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The Great Divorce: a Nineteenth-Century Mother's Extraordinary Fight Against Her Husband, the Shakers, and Her Times
Ilyon Woo's The Great Divorceis the dramatic, richly textured story of one of nineteenth-century America's most infamous divorce cases, in which a young mother single-handedly challenged her country's notions of women's rights, family, and marriage itself.
In 1814, Eunice Chapman came home to discover that her three children had been carried off by her estranged husband. He had taken them, she learned, to live among a celibate, religious people known as the Shakers. Defying all expectations, this famously petite and lovely woman mounted an an epic campaign against her husband, the Shakers, and the law. In its confrontation of some of the nation's most fundamental debates—religious freedom, feminine virtue, the sanctity of marriage—her case struck a nerve with an uncertain new republic. And its culmination—in a stunning legislative decision and a terrifying mob attack— sent shockwaves through the Shaker community and the nation
In 1814, Eunice Chapman came home to discover that her three children had been carried off by her estranged husband. He had taken them, she learned, to live among a celibate, religious people known as the Shakers. Defying all expectations, this famously petite and lovely woman mounted an an epic campaign against her husband, the Shakers, and the law. In its confrontation of some of the nation's most fundamental debates—religious freedom, feminine virtue, the sanctity of marriage—her case struck a nerve with an uncertain new republic. And its culmination—in a stunning legislative decision and a terrifying mob attack— sent shockwaves through the Shaker community and the nation
416 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2010
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1280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 29, 2013
I read this book in less than 3 days, hating to put it down for everyday chores. Part of my interest stems from continuing interest in the Shakers, part from the fact that much of what happened in this nonfiction story occurred within miles of where I grew up and where I live now (latter is about 5 minutes by car from the former Watervliet Shaker community location), and part stems from the fact that this is the story of a strong woman/mother who just couldn't/wouldn't give up on getting her children back. Sometimes it was frustrating reading about various tactics she used but, dammit, she was up against a whole anti-woman society where divorce (in NYS) was just about impossible and too expensive for the likes of Eunice Chapman and child custody was pretty much up to the husband. A few times I thought she was just plain losing it... but in the end it seems she was able to settle into a decent life, albeit never being a friend to the Shakers.
I came away from reading this book with a more informed (&cynical) view about Shakers, having learned a few negative aspects of how they functioned. On the other hand, still have lots of respect for much of their accomplishments. They evolved, as we all do, but not nearly enough to keep them from disappearing from the world.
Well-written and well-researched. Highly recommended.
I came away from reading this book with a more informed (&cynical) view about Shakers, having learned a few negative aspects of how they functioned. On the other hand, still have lots of respect for much of their accomplishments. They evolved, as we all do, but not nearly enough to keep them from disappearing from the world.
Well-written and well-researched. Highly recommended.
January 14, 2011
Ilyon Woo uncovers and intriguing story that begins a revolution in divorce and custody laws in New York State and across America. Set during the 1810s in upstate New York, the story details the life of Eunice Chapman, a bright and forceful woman who refuses to stay within her assigned gender role and fights for her children after her estranged husband takes them to live with him in a Shaker community near Albany.
Mrs. Chapman employed several methods to spread the word about the injustices she endured, including courting several state legislatures (with much scandal implied by witnesses and locals alike), publishing her story in pamphlet form, and even threatening the Shakers with threats of attacks and fires. I respect her for all that she endured in order to get her children back. She is a strong and resourceful woman who would fought against her times, her husband, and her government to save and protect her children. Unfortunately for Mrs. Eunice Chapman, this is her only redeeming quality. She came across as a crass and two faced woman who played way too dirty at times.
Her husband, James, and the Shakers came out looking no better. James was an adulterous alcoholic who squandered away the family's money and status before fleeing the family home in Durham. He tricked his wife in order to kidnap the children. He kept up his drinking and worldly ways long after signing his covenant with the Shakers. The Shakers themselves lied to Mrs. Chapman and the government about James' and the children's whereabouts on several occasions and often left out key pieces of information. Their organization also dealt with gender issues of their own as their leader at the time was Lucy Wright, another strong willed and determined woman whose beliefs and actions were well before her time.
The author cannot do much with characters who do not give her much to work with, but the lack of likable characters paired with an often sluggish narrative that gets bogged down in description in places didn't help this book overall. It was in interesting story that took place where I live and I'm glad I read it, but I wouldn't tell people to add it to their 'must read' list.
