My Notorious Life in Retro Chapter Chicks

Mar 18, 2025 Celia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction-read, ten-year-challenge, kindle-list, 52-2025, 2025-read, 2025-kindle-counted, 5-star

Overview:
My Notorious Life is a gripping historical novel inspired by the real-life story of Ann Trow Lohman, a 19th-century midwife and abortionist known as “Madame Restell.” The novel follows the life of Axie Muldoon, a fiery, determined young girl who rises from the grim streets of 19th-century New York to become one of the most controversial and wealthy women of her era.

Plot Summary:
Axie Muldoon, born into poverty, is separated from her siblings and placed in an orphanage after her mother’s Overview:
My Notorious Life is a gripping historical novel inspired by the real-life story of Ann Trow Lohman, a 19th-century midwife and abortionist known as “Madame Restell.” The novel follows the life of Axie Muldoon, a fiery, determined young girl who rises from the grim streets of 19th-century New York to become one of the most controversial and wealthy women of her era.

Plot Summary:
Axie Muldoon, born into poverty, is separated from her siblings and placed in an orphanage after her mother’s death. Eventually, she finds herself apprenticed to a midwife, Mrs. Evans, who teaches her the trade of helping women through pregnancy and childbirth. As Axie grows into adulthood, she transforms into “Madame DeBeausacq,” a successful midwife and provider of contraceptives and abortion services. However, her success brings scrutiny, and her work, though helping countless desperate women, makes her a target of moral reformers and the law.

Themes:
✅ Women’s Autonomy and Reproductive Rights: The novel explores the harsh realities faced by women in the 19th century, highlighting their lack of control over their own bodies and the dangers of childbirth.
✅ Class and Privilege: Axie’s journey exposes the glaring divide between the rich and the poor, where wealth shields some from consequences while others are condemned for simply surviving.
✅ Resilience and Survival: Axie’s determination to succeed in a male-dominated society and her fierce loyalty to her family showcase her strength and resilience.

Strengths:
⭐ Authentic Historical Detail: Manning vividly brings 19th-century New York to life, from the gritty tenements to the lavish parlors of the elite.
⭐ Compelling Protagonist: Axie is a fierce, complicated, and ultimately unforgettable character whose voice rings true, full of wit, passion, and tenacity.
⭐ Emotional Depth: The novel delves into complex moral dilemmas, leaving the reader torn between Axie’s noble intentions and society’s harsh judgment.

Critique:
⚠️ Length and Pacing: Some readers may find the novel’s length a bit daunting.
⚠️ Graphic Descriptions: The medical and childbirth scenes can be quite graphic, which may not be for the faint of heart. They ARE well written and true to real life situations of the time. I have never birthed a child and these scenes encouraged me in my decision to never be a mother.

My Notorious Life is a powerful, thought-provoking novel that blends historical fiction with themes of female empowerment and societal hypocrisy. Kate Manning’s engaging storytelling and meticulous research make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in women’s history and reproductive rights.

I read about the life of Ann Trow Lohman on Wikipededia. Not nearly as exciting or compelling as the story that Kate Manning dreamed up for Axie Muldoon. I do recommend this book. I was engaged throughout and found Axie Muldoon to be a character I will NOT forget.

5 stars ...more

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