Wow, just… wow. This book is absolutely heartbreaking, brilliant, historically accurate, and yet poignantly relevant to todays world.

The below review was written minutes after reading the last page and closing off the book. It is much more emotionally charged than my usual reviews. But because of the subject matter I have chosen to leave it as is.

I can barely find the words to describe the multitude of emotions, feelings, and frustration I have after reading these combined stories. From illegal abortions to adoption practices to lies lived for a lifetime to the excitement of abortion being legalized; Looking for Jane will take you into an account of what life was once life, what life is still like for some, and what life is about to be like for so many American women. The relevancy of this novel cannot be overstated at this point in time.
While I am a childless woman, and will never have a baby of my own (partially because of infertility, and partially by my choice); all I can say is that without a doubt MY BODY is mine. And no one; not the government, the church, other women or men, or even the father should be allowed to use my body for their own means or gains. Nor should they be allowed to decide what does or does not happen with it.
Looking for Jane brings so many poignant pieces of the struggle together that by the end all I can do is still here stunned, breathless, angry, and resolute that abortion MUST remain a woman’s right. It MUST remain our choice what happens to our bodies.

All I can really say to fellow women, supporters of the right to choice, those scared of what the reversal of Roe vs. Wade means for other basic human rights, and any men whom have had to grapple with what the women around them have done: READ THIS BOOK.
While set in (my home country) Canada (and written by a fellow Canadian); it tells the illegal abortion networking stories of all of North America; and the atrocities put on pregnant women when the church was all too involved in ‘health and safety’.

I won’t lie, it’s nearly 3am, I couldn’t put this down in the end; and now I’m riled up with anger, fear (for the future), frustration, and extreme sadness all at once because some people can’t mind their own business and worry about their own lives and how what they do impacts others. So forgive my extreme emotional reaction at this exact moment.

One thing I have always believed, and has just been reinforced for me by Heather Marshall, my body is MINE! Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do with it. Especially when the emotional turmoil of said decision will haunt the woman forever. No woman takes abortion lightly. No one. I’ve seen the haunting look in other women’s eyes who made the hard choice, and while I’ve never met someone who regrets their abortion; without a doubt they all hurt from it, even decades later.
If nothing else, Heather Marshall depicts the haunting grief all women feel either for: themselves or their fellow females (be it lovers, family or friends) in a way that I believe will remain with any reader forever.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

This book was a really cool read. It combined and weaved together bits of history with fiction as it told the story of young women fighting for their futures. I found this book a good read and different from what I typically read. The topics also relate to today's world issues and was a interesting comparison to make.

I really tried to like this book, it seemed so full of promise… full of tough subject matter and interesting history and yet I just never really connected with any of the characters or any of the story lines. This one unfortunately just fell flat for me.

My thanks to Net Galley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read this copy of Looking for Jane.

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for a review.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged throughout. I liked the format which moved back and forth in time and between different characters. The story plays out through the abortion rights movement in Canada, intertwined with the story of unwed young mothers forced to give up their children. I was very invested in the characters and discovering what happened to them. I also believe it gave a good perspective of a variety of reasons why women might seek out an abortion and how they might feel about it personally. Overall, a very engaging, interesting book.

This book follows three interwoven tales from the 1960s to present day, all evolving around Women’s issues and covering a broad spectrum of topics including abortion, miscarriage, fertility treatments, and forced adoptions.

To say this book tugged hard at my heart strings would be a gross understatement.
There was one section in particular that made me cling onto my baby super tight as I sobbed. This book highlights all aspects of motherhood, from those who have made the decision not to have children, to those who would give anything to become mothers, those who had their babies taken away from them, and everything in between.

I think I would go so far as to say this might be one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was nothing like I expected, but in the best possible way.

Beautiful, important, heartbreaking, heartwarming, timely, incredible. No words I can write will do this book justice so please just take my advice and go read it.

4.5 stars

Living on Montreal, I remember hearing about Henry Morgentaler and his illegal clinic in my childhood.. with the recent situation in the States,, these illegal abortion stories make us reflect. How can we go back to what once was?

It is so refreshing to read historical fiction that is not about WW. I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would.

