Literate Lawyer
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thread 1/8
#bookrecommendation #bookreview THE WOMAN THEY COULD NOT SILENCE by Kate Moore. I can’t think of a more fitting way to wrap #WomensHistoryMonth than to bring attention to Elizabeth Packard, a woman whose husband sent her to an insane asylum for having opinions. Yes, you read that correctly.
12:45 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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Literate Lawyer
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thread 2/8
In 1860, American women had basically no rights and husbands could have their wives committed for the flimsiest of reasons: being unladylike or too emotional.
12:45 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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Literate Lawyer
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thread 3/8
In Elizabeth’s case, her beliefs about slavery, religion and family matters differed from her pro-slavery, domineering minister husband, who first locked Elizabeth in her room and then, after ensuring her children were out of the home, had her forcefully removed to a state asylum.
12:45 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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Literate Lawyer
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thread 4/8
The view of women, mental illness and totally unfounded yet horrific “cures” will astound and sicken you.
12:45 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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Literate Lawyer
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Instead of resigning herself to her fate, however, the courageous and brilliant Elizabeth fought back, employing her training and experience as a teacher and mother to try to help her fellow patients, most of whom were treated horribly, which Moore (author of the equally impressive “The Radium Girl
12:45 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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Literate Lawyer
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thread 6/8
s”) describes in shocking detail.

Elizabeth struggled for years to be free, culminating in a trial in which “evidence” of her insanity included arguing with her husband and trying to leave his congregation.
12:45 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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Literate Lawyer
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thread 7/8
She was found to be sane, but when she returned home she found her husband had sold all her property and moved away with her children. Sadly, under the law at that time, she had no rights to either.

She then became an advocate for women’s rights and better treatment for the mentally ill.
12:45 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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Literate Lawyer
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thread 8/8
She is yet another amazing woman whose life and contributions have been largely ignored. I urge every woman to read this book and share her story. WE WON’T GO BACK!
12:45 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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Penelope Lowder
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In response to Literate Lawyer.
Thank you!!!
12:52 PM - Mar 30, 2024
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