Mrs. Chapman employed several methods to spread the word about the injustices she endured, including courting several state legislatures (with much scandal implied by witnesses and locals alike), publishing her story in pamphlet form, and even threatening the Shakers with threats of attacks and fires. I respect her for all that she endured in order to get her children back. She is a strong and resourceful woman who would fought against her times, her husband, and her government to save and protect her children. Unfortunately for Mrs. Eunice Chapman, this is her only redeeming quality. She came across as a crass and two faced woman who played way too dirty at times.
Her husband, James, and the Shakers came out looking no better. James was an adulterous alcoholic who squandered away the family's money and status before fleeing the family home in Durham. He tricked his wife in order to kidnap the children. He kept up his drinking and worldly ways long after signing his covenant with the Shakers. The Shakers themselves lied to Mrs. Chapman and the government about James' and the children's whereabouts on several occasions and often left out key pieces of information. Their organization also dealt with gender issues of their own as their leader at the time was Lucy Wright, another strong willed and determined woman whose beliefs and actions were well before her time.
The author cannot do much with characters who do not give her much to work with, but the lack of likable characters paired with an often sluggish narrative that gets bogged down in description in places didn't help this book overall. It was in interesting story that took place where I live and I'm glad I read it, but I wouldn't tell people to add it to their 'must read' list.
February 28, 2018
Ilyon Woo does an admirable job of telling a dramatic tale with perceptiveness and sensitivity toward all sides. Recommended for those interested in women's history, religious history, early 19th-century U.S. history, or the Shakers, in particular. This would make a powerful film!
June 9, 2023
A fascinating read. I will say the history text book style isn’t my favorite but this one was well laid out.
Following the events that lead up to the first and only legislative divorce in New York history, the Great Divorce follows a strong willed Eunice Chapman’s desperate fight for custody of her children.
If you feel like hating men, organized religion, and politicians for a few hours give this one a read.
Following the events that lead up to the first and only legislative divorce in New York history, the Great Divorce follows a strong willed Eunice Chapman’s desperate fight for custody of her children.
If you feel like hating men, organized religion, and politicians for a few hours give this one a read.
April 28, 2015
If I have a complaint about The Great Divorce, it's that Woo often tells us what Eunice is feeling and thinking without providing citations. In the endnotes, Woo says that "Details about the weather and descriptions of Eunice’s thoughts and moods all originate in period sources. In particular, my discussion of Eunice’s feelings is rooted in her books." But for me that was too little too late. I am wary of projecting our twenty-first century brains onto what a nineteenth-century woman may have been thinking; our worldviews are just so different.
Other than that, though, The Great Divorce really is a very good book, as well as a compelling read. (I couldn't put it down in the last half, despite the fact that Woo had already told me what was going to happen hundreds pages earlier. And despite the fact that everyone involved was long-dead.) My preference would have been for a little more analysis and a little more intellectual history. But it is certainly a compelling read, and left me thinking about the women's history on both sides of the legal battle.
Other than that, though, The Great Divorce really is a very good book, as well as a compelling read. (I couldn't put it down in the last half, despite the fact that Woo had already told me what was going to happen hundreds pages earlier. And despite the fact that everyone involved was long-dead.) My preference would have been for a little more analysis and a little more intellectual history. But it is certainly a compelling read, and left me thinking about the women's history on both sides of the legal battle.
May 19, 2018
Excellent - A well-written account of the struggle of Eunice Chapman to regain contact and custody of her children in a time when married women had few legal rights. Her husband joined the Shakers and took her children to live with them, eventually denying Eunice contact with them. She went to extraordinary lengths to reconnect and eventually gain custody.
Recommended for anyone interested in the history of the Shakers, women's history, or the 19th century in general.
Recommended for anyone interested in the history of the Shakers, women's history, or the 19th century in general.
April 12, 2019
What an extraordinary story. Eunice Chapman fought for years to get a divorce and retrieve her children, who had been taken by their father and hidden in the Shaker community in Watervliet. She fought against insurmountable odds, since a married woman had no rights, no legal standing, nothing, except as her husband’s chattel. And she won! If you are a fan of Shaker design, be prepared to hear the not so nice side of the sect’s rules and regulations.
July 30, 2018
This book greatly exceeded my expectations. I have read other books about the Shakers, but this account was so much more than a story about this religious sect. Mrs. Chapman’s story of her perseverance and lobbying to obtain a divorce, her steadfast love and loyalty to her children and her strong self-image as a woman are remarkable and relevant.
