Book Review: Looking for Jane

 

Looking For Jane

By Heather Marshall

Galley from publisher

Looking For Jane is based on historical fiction on reproductive rights on the 60's and 70's in Canada. It is the story of three people and how they connect and interweave into their lives and their story. I am writing my review as someone who grew up in the 1970's in the United States. I also grew up when Roe vs. Wade had passed in the supreme court. Also in advance my view on reproductive rights in advance. Everyone has a right to privacy, and right to choose. That said, I ma be biased on the book. But, it is a book worth reading. To know what women had to go through before, during and after the laws were changed( realize this is in Canada). 

I don't think young women realize how dangerous to live before reproductive rights were law in Canada and in the US. Back alley abortions were performed with coat hangers, infections, finding a medical doctor vs. someone without a license. Women were desperate. I grew up in the 70's after Roe vs. Wade became law. I think many women took it for granted that Roe vs. Wade was the law of the land. If you didn't pay attention to politics. You would have never known. I will now get off my soap box. 

Looking for Jane has three different time lines from the 1960's till 2017. There is a good reason why the author chose these time lines. Think pre abortion laws, when it was passed, and after it was passed. How the laws changed and affected Canadian women. I believe it passed in Canada in the late 80's. 

The story opens with three time lines and three main characters. It was a bit confusing. Which doesn't take away from the book. You will understand why the confusion toward the end of the book.  And will like the resolution toward the end. It will all make sense toward the end of the story, and give you a "aha moment". That's what makes it a satisfying read from the beginning to the end. The characters are realistic, true and loveable characters. The developing of the characters and story was well developed through out the book. The stories weave and interconnect each other tightly, no hanging threads. No questions unanswered.  I related to the story of what these women were going through as I was a teenager in the 70's. It felt realistic. 

Looking for Jane has three time lines and three main characters. Angela in 2017 finds a hidden letter that has life changing consequences to the recipient. Angela searches all the way back to 1960's and brings her to a rabbit hole, " Underground Women Movement, Code name, "Jane". Where she discovers who the recipient to the letter is. When you as the reader, think you understand and know what is going to happen. You are totally wrong. It went to a totally different direction. It threw you a different bone.

 It brings Angela to finding out about the Unwed Mother's Home in Canada. What truly happened in that home. Who the letter was actually for. Would the letter be a welcome or a disaster to the recipient? I didn't expect the book to be a page turner or a mystery. The novel was more Women's literary fiction, than mystery.  That's why my expectations were low for the book. I was greatly surprised.  I didn't expect it to have a lot of grit being women's fiction. But, guess what it did. 

Anyone interested in reproductive rights will like the book. Anyone who likes suspense and mystery will also enjoy it, although it is not set in the US. It doesn't take away from the flavor. I recommend it highly if you like historical fiction, feminist and reproductive activism. I sure hope there will be more books on reproductive rights written in fiction.

 I received a review copy through Kindle from the publisher as compensation for the review.