This book is loosely based on the real-life "female doctor" Madame Restell (aka Ann Lohman). Axie Muldoon is an orphan born into extreme poverty. She struggles to care for her younger brother and sister as they are sent on an orphan train to the midwest, where they are soon seperated. She makes her way back to New York City and eventually learns skills of midwifery, including medicinal ways to end a pregnancy. She gradually acquires a great deal of money and has ascended with her husband and daughter to the higher society of the city.
However, in the 19th century it was illegal to prevent or terminate a pregnancy. With compassion and empathy for the plight of desperate and destitute women, Axie cares for them and does occasionally provide abortions. She soon runs afoul of the law and spends time in jail for her work.
Although I am opposed to abortion, I did find this book interesting. It gave me insights into the lives of women during this difficult period. Childbirth is graphically described, but the abortions are mostly described as "scraping". This might be too difficult for sensitive readers.
There is one sex scene that isn't graphically described. I appreciated that the curse words were not fully spelled out - "b**st**d", etc.
Despite the many challenges that Axie faces, the book does have a happy ending.
However, in the 19th century it was illegal to prevent or terminate a pregnancy. With compassion and empathy for the plight of desperate and destitute women, Axie cares for them and does occasionally provide abortions. She soon runs afoul of the law and spends time in jail for her work.
Although I am opposed to abortion, I did find this book interesting. It gave me insights into the lives of women during this difficult period. Childbirth is graphically described, but the abortions are mostly described as "scraping". This might be too difficult for sensitive readers.
There is one sex scene that isn't graphically described. I appreciated that the curse words were not fully spelled out - "b**st**d", etc.
Despite the many challenges that Axie faces, the book does have a happy ending.