February 7, 2020
This is a book of history by an historian I expect we'll be hearing more from in the coming years - Ilyon Woo. /she has painstaking gathered information, mostly from primary sources, about an incident in the early Nineteenth Century. Eunice Chapman's husband, James, had fallen on hard times and become a heavy drinker. He would abandon his family for long stretches of time, leaving Eunice and her three children to fend for themselves. When he did come home he brought little if anything in the way of material comforts, and he was abusive to his wife and children. Finally, he brought home the announcement that he had joined the Shakers - a communal religious group best known for their vows of celibacy and also their prosperous farms. James's plan was for his wife and children to join him at the Watervliet Family Dwelling.
After Eunice visited the Shakers and found that their religion was very much at odds with her own ardent Presbyterianism. She refused to join. Soon thereafter James abducted his three children and carried them off to the Shakers. Eunice would not see them again for about five years.
Most of the book deals with Eunice's efforts to retrieve her children, as well as to obtain a divorce and civil rights. Woo has carefully studied New York divorce, marriage and custody laws as well as the social customs of the tie. The story is interesting and Woo's writing is clear, making even nuances and complexities easy to follow. Woo is a heavy hitter, both as a writer and as an historian.
After Eunice visited the Shakers and found that their religion was very much at odds with her own ardent Presbyterianism. She refused to join. Soon thereafter James abducted his three children and carried them off to the Shakers. Eunice would not see them again for about five years.
Most of the book deals with Eunice's efforts to retrieve her children, as well as to obtain a divorce and civil rights. Woo has carefully studied New York divorce, marriage and custody laws as well as the social customs of the tie. The story is interesting and Woo's writing is clear, making even nuances and complexities easy to follow. Woo is a heavy hitter, both as a writer and as an historian.
May 30, 2023
Eunice Chapman was unhappily married to her husband John with whom she had three children. John was an alcoholic who failed to support his family. He decided to join the Shaker community. It was for a time a benefit to him as he drank much less when within their boundaries.
Though the Shakers claimed they only took in entire families this proved not to be the case with the Chapmans. John wanted to remain with the Shakers, Eunice did not. At this point in history married woman were essentially non-persons. Any property owned at their marriage became the property of their husband. They had few other rights as well and their children were considered the property of their husbands. John stole the children from Eunice and with the Shaker's help hid them from Eunice.
Eunice was able to convince the courts to back her in a divorce from John which also shockingly granted her custody of the children. However, it took her five years to gain this court victory and regain custody of her children.
This is an engaging presentation of her case and the lives of her family.
Though the Shakers claimed they only took in entire families this proved not to be the case with the Chapmans. John wanted to remain with the Shakers, Eunice did not. At this point in history married woman were essentially non-persons. Any property owned at their marriage became the property of their husband. They had few other rights as well and their children were considered the property of their husbands. John stole the children from Eunice and with the Shaker's help hid them from Eunice.
Eunice was able to convince the courts to back her in a divorce from John which also shockingly granted her custody of the children. However, it took her five years to gain this court victory and regain custody of her children.
This is an engaging presentation of her case and the lives of her family.
November 16, 2010
While I really enjoyed learning about the Shakers and while it was really interesting to understand what Eunice Chapman endured while both divorcing her husband and trying to regain custody of her children from the Shaker community, the book sometimes went into "novel" mode which made it entirely too long. Just when you think you are getting close to some important detail, we endure reading about the deep snow, or riding in a buggy along a riverbank in much detail, which to me didn't really add much to the story. At some points it dragged and dragged which at times made it difficult to pick back up to finish.
After reading about the Shakers, their way of life, customs and rules, it's easy to see how religious cults have come to be. It's hard to believe that people actually agreed to this way of life and it's easy to see why the Shakers have evaporated.
This is actually a good history lesson. I thank Eunice Chapman for having a pair and sticking to her guns.
After reading about the Shakers, their way of life, customs and rules, it's easy to see how religious cults have come to be. It's hard to believe that people actually agreed to this way of life and it's easy to see why the Shakers have evaporated.
This is actually a good history lesson. I thank Eunice Chapman for having a pair and sticking to her guns.
