT NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER IN CANADA

'A fascinating and compelling story peopled with strong, brave women who had me cheering them on and moved to tears' - Tracy Rees, bestselling author of The Rose Garden

'Just tell them you're looking for Jane...'

2017

When Angela discovers a mysterious letter containing a life-shattering confession in a stack of forgotten letters, she begins to look for the intended recipient. Her search takes her to the 1970s and 80s, when a group of daring women operated an illegal underground abortion network known only by its whispered code name: Jane...

1971

As a teenager, Dr. Evelyn Taylor was forced to give her baby up for adoption. Swearing she'll do everything she can to make sure other women have the right to choose, she joins the Jane Network to provide safe but illegal abortions. There, she crosses paths with Nancy, who was told that if she ever found herself 'in a position', she should ask for Jane. Nancy soon becomes the Network's newest volunteer, desperately trying to help others while family secrets threaten everything she knows to be true.

Over the years, Evelyn, Nancy, and Angela's lives intertwine to reveal the devastating consequences that come from a lack of choice, and the buried secrets that will always find a way to the surface...

Spanning decades, Evelyn, Nancy, and Angela's lives intertwine to reveal the devastating consequences that come from a lack of choice, and the buried truths that will always find a way to the surface...

'A compelling, courageous must-read about motherhood and choice' - Genevieve Graham, bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child

'A beautifully written meditation on the lengths mothers will go to for their children as well as an eye-opening history of women' - Janet Skeslien Charles, bestselling author of The Paris Library

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critically acclaimed for its emotional depth and evocative storytelling, Looking for Jane is hailed as a beautifully written and courageous exploration of motherhood and women's rights. Tracy Rees praises the strong, compelling characters, while Janet Skeslien Charles commends its tribute to those who fought for bodily autonomy. Genevieve Graham calls it a must-read, and Ellen Keith highlights its poignant reflection on a dark chapter of history, emphasising themes of solidarity and bravery.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529364118

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 August 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Heather Marshall was born and raised in Canada, where she lives with her family and their giant golden retriever. After completing two Master's degrees, Heather worked for several years in politics and communications before finally turning her attention to her true passion: storytelling. Aside from writing, some of Heather's favourite things include old houses covered in ivy (preferably with a good ghost story), roaming dusty bookshops with her husband, and being the first person to dip into a new jar of peanut butter.

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