"In many instances it is not insanity, but individuality that caused women to be committed"


*My Thoughts *

This book is such a difficult, heart breaking but essential read. A non fiction that you only wish was fiction.

Elizabeth Packard is an essential feminist figure, standing up for those who needed a voice and knowing to how to use her own.

This book shines a light on the dark history of psychiatry and how many patients were (mis)treated at the hands of doctors & nurses.

It also showcases the deep roots of misogyny in society but particularly in healthcare that can still be seen today.

This was really well written and Moore told Elizabeth's story so thoroughly.

An easy 5 stars, even though it was heart wrenching.

Thank you to Kate Moore, Sourcebooks & NetGalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The book is narrative nonfiction and very readable! It is also very well researched. You will learn a lot from reading this book, not only about conditions in asylums in the late 1800s, but also about the status of women. Especially married women, who essentially had no rights—to property, to their own opinions... They could be institutionalized without their consent simply because their husband said "she's insane". No trial, no chance to speak for themselves...boom, they were gone!

This book tells the story of one woman, Elizabeth Packard. She was married to a minister for 20+ years, and the mother of 6 children. Her husband altered his views of his religion; Elizabeth did not. He didn't like this and threatened her with commitment to an insane asylum if she didn't change her views. She did not, and he followed through. Elizabeth was very obviously not insane, but the system was stacked against here. She spent several years in the asylum, secretly gathering evidence. This is the story of how she used that evidence to change the world. Be prepared to gasp, to shake your head in disbelief, to scream, and to throw the book across the room!

The Woman They Could Not Silence was a selection for my book club. It was a great pick and led to a great discussion. We'd talked for at least an hour before we even turned to the discussion questions. There is so much to discuss! If you are looking for a discussion-worth book for your book club, this is it!

Gripping story with captivating writing. I listened to this audiobook in two sittings with my mouth hanging open pretty much the entire time. It's a story that anyone should hear.

Masterful as always, took me a while to get into it because it's incredibly detailed and in places quite slow, but a super worthwhile read. May any of us have the strength of Elizabeth when we need it