62 pages • 2 hours read
Kate MooreThe Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore recounts the true story of Elizabeth Packard, a 43-year-old woman in 1860 who is forcibly committed to the Illinois State Hospital for the Insane by her husband for her outspoken religious beliefs and advocacy for women's rights. While institutionalized for three years, Elizabeth fights for her freedom and later campaigns for legal reforms to protect the rights of married women and psychiatric patients. The book touches on physical and emotional abuse, forced hospitalization, and intense psychological manipulation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore is widely praised for its meticulously researched narrative and compelling storytelling. Reviewers commend Moore's ability to highlight historical injustices while maintaining reader engagement. However, some criticize the book for its dense details and occasional repetition. Overall, it's a powerful, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Woman They Could Not Silence?
Readers who would enjoy The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore are typically history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in women's history and mental health. Fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly would find this book compelling.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Gender / Feminism
History: U.S.
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Identity: Mental Health
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice