“The Illinois law in fact explicitly stated that married women could be admitted “without the evidence of insanity…required in other cases.”–Kate Moore, The Woman They Could Not Silence

As I read this book, I warned my husband that I might get really angry with him! I wasn’t really angry at him, but at the power and abuse of men over women for millennia. It was mind blowing to me that women could be committed to insane asylums by their husband or father for no reason other than the man said she was crazy. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how things could become very difficult for women.

This book is the true story of Elizabeth Packard, wife and mother of six. She is married to Theopilus, who is the minister of their local church. After 21 years of marriage, Theopilus is increasingly threatened by Elizabeth’s intelligence and her pursuit of a modicum of independence. Her disagreement with his theological beliefs is the last straw and he has her committed to an insane asylum. While in the asylum, Elizabeth learns that she is not the only sane woman incarcerated there. In fact, there are many women who are there solely because of their husband or father. She views and experiences the abuse of the women at the hands of their caretakers, all of which is overseen by Dr. Andrew McFarland, director of the asylum. Elizabeth trusts Dr. McFarland and learns too late that he is much more dangerous than she ever supposed.

Kate Moore combines a compelling story, meticulous research, and an engaging narrative with this book. I found it fascinating and could not put the book down. Elizabeth Packard was an amazing woman who triumphed despite impossible odds and provided freedom for countless others. All women in the United States should give a prayer of thanks for Elizabeth Packard. Thank you, Kate Moore, for sharing her story with the world.

Content Advisory: Sexism, misogyny, violence, emotional abuse, physical abuse