January 5, 2011
Not worth the effort. The story is interesting, yes, but the author's writing is just not up to speed. Granted, it is non-fiction, but I feel like it shouldn't read precisely like a history thesis one would have turned in sophomore year. There's very little empathy or really any sort of connection to the characters conveyed by the writing.
Want to read
August 11, 2010Saw a great review of this book here: http://bnreview.barnesandnoble.com/t5...
It was also featured on NPR: http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/201...
It was also featured on NPR: http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/201...
July 30, 2024
Five stars from me for this gripping, densely-researched, but never-heavy historical biography of an early nineteenth-century American mother's battle to gain custody of her children, abducted by her alcoholic husband after he joined the Shaker sect.
Eunice Chapman, the book's protagonist, is intelligent, feisty, charming, sometimes likeable, sometimes cunning and manipulative. She is also physically stunning (though no visual evidence exists to show us what she looks like unfortunately). Like a tigress fighting for her cubs, she used all her powers to regain her offspring at a time when women had no rights to custody. Eventually she got a law changed in her favour and there is a happy ending, of sorts.
The book is worth reading both for its contents and for its lessons on biographical craft. I had heard about the Shaker's minimal form-follows-function style, and their baskets -- but had no idea they were a puritanical, rigidly separatist order which banned sexual intercourse (one reason they may have more-or-less died out). Their founder, Anne Lee, was a mill worker in Manchester (Lancashire), where after losing eight babies, not surprisingly, she developed an abhorrence of sex, founded the Shakers, and eventually, sailed with her followers to America.
Ilyon Woo's research is impeccable and her dramatic narrative makes skilful use of suspense and emotional involvement to keep me, at least, reading late into the night. She could perhaps have made even more dramatic use of some historical nuggets (for instance Eunice's alcoholic husband falling 'off the wagon' whilst still a supposedly practising Shaker). And perhaps some of the descriptions, eg of Albany are a little overlong.
Overall, however, this is thrillingly written, and I am not remotely surprised to learn that Woo's next book (Master, Slave, Husband, Wife) has just won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for biography. I have it on my bookshelf and can't wait to get stuck in!
Eunice Chapman, the book's protagonist, is intelligent, feisty, charming, sometimes likeable, sometimes cunning and manipulative. She is also physically stunning (though no visual evidence exists to show us what she looks like unfortunately). Like a tigress fighting for her cubs, she used all her powers to regain her offspring at a time when women had no rights to custody. Eventually she got a law changed in her favour and there is a happy ending, of sorts.
The book is worth reading both for its contents and for its lessons on biographical craft. I had heard about the Shaker's minimal form-follows-function style, and their baskets -- but had no idea they were a puritanical, rigidly separatist order which banned sexual intercourse (one reason they may have more-or-less died out). Their founder, Anne Lee, was a mill worker in Manchester (Lancashire), where after losing eight babies, not surprisingly, she developed an abhorrence of sex, founded the Shakers, and eventually, sailed with her followers to America.
Ilyon Woo's research is impeccable and her dramatic narrative makes skilful use of suspense and emotional involvement to keep me, at least, reading late into the night. She could perhaps have made even more dramatic use of some historical nuggets (for instance Eunice's alcoholic husband falling 'off the wagon' whilst still a supposedly practising Shaker). And perhaps some of the descriptions, eg of Albany are a little overlong.
Overall, however, this is thrillingly written, and I am not remotely surprised to learn that Woo's next book (Master, Slave, Husband, Wife) has just won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for biography. I have it on my bookshelf and can't wait to get stuck in!
April 4, 2018
Would I have liked this book as much if I didn't live in the area where most of the story takes place? I don't know, but because I live here I found it super fascinating. Although we know that Shakers lived around here, there are some buildings still remaining, and we have lore surrounding them, I had never heard even a peep about this woman's story.
Eunice Chapman was an amazing woman who convinced the NYS legislature to pass legislation on her behalf. This is daunting to do today, never mind for a woman to do at a time when they had no vote. We do not know much about Eunice, but the author was able to piece together a compelling portrait by meticulously doing her research and tying together the various snippets she found.
The book showed a negative side of the Shakers that we don't usually hear. I liked this because it made the Shakers seemed more real and complicated, not just some quaint and cute people like they are often portrayed. Their philosophy meant giving up more than just sex. People had struggles with the religion. The religion also provided a lot of support for oddballs and those with no one to support them - I never thought about how this might lead to their downfall.
I enjoyed the little tidbits about my hometown, Albany. The fact that they had pigs roaming the street to clean up the garbage and then be slaughtered when people were hungry was my favorite.
