the book opens in toronto in 2017 when angela, a woman working at an antiques shop, discovers a long-lost letter and is determined to find the intended recipient. in doing so, she learns about a group of women in the 1970s who operated an illegal abortion network known only by the codename ’jane’.

the novel jumps in time between angela’s search in 2017, dr. evelyn taylor’s ’sentencing’ to a home for ‘fallen’ women in the 1970s and her joining the jane network, and the 1980s where we meet nancy, a girl who discovers a secret about her own family history, and who seeks out the jane network when she unexpectedly falls pregnant herself.

the three narratives weave together so seamlessly, and come together at the end in a very organic way. it was so cool to read a story set in downtown toronto, and to be so familiar with the streets and landmarks mentioned. the descriptions were so vivid, and i really felt like i knew the characters, nancy and evelyn in particular.

i’m not the biggest historical fiction reader, but i was pleasantly surprised by this book, and loved learning about an unknown part of canada’s history.

A 5 STAR DEBUT by a Canadian author!

Looking for Jane is a historical fiction novel based on the real Jane Collective. It’s told through the point of view of three women in different timelines - Evelyn, Nancy and Angela - and how they navigate the complex issues surrounding reproductive rights. It’s jaw dropping and heartbreaking.

This is definitely one of my favourite books of the year and I highly recommend everyone read it but please be mindful of triggers surrounding fertility, reproduction, adoption, and abortion.

This new cover is absolutely stunning!

Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books and Heather Marshall for the eGalley!

Looking For Jane is a historical fiction novel with themes of motherhood, women's reproductive rights, women's right and freedom to makes choices about their own bodies, the relationship between mothers and daughters, friendships, and what makes a family.

This author handles some difficult subject matter appropriately. The story is told with three alternating protagonists and moves from the early 1980's to 2017 set in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This debut Canadian author skillfully weaves an intricate storyline and plot and though this novel is primarily of the historical fiction genre, there is also a bit of a mystery and a romance in this novel as well.

Looking For Jane is a novel I will not stop thinking about for some time and is one of my favorite reads of 2022.

I definitely look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!

Such a powerful novel about adoption and abortion in Canada in the 60’s-80’s. The author’s notes are as meaningful as the story itself. Many generations of women’s lives intersect in this book. At times my heart was in my throat. This is a must read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

Set in Canada during the 1960s-present, Marshall frames the dilemma: what could a girl/woman do when she has an unplanned, unwanted pregnancy. Although much of,the story is fictionalized, the author does draw on true stories. To the women who sought illegal abortions and were assisted by underground networks to the unwed mother homes where the girls were coerced into giving up their babies.
I grew up during this time era and saw the evolution of the topic fluctuate widely but younger generations don’t have a clue.
It’s a compelling read and the author connected the spectrum of motherhood nicely.