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Looking for Jane: Book Review

Very few books have fired me up as much as Looking for Jane , the debut novel by Heather Marshall. Is it historical fiction or a contemporary view of current events? With everything happening in the world of women's reproductive rights it feels a bit more like a glimpse into the present, which is why this hard-hitting historical fiction is a great reminder of why fighting for our rights as women is SO important. Looking for Jane challenges readers to stop and think about what they might do in a variety of situations. This powerful new novel is on my list of the Best Books Published in 2023, and on the Best Of lists of many of my Bookstagram besties. Don't sleep on this one!

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Quick Look⁣

historical fiction ⁣
triple POV/timelines⁣
check trigger warnings
feminist fiction at its finest ⁣

Pub Date: February 7, 2023⁣ ⁣ Thank you ever so much to @Netgalley and @atriabooks for the gifted copy!⁣

Publisher's Synopsis

1971: As a teenager, Dr. Evelyn Taylor was sent to a home for “fallen” women where she was forced to give up her baby for adoption—a trauma she has never recovered from. Despite the constant threat of arrest, she joins the Jane Network as an abortion provider, determined to give other women the choice she never had.

1980: After discovering a shocking secret about her family, twenty-year-old Nancy Mitchell begins to question everything she has ever known. When she unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she feels like she has no one to turn to for help. Grappling with her decision, she locates “Jane” and finds a place of her own alongside Dr. Taylor within the network’s ranks, but she can never escape the lies that haunt her.

Looking for Jane is “a searing, important, beautifully written novel about the choices we all make and where they lead us—as well as a wise and timely reminder of the difficult road women had to walk not so long ago” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).

Shut. The. Front. Door. This book is absolutely incredible, y'all!!! I cannot stress this enough: THIS BOOK IS ESSENTIAL READING. It’s full of triggering content, some of which will ruffle feathers, but the point the author makes with the story of these three women is powerful and very relevant. Superb storytelling, relatable characters, and an eye-opening glimpse into history = unforgettable historical fiction.

I implore every woman, regardless of her political leanings, to read this book. Looking for Jane is about being a woman, about motherhood, and about women supporting women. There is truly something for everyone in this book, which is why it's so powerful. Marshall treads carefully on sensitive topics but carries a big stick which she uses to hit readers right over the head. 😂 I can see why some might be put off by the content, but the author's ability to show all sides of the issues gives voice to everyone in a meaningful way.

No matter how you feel about reproductive rights , Looking for Jane should be required reading if you have ovaries. This book is such a powerhouse debut, and I honestly cannot wait to see what Heather Marshall writes next! Do not sleep on this book, especially the author's note at the end.

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Hi there! I'm a 40-ish book lover, always looking for the next great read, particularly the best historical fiction. I live in Los Angeles with my fella and our fur babies, Fozzy and Polly. Working from home changed my life. Suddenly, I had time in my day to read again. I love sharing my reading journey here on my website and social media. Be sure to follow along for reading recommendations and honest book reviews.

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Book Summary and Reviews of Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

Summary | Reviews | More Information | More Books

Looking for Jane

by Heather Marshall

Critics' Consensus:
Genre: Literary Fiction
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About this book

Book summary.

This "powerful debut" (Hello! Canada) for fans of Kristin Hannah and Jennifer Chiaverini about three women whose lives are bound together by a long-lost letter, a mother's love, and a secret network of women fighting for the right to choose—inspired by true stories.

2017: When Angela Creighton discovers a mysterious letter containing a life-shattering confession, she is determined to find the intended recipient. Her search takes her back to the 1970s when a group of daring women operated an illegal underground abortion network in Toronto known only by its whispered code name: Jane. 1971: As a teenager, Dr. Evelyn Taylor was sent to a home for "fallen" women where she was forced to give up her baby for adoption—a trauma she has never recovered from. Despite harrowing police raids and the constant threat of arrest, she joins the Jane Network as an abortion provider, determined to give other women the choice she never had. 1980: After discovering a shocking secret about her family, twenty-year-old Nancy Mitchell begins to question everything she has ever known. When she unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she feels like she has no one to turn to for help. Grappling with her decision, she locates "Jane" and finds a place of her own alongside Dr. Taylor within the network's ranks, but she can never escape the lies that haunt her.

