Madame Restell by Jennifer Wright

Love her or hate her, Madame Restell was the name on everyone's lips in mid 1800's New York. This in-depth biography about a self made millionaire is not about one of the robbers barons but about a female abortionist who rallied for women's rights and her own right to offer these services. She proudly stood up to politicians , journalists , the church, the law and her own competition to provide birth control to women of all social classes and walks of life. It is also a look at society's views on women at the time and the suppression of basic freedoms not afforded to women at that time. Jennifer Wright makes a clear case for reform and presents a plethora of information told in humorous and jaw dropping bits concerning society norms, journalists and the appalling healthcare practices of the day. A frightening parallel to today's headlines regarding women's rights and one heck of an interesting read. The audiobook was first rate.  4 stars