All You Have to Do Is Call - Book Review

 

 

All You Have to Do Is Call

Kerri Maher

 3.5  stars

Pub date Sept 2023 

 

Historically told and sadly, aptly current (in the USA) of a time when women’s rights had to be held up by other women. 

Unfortunately, the characters in this book struck me as one dimensional and predictable, I wish they had been meatier. In my head, the inequality and unfairness of a woman’s right to choose was told with honesty as to the times in the 60s an 70s. But in my heart, the story lacked raw emotion and the writing was at times distracting in its silliness.

I know that mothers relinquished their lives to ‘being perfect’, but the reader did not need every single detail of the successful Valentines party. Nor did we need to know every item in the husband’s desk drawer (yes, I counted, and eighteen items were listed). This style of writing is not for me.

 If the author is going to delve into a difficult topic then just do it.

Having lived through this era (although not in Chicago), I was surprised to read of the 'ease' which was presented in connecting with Jane. That was certainly not what I was aware of in a Canadian city in the 70s. 

Also, I felt that the emotions of the woman seeking out Jane were watered down, in that time there was a lot of shame, guilt and being ostracized. I am not certain how many women would have volunteered immediately after their experience.

If this is your first awareness of the topic of illegal abortions in the 70s, then it is a good introduction. But I feel this earlier post will give you a more gruelling and authentic take on an experience which was and continues to be held secret by many women.

This is not an easy topic, I believe the reader should be enlightened, taught, frightened and motivated to understand why women need the right to choose.

Next from my TBR list - How to Pronounce Knife.


 

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