Madame Restell

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Madame Restell is a sharp, witty Gilded Age medical history that introduces an iconic yet tragically overlooked feminist heroine: a glamorous women's healthcare provider in Manhattan known as Madame Restell. A celebrity of her time, Restell was a self-made woman and single mother who became one of New York's most in-demand medical workers, using her wit, compassion, and knowledge of family medicine. She cared for the most vulnerable women in the city, offering abortions, birth control, and other medical assistance. Defying persecution from powerful men, Restell saved countless lives, never losing a patient despite her lack of formal training. She was a revolutionary who paved the way for reproductive choice, and the narrative brings her and her circle to life in a dazzling, sometimes dark, and entertaining tale. The book also uncovers the campaign to restrict women's access to healthcare, revealing a historical context where abortion and birth control were once legal and common. The rise of male-dominated medicine sought to push women out of healthcare, while a coalition of powerful men redefined morality to protect their interests. Wright's exploration dismantles the misogynistic lies that jeopardized women's health, restoring Restell to her rightful place in history. This thought-provoking, character-driven narrative is essential reading for anyone who believes in women's rights and the importance of women's voices in their