jane gerhard

Loved this historical novel about the vulnerability women face without protected reproductive freedoms. Set in the second half of the 19th century, we follow our heroine through her poverty, loss of her mother, into being an orphan, and into her training in midwifery. Her street savvy husband capitalizes on her expertise in the booming unregulated medical market for female ailments and troubles. She becomes notorious and a critical part of New York women’s reproductive options. Anthony Comstock appears in the last third as a timely villain. Annie/Axie’s hard work and hard earned perspective makes this a timely read.