I enjoyed Jennifer Wright's compelling, well-researched biography of the notorious -- and misunderstood -- 19th century abortionist Madame Restell. Wright skilfully blends historical context with fast-paced, yet richly detailed biography. Primary sources such as the contemporary New York Sun and Herald newspapers make it clear that early and mid-19th century newspapers set precedents for internet-era misinformation, exaggeration, and caustically worded commentary about women that dared to live as public figures. The ire was sharpened by Restell's business success.

Once a British immigrant, as Anne later became Madame Restell she made use of American notions of class, exoticism, and respectability (though Restell was no churchgoer, she kept a large Bible in the parlor of her headquarters because women seeking abortions could find ease in its pages while waiting). Madame Restell had a loyal husband, a strong personal network, and unflappable poise. Newspaper accounts often took on an outraged tone as they described how she appeared tastefully dressed at court dates. Not even a jail term at the notorious Blackwell Island could crack her sangfroid; Restell's growing wealth and political connections meant that she was the only prisoner receiving regular visits from her husband and deliveries of fresh peaches to her well-furnished cell.

The period leading up to the Gilded Age was full of eccentric, opinionated public figures; Wright includes several that are relevant to the intense public discussions of abortion and women’s identity as sexual or legal beings. When Restell’s fortune falters, she is shaken, but remains true to herself. Wright’s excellent book brings life to a complex historical figure. Heroine, villanness, or both by turns? Plunge into this absorbing work and decide for yourself.

As a Reference Librarian, I recommend Madame Restell to readers interested in popular history; undergraduate faculty in search of engaging reading assignments; people interested in the history of women’s reproductive rights, social sciences; and fiction readers seeking grounded context for the historical fiction they are reading. In recent years, some authors of romance genre fiction have written novels set during New York’s Gilded Age; the wonderful romance author, Joanna Shupe has published a vivid, well-researched, and enjoyable series, so I recommend Madame Restell to Shupe readers. I also recommend this book to fans of the also marvelous Maya Rodale.

The narrator was lovely, but I found the book just went on for way too long. It felt like the author couldn't decide if it was about Madame Restell or this history of abortion and women's healthy as a whole. There were also a lot of side stories that felt wholly unnecessary to the topic.

Although I found the writing a bit rambling, I did very much enjoy the learning the history of one of women's health most contentious topics, which is extremely poignant at the moment. The author kept a very neutral approach to the information she was presenting the information. She neither idealized or demonized Restell, but represented her just as she was - a woman who had done good for some and ill for others.