Eunice Chapman was an amazing woman who convinced the NYS legislature to pass legislation on her behalf. This is daunting to do today, never mind for a woman to do at a time when they had no vote. We do not know much about Eunice, but the author was able to piece together a compelling portrait by meticulously doing her research and tying together the various snippets she found.
The book showed a negative side of the Shakers that we don't usually hear. I liked this because it made the Shakers seemed more real and complicated, not just some quaint and cute people like they are often portrayed. Their philosophy meant giving up more than just sex. People had struggles with the religion. The religion also provided a lot of support for oddballs and those with no one to support them - I never thought about how this might lead to their downfall.
I enjoyed the little tidbits about my hometown, Albany. The fact that they had pigs roaming the street to clean up the garbage and then be slaughtered when people were hungry was my favorite.
May 10, 2023
Honestly, I have very conflicted feeling over this story. While it's a significant and very interesting read, everyone also sucks. It was fascinating learning about the Shaker lifestyle. And I do believe that they were unfairly persecuted in many times throughout history. At the same time, they can be held at fault with the case of this book. As for Eunice, our main heroine, she kind of sucked too. To be fair, she was less of a problem compared to the rest of the cast. She had understandable reasoning for her actions, but I cannot accept that it was necessary to completely lead to the horrific treatment that the Shakers would go on to receive.
I think the most interesting part was how both parties (minus the husband. He's the true villain in this) were so against each other, yet managed to increase equality for women. Women's rights activists without wanting it or believing it. We can thank Eunice and the Shakers for a start to fighting for equality.
I think the most interesting part was how both parties (minus the husband. He's the true villain in this) were so against each other, yet managed to increase equality for women. Women's rights activists without wanting it or believing it. We can thank Eunice and the Shakers for a start to fighting for equality.
March 29, 2023
Concerned about women's rights and women wronged? Interested in history? In the Shakers and religious extremism? Live in the Albany NY region?
I answer yes to all these, and therefore was a good fit with this book. It's a reasonably written piece of narrative non-fiction that looks at the plight of women in NY in the early 19th century, and particularly the travails of one woman whose ne'er-do-well husband tries to right his ship by joining the Shakers, a religious group pledged to celibacy that sees their founder as the second coming of Christ. He takes the three children he fathered with our protagonist to the Shaker community it what was then Watervliet (now Colonie) with him. And, according to NY law, his wife has no rights to the children, nor to just about anything else; not even the right to divorce the bum and start her life over. She fights like hell, and Woo has thoroughly researched contemporary accounts of her multi-year struggle with the NY State legislature and the Shakers and communicated them well.
By the way, at the time of this writing (3/28/2023) the kindle edition of this book costs $2.99.
I answer yes to all these, and therefore was a good fit with this book. It's a reasonably written piece of narrative non-fiction that looks at the plight of women in NY in the early 19th century, and particularly the travails of one woman whose ne'er-do-well husband tries to right his ship by joining the Shakers, a religious group pledged to celibacy that sees their founder as the second coming of Christ. He takes the three children he fathered with our protagonist to the Shaker community it what was then Watervliet (now Colonie) with him. And, according to NY law, his wife has no rights to the children, nor to just about anything else; not even the right to divorce the bum and start her life over. She fights like hell, and Woo has thoroughly researched contemporary accounts of her multi-year struggle with the NY State legislature and the Shakers and communicated them well.
By the way, at the time of this writing (3/28/2023) the kindle edition of this book costs $2.99.
August 4, 2024
So very interesting! It’s hard to imagine being attracted to a cult-like religion like the Shakers! Even the author states she was “a fan” of the Shakers. Times were far from easy back then and I suppose people were desperate to be accepted anywhere! The amount of research this book required is amazing and it’s so impressive that such detailed information was found. A very well written story, like historical fiction!
April 20, 2025
Such an unusual true tale. In the early 1800's a derelict husband joins the Shaker community, abducting his children, and selling her home from underneath her. Since woman have NO rights including rights to the children, she begins a relentless campaign to get them back continuing up to the NY state legislature. The good Shakers put up their own fight, including hiding the children and lying as to their whereabouts. A fast paced, well researched book.
March 19, 2023
Fantastic book about a subject almost no one has ever heard of. Eunice Chapman sought a divorce and custody of her children in 1815 when her husband kidnapped them and took them to live in a Shaker community. At a time when women had no rights, she led a one-woman campaign which changed New York state divorce and custody laws. Highly recommend.