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Reader reviews.

"Marshall vividly brings to life the dangers involved with operating [The Jane Network]… a page-turner… readers will be moved by the courage and thoughtfulness with which these characters face their dilemmas." - Publishers Weekly "Marshall makes an absorbing debut with a timely novel about the complexities of pregnancy and motherhood… [a] deftly braided narrative, Marshall keeps the tension high as she reveals the devastating consequences of denying women autonomy over their bodies. A charged topic handled with sensitivity and compassion." - Kirkus Reviews "A confident debut that offers a fascinating, often disturbing insight into the state of Canadian women's reproductive rights in our recent history... . Timely." - The Globe and Mail (UK) "A heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and shocking story about women's struggle for reproductive choice in Canada." - Adrienne Chinn, author of The English Wife "A masterful debut about motherhood and choices, the things we keep, the things we lose, and the things that stay with us and change us at our core forever... . A searing, important, beautifully written novel about the choices we all make and where they lead us—as well as a wise and timely reminder of the difficult road women had to walk not so long ago." - Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars "Masterful ... A poignant celebration of motherhood, and a devastating reminder of the consequences of denying women the right to choose. Fierce, beautifully written, and unforgettable." - Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace "Heather Marshall has pulled off a remarkable feat with this vital and incisive tale. It is at once an urgently necessary read and a pleasure to spend time with. The characters felt like friends, their story deeply essential to my own existence. A brave, generous, capable exploration of what it means to be a mother, to be a woman, and to stand up for inexorable truths." - Marissa Stapley, New York Times bestselling author of Lucky "An original and poignant story that holds a mirror to the ongoing fight for women's rights. In reflecting on a dark spot in Canadian history, Heather Marshall speaks to the power of solidarity and of brave women who dare to take a stand." - Ellen Keith, bestselling author of The Dutch Wife

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Author Information

Heather marshall.

Heather Marshall lives with her family near Toronto. She completed master's degrees in Canadian history and political science, and worked in politics and communications before turning her attention to her true passion: storytelling. Looking for Jane is her debut novel. Visit her website and connect on social channels at HeatherMarshallAuthor.com.

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Book Club Questions for Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

By: Author Luka

Posted on Last updated: August 14, 2024

Categories Reading Guides

Book club questions for Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall delve into the themes of reproductive rights, access to healthcare, and the history of underground abortion networks in the United States.

This is an exceptional novel that offers a thought-provoking exploration of the issues surrounding access to safe and legal abortion in Canada. It is a must-read for anyone interested in women’s reproductive rights, feminist literature, or social justice issues.

The novel raises many important questions about women’s agency, choice, and support, as well as the complex realities of accessing reproductive healthcare in a society where abortion is still stigmatized and illegal.

About Looking for Jane

1971: As a teenager, Dr. Evelyn Taylor was sent to a home for “fallen” women where she was forced to give up her baby for adoption—a trauma she has never recovered from. Despite harrowing police raids and the constant threat of arrest, she joins the Jane Network as an abortion provider, determined to give other women the choice she never had.

