The Light We Lost

Abortion and a woman's right to choose are emotionally charged topics that never seem to wane. And while fictional, this story covers a little know underground abortion network, a group of beyond-brave doctors, nurses, and others who risked everything to help provide safe abortions. There are some powerful and thought-provoking messages in this book that still hold true today, especially with the overturning of Roe v Wade.

The story follows three women, giving three perspectives regarding not just abortion but reproductive rights and motherhood. Growing up, I was aware of homes for unwed mothers - but did not realize how emotionally and physically abusive they were, forcing young women to give up their babies for adoption. I was also shocked at how these young women were treated by their families, society, and medical professionals. Unfortunately, their only alternative was to seek unsafe back alley abortions.

However, this book is about so much more than abortion; it shows the emotional effect of dealing with fertility issues and the long-term impact of adoption on families and adopted children.

It's also interesting to note that the title for this book comes from The Jane Collective, a code name for a real-life underground network in 1960s Chicago that made safe abortions available. Excellent historical fiction; I highly recommend it. Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing a complimentary copy of the book.