This story provided a learning experience and I do recommend this book. Although I admit I was confused at the end, it did not lessen my reading experience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a complimentary e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Historical Fiction | Adult
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Without intending to, I’ve now read a third book that involves unwanted children and searching for family. Perhaps there’s a theme emerging in today’s literature, a longing for connection and a way to unite those who have become separated from us. Fodder for another discussion, but an interesting thing to ponder. I began reading this compelling new Canadian title just over a week ago, by eerie coincidence on the very morning of the day the news broke of a possible U.S. Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade, the law that made access to abortion legal for our sisters to the south. This is at its heart, a book about motherhood, or rather, about wanting and not wanting children. It is a big, ambitious tale about the underground network of safe abortion providers that operated in many North American cities in the 1970s and in Canada at least, also in the 1980s, until safe access was legalized late in the decade. There was in Chicago a name for this network, the Jane network. Author Marshall opted to use that name in this story, set in Toronto, for both the network and for a baby born in the 1960s to an unmarried young woman. Decades later, baby Jane learns she was adopted and searches for answers. There’s a bookstore worker, trying desperately to get pregnant, who in 2017 finds a misdirected letter and tries to give it to its intended recipient. A doctor with a strong personal motivation joins the Jane network in the 1970s, determined to give women choices and a safe procedure. I told you this was an ambitious tale! But debut author Marshall completely pulls it off, providing a nuanced and compassionate story that illuminates the terrible decisions so many women have been forced to make, by parents, society, and/or their own circumstances, and the long ramifications of those decisions. There’s a line in the book, often used in the abortion rights movement, that emphasizes the importance of motherhood by choice, and of all children being wanted children. As the abortion debate appears to be rising again, this novel is perfectly timed, providing a picture of what life was like a half century ago for women facing unwanted pregnancies, and why so many women worked tirelessly to make sure motherhood is a carefully considered choice. First-time author Marshall has created a powerful novel that captures the pain, longing, and history of this issue for Canadian women, drawing on true stories to inspire the tale. Along with an afterword by the author, the book includes a group discussion guide. My thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing a digital reading copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Grand Forks (B.C.) & District Public Library has added a copy to its adult fiction collection, as well as an e-book and e-audiobook editions.
More discussion and reviews of this novel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58750615

Very well written, thank you to Heather Marshall for writing about a difficult subject. Allowing you to feel empathy and compassion for the main characters.

Sometimes you read a book and it changes you on a cellular level. ⁣
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That’s this book. ⁣
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Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall @heathermarshallauthor
The @canadianbookenablers April pick. ⁣
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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Inspired by true stories, this debut novel follows three women whose lives are connected through themes of choice, bodily autonomy and motherhood. ⁣
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Heather Marshall’s writing is so smooth and effortless. She weaves through time and amongst characters with ease and grace. This novel made me cry with anger, sadness and joy. It’s an incredibly powerful book about a woman’s right to choose that I think everyone should read. ⁣
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Heather’s author note at the end of the book included information on The Maternity Home Justice Project. I urge everyone to visit Heather’s website and write your MP. Survivors of the maternity home system and forced adoption deserve justice. ⁣
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Thank you @netgalley and @simonschusterca for my ARC. I loved it so much, I bought a physical copy for my forever shelf. ⁣
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Thank you Heather, for writing a book I will never forget. Your words are powerful, and I know they will make a difference, especially now. ⁣
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Say it louder for the people in the back: ABORTION IS HEALTHCARE. YOU CAN’T BAN ABORTIONS, ONLY SAFE ABORTIONS. ⁣
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Canadian friends, the threat of losing our reproductive rights is in our country too. Vote vote vote vote.

I couldn’t have picked this book up at a more appropriate time. It reads as Historical Fiction, but sadly, with the news today I feel like we’ve stepped back in time.

What a powerful debut novel bringing to light a time where girls were being forced to give up their babies if they got pregnant and had no choice in the matter as to what they can do with their own bodies.

This book was so powerful and just so emotional. I was gripped with every emotion from sadness to outright anger and even a few laughs in between.

We have all heard stories about when abortion was illegal and I am thankful for this book in bringing to light the underground Jane Network that was created to help women have a choice, to have their own voice about their bodies and futures. I loved reading about these fearless women, putting their lives at risk to help others.