Selected Reviews for Looking for Jane

“Marshall makes an absorbing debut with a timely novel about the complexities of pregnancy and motherhood… [a] deftly braided narrative, Marshall keeps the tension high as she reveals the devastating consequences of denying women autonomy over their bodies. A charged topic handled with sensitivity and compassion.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Masterful . . . A poignant celebration of motherhood, and a devastating reminder of the consequences of denying women the right to choose. Fierce, beautifully written, and unforgettable.” — FIONA DAVIS , New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace

“ An original and poignant story that holds a mirror to the ongoing fight for women’s rights. In reflecting on a dark spot in Canadian history, Heather Marshall speaks to the power of solidarity and of brave women who dare to take a stand.”— ELLEN KEITH , bestselling author of The Dutch Wife

“A heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and shocking story about women’s struggle for reproductive choice in Canada.”— ADRIENNE CHINN , author of The English Wife

“A powerful debut . . . an emotional but compelling story, inspired by real events, which takes an eye-opening look at abortion, its costs, and a not-so-distant chapter of Canadian history.” — Hello! Canada

Book Club Questions for Looking for Jane

How do the societal expectations placed upon women throughout the novel reflect broader historical and cultural attitudes towards gender roles and femininity? In what ways do the characters challenge or subvert these expectations, and what does this tell us about the potential for resistance and change in the face of oppressive norms?
In exploring the individual and shared experiences of Angela, Nancy, and Evelyn in relation to the legalization of abortion during their respective time periods, what deeper insights can we gain about the social and political contexts that influenced these laws? How does Marshall’s use of multi-perspective storytelling enhance our understanding of the complex and nuanced factors that contributed to the fight for reproductive rights?
By contrasting the experiences of Evelyn and Maggie at St. Agnes’s Home for Unwed Mothers, what does Marshall reveal about the intersecting forms of oppression that impacted women in these institutions? How does this contribute to our understanding of the broader historical and cultural attitudes towards unmarried pregnancy and motherhood, and how do these attitudes continue to shape our society today?
What does Dr. Morgentaler’s warning to Evelyn about the risks and sacrifices involved in providing illegal abortions reveal about the personal and political costs of fighting for reproductive rights? How might this relate to broader debates about the ethics of civil disobedience and the role of social movements in effecting change?
How does Angela’s discovery of the seven-year-old letter, which reveals her mother’s past abortion, impact her perspective on her own unexpected pregnancy, and what internal conflicts does she face as a result?
How do the various groups of women who contribute to the fight for reproductive rights throughout the novel illustrate the diversity and complexity of the feminist movement? In what ways do their actions and achievements reflect larger historical and cultural shifts towards greater gender equality, and how might this inform our understanding of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights today?
In what specific ways does the novel Looking for Jane illuminate the socioeconomic and cultural barriers that Canadian women faced when seeking access to safe and legal abortions before it was legalized, and how do these barriers affect the women who seek abortions?
In comparing Nancy’s and Clara’s accounts of their respective abortions, what insights do we gain about the importance of accessibility and choice in reproductive health care? How might this relate to broader debates about the role of the state in regulating reproductive rights, and the need for safe and accessible reproductive health care services for all women?
Drawing from the experiences of Evelyn and other characters who provide illegal abortions in the novel, what lessons can be learned about the importance of access to safe and legal abortion, and how does the book argue for the need to prioritize women’s reproductive health?
Through Angela’s storyline, how does Marshall depict the evolution of women’s rights over time, and what challenges and barriers still remain? How might this relate to broader discussions about intersectional feminism and the need for inclusive and equitable social justice movements?
What is the author’s stance on the concept of choice and agency, particularly in the context of unwanted pregnancies, and how does Looking for Jane challenge prevalent narratives surrounding women’s reproductive decision-making?
If Nancy had received the letter in 2010, how might her response have differed from the actions she takes in the novel? What broader implications might this have for the role of chance and timing in shaping our life trajectories, and how might this relate to the themes of choice and agency that pervade the novel?
How does Marshall explore the motivations and personal experiences that led Evelyn to become a doctor, and what does this tell us about the importance of representation and diversity in the medical field? How might Evelyn’s unique perspective and experiences contribute to her ability to provide compassionate and effective care to her patients?
By exploring the extremes of joy and sorrow that accompany pregnancy and childbirth, what does Marshall reveal about the complex and often conflicting emotions that women experience during this transformative period? How might this relate to broader discussions about reproductive health and the need for compassionate and supportive care for women at all stages of their reproductive lives?
On page 285, Brenda and Nancy engage in a powerful conversation about the “right to choose.” What insights does this exchange offer us about the fundamental importance of reproductive autonomy and why it remains a crucial issue in contemporary society? How does this phrase resonate throughout the novel, and what message does it convey to readers about the ongoing fight for reproductive justice?
Each of the protagonists – Angela, Evelyn, and Nancy – discovers Jane and becomes involved with her in unique ways. How do their diverse backgrounds and life experiences shape their motivations for joining the network, and how do they each contribute to the cause in their own distinct ways? In what ways do their actions help to support and empower the women who seek out Jane’s services, and how do they make a lasting impact on the lives of those they assist?
The novel explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, particularly through the perspectives of Nancy and Angela. How do these women’s experiences with their own mothers shape their attitudes toward pregnancy and motherhood? In what ways do they carry the legacies of their mothers’ choices and decisions with them throughout their lives, and how do they strive to create their own paths?
The book features several contrasting experiences of pregnancy, including Angela’s and those of the women who seek out Jane’s services. How do these experiences differ, and what do they tell us about the importance of bodily autonomy and the right to make choices about one’s own body? In what ways do these contrasting experiences deepen our understanding of the complex issues surrounding reproductive justice, and what lessons can we draw from them?
What is the significance of the title “ Looking for Jane “? In what ways does it reflect the novel’s themes and ideas, and what message does it convey to readers? How does the search for Jane serve as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights and justice, and what insights can we gain from this exploration?
How does the novel’s nonlinear structure contribute to the book’s overall message, and what implications does this have for understanding the themes of reproductive rights, women’s agency, and female solidarity?
In what ways do the experiences of the characters in Looking for Jane mirror current political debates surrounding reproductive rights in the US and other countries, and how can the novel’s message be applied to contemporary political struggles?
How does Looking for Jane challenge traditional gender roles and expectations, particularly around women’s roles as mothers and caregivers, and what implications does this have for the broader conversation about gender equality and women’s empowerment?

