Saoirse notices a woman drop a photograph on the train platform. She races to the train to return the photo to her. The woman, Maura, then recounts a story to Saoirse about her life 50 years earlier. She begins telling her about her marriage to Dr. Christy Davenport, handsome and charming, but abusive. She tells of her friend, Bernie, who had 3 children, but another pregnancy would damage her. She tells how these Dublin women fought for women's rights to contraception. A moving story told in a chance encounter, which changes Saoirse's life and perspective. (read less)

Saoirse notices a woman drop a photograph on the train platform. She races to the train to return the photo to her. The woman, Maura, then recounts a story to Saoirse about her life 50 years earlier. She begins telling her about her marriage to Dr. Christy Davenport, handsome and charming, but abusive. She tells of her friend, Bernie, who had 3 children, but another pregnancy would damage (read more)

Courage and despair! Poignant story set in Ireland in the late 60’s early 70’s. Attitudes towards women in Dublin are . Contraception is not allowed. Pregnant girls are thrown out onto the streets. Let’s not even talk about the Magdalene Laundries. Girls die from backyard treatments. Women are their husband’s chattels, abuse in marriage is common but never talked about. The story of a group of women for various reasons who challenge the law is based on a true story, heroic and life changing. The law is different across the border in Northern Ireland. The women take a stand. We join Saoirse in 2023 Dublin. She’s just discovered she and her partner Miles aren’t pregnant. She needs to getaways to think. She ends up on a train bound for Belfast with an older woman Maura Davenport bound for Belfast, and is enthralled by the story Maura tells. So much so that she ends up staying on the train. A courageous look at these times and those women who took action, paving the way for future generations. A Gallery Books ARC via NetGalley. Many thanks to the author and publisher. (read less)

Courage and despair! Poignant story set in Ireland in the late 60’s early 70’s. Attitudes towards women in Dublin are . Contraception is not allowed. Pregnant girls are thrown out onto the streets. Let’s not even talk about the Magdalene Laundries. Girls die from backyard treatments. Women are their husband’s chattels, abuse in marriage is common but never talked about. The story of a (read more)