Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three who loves to ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
*Note: This book could be triggering for some*
Looking For Jane is Heather Marshall's debut novel. It is a poignant exploration of the lives of three women intricately woven together by a long-lost letter, maternal love, and a clandestine network of women advocating for reproductive rights.
This unique narrative spans three distinct periods: 1960, 1980, and 2017, all set against the backdrop of Toronto, Canada. This structure allows for a deep exploration of the complexities of motherhood and the struggles faced by young women grappling with issues of contraception and abortion legality in an evolving social landscape over the 57 years.
The story begins at St. Agnes's Home for Unwed Mothers, where women are sent by their families to live while they wait out their pregnancies and later give their children up for adoption. It is an austere place that is filled with harsh treatment, judgment, and the forced removal of the babies that these women carried to term.
Through the experiences of these women—Evelyn in 1960, Nancy in 1980, and Angela in 2017—readers are immersed in a poignant exploration of motherhood, sacrifice, and the enduring power of maternal love. As they navigate their own challenges and societal constraints, their stories converge through a long-lost letter, revealing the profound impact of choices made and the resilience of the human spirit.
As I’ve mentioned before, my siblings and I were adopted in Toronto in the '60s and early '70s, at a time when birth control wasn’t widely used and abortion was illegal. As a result, being adopted is pretty commonplace for members of my generation and the ones that came before.
My lived experience often attracts me to stories of women and their struggles with poorly timed or unwanted pregnancies and their harrowing journeys navigating through what would be suitable for themselves, their families, and their babies in a complex world.
Heather Marshall's characters are not just words on a page but deeply human and relatable individuals. Each woman has her own voice, motivations, and struggles, inviting readers to empathize with their experiences and choices.
From Evelyn’s poignant journey as a young woman facing the stigma of unwed pregnancy in 1960 to Nancy’s quest for self-discovery and understanding in 2017, the characters' growth and transformation make their stories both compelling and emotionally resonant.
For those who appreciate captivating storytelling and nuanced character development, Looking For Jane is sure to captivate and inspire. Whether you're drawn to stories of personal struggle and resilience or intrigued by the historical backdrop of Toronto's past, this novel offers a poignant journey that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
READ MORE > Nomi's Pics, Rambler Cafe Blog
Linda, it’s amazing to me just how many stories are out there. Recently, through Ancestry.com, I discovered that my father has a half-sister via an affair that my grandfather had in 1940. I now have contact with a half-aunt as a result. It’s a bit mind-blowing how interesting it is to discover these hidden stories. It opens up questions but also allows for some closure as well.
Thanks for a great review Naomi. It sounds like a book I need to add to my TBR pile.
My mother was born to a single woman in Toronto in 1930. What a story they have, although many parts are missing. My grandmother died without telling anyone who my mother’s father was.
Leave a comment