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I love to read and I enjoy exploring a range of genres including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you would like me to review your book, feel free to reach out to me!

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“Looking For Jane” by Heather Marshall – Book Review

Present – Angela Creighton

Angela works in a book/antique store in downtown Toronto. One day she discovers a lost letter, still sealed, some seven years after it should have been delivered. She opens it and reads – only to find that the contents are very distressing. She feels compelled to find the intended recipient. She was an adoptee herself and now she and her wife, Tina, are trying for a baby via IVF. The subject matter of the letter seems so personal to Angela.

1960s – Evelyn Taylor

1970s – Nancy Mitchell

Nancy had loving parents and a wonderful upbringing. When she discovers, by accident, that she has been adopted her world is tilted upon its axis. It seems her birthmother loved her and didn’t want to give her up. Her birthmother called her ‘Jane’.

There is nothing quite so gratifying as reading a really good debut novel AND learning about some groundbreaking history of your own country at the same time! Abortion has been legal in Canada since 1988, so many are now rather complacent about the issue. What we have to remember is that before it was legalized many, many women died seeking abortions, and many, many fought – at great personal risk – to make abortion legal.

The characters in this novel fairly leapt off the pages in their authenticity. Weaving fiction with historical fact seems to come natural to the author as this is her debut novel. With themes of maternal love, adoption, abortion, and the right to choose, this is a timely novel given the fact that March is International Women’s Month.

Publisher: Atria Books / Simon & Schuster Canada

ISBN: 9781668013687 400 pages

Visit her website HeatherMarshallAuthor.com

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1 response to “looking for jane” by heather marshall – book review.

Great idea, Lynne. I think I will do the same later today. It was a great book that I also very much enjoyed.

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