Kate Manning Knihy

Strhujúci príbeh inšpirovaný skutočnými udalosťami rozpráva o Axie, dcére írskych imigrantov vyrastajúcej v sirotinci, z ktorej sa stala jedna z najbohatších a najkontroverznejších postáv svojich čias. Axie, vyškolená pôrodná asistentka, si s manželom urobí z predaja "lunárnych tabletiek na ženské ťažkosti" výnosný obchod. Postupne sa vypracuje na vyhľadávanú ženskú lekárku a presťahuje sa z biedneho podnájmu do honosnej rezidencie na Piatej avenue. Jej pomoc vyhľadávajú prominentné i chudobné Newyorčanky, často v tejto oblasti šokujúco nevzdelané. Praktiky svojskej Madam X, ako ju označujú novinári, však veľmi nevoňajú istej skupine mužov, a tak musí pred súdom čeliť vážnym, škandalóznym obvineniam, vďaka čomu si vyslúži neslávnu publicitu.

“Immersive…awe-inspiring.” —The New York Times “An epic story of love, hope, and perseverance.” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline This “stellar read” (Los Angeles Times) follows an unforgettable young woman who bravely exposes corruption in early 1900s Colorado. Sylvie Pelletier narrates her journey from her family's snowbound mountain cabin to working in a manor house for the Padgetts, owners of the marble-mining company that employs her father. Captivated by the luxurious surroundings and her enigmatic employer, the charming “Countess” Inge, Sylvie is also intrigued by Jasper, the bookish heir. However, her fairy-tale notions shatter as she uncovers the stark contrast between the Padgetts’ lofty ideals and their exploitative labor practices. The Gradys, formerly enslaved people, are planning a utopian community, while the town of Moonstone is rife with discontent, fueled by a handsome union organizer and labor leader Mary Harris “Mother” Jones. A bold newspaper editor takes Sylvie on as an apprentice, challenging her to confront the truth about the Padgett Company. As winter brings tragedy, Sylvie must navigate conflicting loyalties and decide to take action. Drawing from true Colorado history, this tale captures a bygone American West marked by ambition, longing for self-expression, equality, and adventure.

Axie Muldoon og søsknene vokser opp uten far i en irsk immigrantfamilie i New York. De er så fattige at de må tigge på gaten for å overleve. Etter å ha blitt kontaktet av den strengt religiøse Mr. Brace splittes søsknene mot sin vilje og sendes til hver sin familie på landsbygda. Først etter mange måneder kommer Axie tilbake til New York, bare for å oppleve at moren dør i barselseng. Den nå foreldreløse 13-åringen blir etter hvert ansatt som hushjelp, og siden assistent, hos jordmoren fru Evans. Der lærer hun å hjelpe gravide kvinner med å avslutte svangerskap, en praksis som er strengt forbudt. Axie lar seg ikke stoppe av hverken fordømmelse eller trusselen om fengselsstraff, men da lillesøsteren plutselig dukker opp etter mange år, starter problemene for alvor.