October 23, 2024
This was not what I expected. It was sort of biographical and a very slow. This Eunice character fought and changed the law through the court system in the 1800s to bring down the Shaker religion to regain custody of her 3 children and be granted a divorce. She was a pioneer in a time where women had zero rights.
March 6, 2018
Incredible & enlightening story. It's amazing to me how far women's rights have evolved & how hard a mother would have to challenge the right to her own children, to earn a living & a respected place in society .
January 11, 2019
One of the BEST books I've ever read. I don't ever go for historical fiction, but I picked this one up and it ended up being awesome. The main character is the Original Badass and took on EVERYONE to get what she deserved.
October 12, 2019
Ilyon Woo has done an amazing job unpacking this powerful story about women's rights. Beautifully constructed, extensively researched and fantastically written. Don't miss this wonderful slice of women's history and liberation! She well deserves receiving a Whiting Award.
September 3, 2020
A well covered fascinating look at a strong willed woman's life, and dedication to win her children back from her husband's kidnapping them into the life of the Shakers. It was a neat look at early 19th century religion, marriage, and state politics in the North east. More of a 3.5 than anything.
October 5, 2020
History Lesson
Tremendously well-researched story of Eunice Chapman's fight against her drunken, abusive husband,The Shakers, and for a divorce and custody of her three children. A woman few people remember from American history, but due to her tenacity, battled for years and won legal rights for women in the early 1800s, when they had none. Detailed account of the lives, beliefs, accomplishments, and the restrictive rules of The Shakers; as it shows their bizarre, grasping treatment of minor children. Many women, as well as Eunice Chapman, fought, with community help, for the release of their children from The Shakers. Interesting and informative read.
Tremendously well-researched story of Eunice Chapman's fight against her drunken, abusive husband,The Shakers, and for a divorce and custody of her three children. A woman few people remember from American history, but due to her tenacity, battled for years and won legal rights for women in the early 1800s, when they had none. Detailed account of the lives, beliefs, accomplishments, and the restrictive rules of The Shakers; as it shows their bizarre, grasping treatment of minor children. Many women, as well as Eunice Chapman, fought, with community help, for the release of their children from The Shakers. Interesting and informative read.
July 5, 2024
A very interesting story. I was surprised there was no mention of Stockholm syndrome although the author goes out of her way to be sympathetic to the Shakers so maybe that seemed too pejorative.
What was interesting about the book was the examination of how few rights women had in marriage in the early 1800s. Upon marrying, all of a woman's rights were nullified and their standing in law was subsumed by their husbands. Rights to a divorce were determined by the states and in New York a husband could beat, rape, nearly kill his wife and she would still not be eligible for a divorce unless it was granted by the legislature and generally they ruled against her. Really highlights the dangers of a decentralized state approach to rights and a return to an originalist doctrine in interpreting the constitution.
What was interesting about the book was the examination of how few rights women had in marriage in the early 1800s. Upon marrying, all of a woman's rights were nullified and their standing in law was subsumed by their husbands. Rights to a divorce were determined by the states and in New York a husband could beat, rape, nearly kill his wife and she would still not be eligible for a divorce unless it was granted by the legislature and generally they ruled against her. Really highlights the dangers of a decentralized state approach to rights and a return to an originalist doctrine in interpreting the constitution.
July 21, 2024
It’s okay to write with empathy, even when writing a book of nonfiction.
Yes. Both sides of the story should be told. It was told well. And while I can tell the writer is trying to be as unbiased as possible in the retelling, it’s pretty clear which side she falls onto.
Yes. Both sides of the story should be told. It was told well. And while I can tell the writer is trying to be as unbiased as possible in the retelling, it’s pretty clear which side she falls onto.
January 16, 2025
I stumbled across this book entirely by accident and I'm so glad I did. This is an absolutely gripping story well-told. I highly recommend if you are interested in early nineteenth century divorce and custody law, women's rights history, Shakers, or New York state history.
January 9, 2026
Needed an editor
Ultimately a good read, this book took hundreds of pages to get interesting. The dry tone was agonizing to get through but it got so much better, it's like a different person wrote the last third of the book.
Ultimately a good read, this book took hundreds of pages to get interesting. The dry tone was agonizing to get through but it got so much better, it's like a different person wrote the last third of the book.
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