This novel follows three women whose lives are connected from the 60s to present day, and Heather Marshall writes so seamlessly as we jump between characters and time.

Heather really took the time to do her research and includes information in her Authors Notes about The Maternity Home Justice Project. I truly hope bringing to light this horrific time period and what happened to these girls can gain the justice they truly deserve. Please check out Heather Marshall’s website to learn more about this cause.

This novel really packs a punch and is such an important read, now more then ever, as we seem to be going back in time on women’s issues and the right to choose.

Thank you @netgalley and @simonschusterca for the gifted copy for an honest review.


⚠️ Please make note of trigger warnings: Abortion. Miscarriage. Suicide. Adoption.

An excellent book, historical fiction , well written. Covers the history of abortion and the women who not only struggled to receive one, but also doctors who decided to go against the law and give them. Inspiring and uplifting, focused primarily on Canadian law and the women who fought for this basic right.

This Canadian author knocked this book out of the ballpark. I finished this must read 5 star book yesterday, right as the leaked information about overturning Roe vrs Wade was disclosed. These basic human reproductive rights are something we are still fighting for and continue to have to fight for all these years later. This book shows how hard women fought to gain these rights.
After reading this book, I’m feeling so very thankful for all the advocates in history who paved the way. The main character, Evelyn is one such advocate. As her story unfolds, you will see why her determination to offer choice becomes a lifelong mission.
This is a multi timeline story which follows many characters and we gradually get to see their connection(s) unfold. They are all connected by motherhood in some shape or form. Maggie and Evelyn’s story contains abuse at the hands of a religious organization which sold single women’s babies to adoptive parents. As a therapist, I appreciated that the author did not shy away from outlining the complicated trauma inherent in these women’s lives. We are also introduced to Nancy and Alice and a host of characters in the underground abortion clinic. I was glad to read about Angela and Tina and happy to be taken on their journey towards motherhood as well. All women’s rights are human rights.
I especially appreciated the unfolding history the author provides. As a teenager in the late 80’s , I remember that seminal ruling R. Vrs Morgentaler and the impact it had on woman’s rights.
This is a complex topic that the author handles with the greatest of care. As readers, we often develop more empathy when we can read about a character’s struggle and feel it viscerally. This is one book that everyone should read. I have so much more to say about how I want an equal and just future for my daughters and yet I find myself at a loss today because the likely reversing of rights shows us that the personal is indeed political.
Keep reading to catch the author’s note at the end which gives us a succinct history of reproductive rights in Canada and the events that led up to them. She also provides information on the Sixties Scoop and I’m so glad she did. At the same time she acknowledged that it’s not her place to tell these stories (I assume she is not Indigenous and is graciously not over stepping her role).
This a necessary and timely read. I won’t include spoilers, but the ending is masterful. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

Trigger warnings: abortion; infant loss, adoption; abuse by religious institutions; racism scene; suicide; IVF.

A well researched book which brings to life women’s issues in the mid 1900 to 1988 when abortion became legal.
It draws you into the lives of the characters. It makes you angry that girls who got pregnant…..sometimes by abuse….were forced into homes to have and give up their babies. Life choices were not available as they are now and it took the courage of numerous women to continue to act illegally to help give women some control over their lives. But the book also illustrates how other women struggle to get pregnant and will go to great lengths to adopt.
A must read, a very powerful, emotional story.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada and the author Heather Marshall.
Fabulous debut novel by author Heather Marshall.
This is a story of motherhood, young unmarried young ladies who become pregnant and are sent to special homes until they give birth. The hardship, heartbreak, cruelty that they go through is heartbreaking.
In these homes they become inmates, just a first name. It is inconceivable that human beings can be so cruel, the church, parents. This is a work of fiction but based on facts.
It is also the story of abortion and how women/ young girls were treated in back alleys, how the Jane movement started and legalization of abortion.
I absolutely loved it, loved the main characters, well written.
Bravo Heather Marshall
5 stars

Welcome to my favourites list, Looking for Jane. This DEBUT novel has snuggled itself into the second spot on my favourites of the year list in an instant. While this book covers a very, very heavy topic and especially close to home for myself, it was incredibly well written and such an important read.

