The Woman They Could Not Silence
"The year 1860: As the clash between the states rolls slowly to a boil, Elizabeth Packard, housewife and mother of six, is facing her own battle. The enemy sits across the table and sleeps in the next room. Her husband of 21 years is plotting against her because he feels increasingly threatened - by Elizabeth’s intellect, independence, and unwillingness to stifle her own thoughts. So Theophilus makes a plan to put his wife back in her place. One summer morning, he has her committed to an insane asylum."
I love finding new heroes. Elizabeth Packard is a hero. I was blown away, yet not surprised, by her story. In the 1860s a man could commit his wife to an insane asylum really for any reason. Elizabeth was one of many women committed around the country and she spent almost three years in the asylum before being released. In that time she had lost everything. She showed courage to get it all back. She was truly the woman they could not silence and she fought tenaciously for the rights of women after her release. She was a pioneer responsible for so much positive change. When you think that one person can make a difference, think of Elizabeth Packard. Note, I loved the story but I felt like it was too detailed and exhaustive at times – especially when she was in the hospital. Still, I think it’s worth your time.