Looking for Jane is about a network of women taking care of one another during a time when no one else was - when abortion in Canada was illegal and very, very dangerous. There are tons of fertility storylines and discussions in this book, which is always a little tough and emotional to read, but It was handled beautifully. The story has strong, stubborn and incredible women that can easily become role models for any women who need them. Absolutely stunning debut and I can't wait for more from Heather Marshall.

As a woman and now a mother to a daughter, I don't know how anyone can read a story like this and not be moved, disgusted and angry at how women are treated. Yes, in Canada we have options and are able to make our own decisions, but so close to home there are so many who are not given those same graces. To think that a woman has to risk her life in so many ways to help herself, her future, and her life is disgraceful. Please, read this book and really give it some thought. Listen to the message being broadcasted throughout this book and think about what you would do if you or your daughter were in these women's shoes.

Wow what stunning debut, i came into this one blind and was blown away what a story. Well written weaving stories of three generations was extremely captivating.

An exceptional debut novel about abortion, adoption, motherhood, and relationships - not a light read! I hesistate to call it historical fiction, as these topics are still debated and fought over daily. The divided timelines and viewpoints of various women provide depth and humanity to challenging topics.
An important read for any female, feminist, or anyone who sets policy regarding female health choices!

The first book I read in March was @heathermarshallauthor debut novel Looking for Jane. If you've been around since then, and watching my stories, its clear I adored this book. Best book of March, 2022 and probably the last three years.

Through @cloudlakeliterary , I got to ask her my biggest questions about the book, and learned a little about her next book (which I obviously can't wait for!).
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My review and conversation with Heather Marshall can be found at the link in my bio. Thank you @simonschusterca for the complimentary review copy of Looking for Jane!

This was reviewed on the Cloud Lake Literary website at: https://www.cloudlakeliterary.ca/blogposts/book-review-looking-for-jane-by-heather-marshall

This debut historical fiction novel was extremely well written and the weaving of the characters over three generations was impeccable and captivating. I had no difficulty following along with the various timelines on audio and I really enjoyed all of the female characters and their storylines.
This book describes an aspect of Canadian history that I'll admit I maybe knew about in passing but not in nearly the detail as this book goes into. It is always fascinating to learn more about something that is just legal and (for many) more normalized now. The sacrifices that the characters in this book made to provide safe choices for women are mind-boggling and the characters are so brave and tenacious and skilled. I really enjoyed the author's note in which she mentions that the book is about motherhood and how it looks from all sides of the coin - so true and I hadn't considered it that way.
Overall, I really appreciated this story and I definitely look forward to anything this author writes in the future. I think it will make a great book club chat book later this month.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I mostly listened to this audiobook and really enjoyed the narration.

LOOKING FOR JANE is a story about rights, power and love. It is from three different points of view and from three different times. Angela is the contemporary voice. Angela runs her aunt’s antique shop. While tidying up Angela comes across an old letter meant for a former tenant that lived in the upstairs apartment. In order to return the letter to its’ owner Angela reads the letter hoping for more clues. What she finds is a heart breaking confession from a mother to her daughter. Determined to return the letter Angela embarks on an in-depth investigation.
The second voice belongs to Evelyn. In 1960 she was sent to a home for unwed mothers. Here she is forced to give up her baby for adoption. The trauma she suffers from losing her baby stays with her forever. Evelyn goes on to become a medical doctor and eventually joins the Jane Network. The underground network helps women connect with a doctor who can provide them with a safe abortion. Choice is of the utmost importance to Evelyn.
The final voice belongs to Nancy Mitchell. It is 1980 and Nancy is in university. She discovers a family secret that sends her into a tailspin. Her reckless behaviour results in an unwanted pregnancy. She seeks help from the Jane Network and meets Dr. Taylor.
Soon after Nancy becomes a volunteer in the Jane Network.
I enjoyed LOOKING FOR JANE. It was an interesting story with engaging characters.
There is a little bit of a surprise at the end which added to my enjoyment of the book.
The story deals with an important issue in a sensitive way. It is a great debut novel.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced digital edition of LOOKING FOR JANE.