Whenever I read something about a historical event that I’ve never heard of, my history-nerd spidey senses tingle & I need to know more. I’m especially interested when it’s related to women’s rights or the rights/plights of marginalized communities. For years & still today, their narratives were/are ignored or, worse, purposely suppressed.

In this fascinating nonfiction book, history professor Sweet mixes scholarly research with embellished storytelling to explore the people involved in and the societal issues surrounding a New York City rape trial in 1793 colonial America (Alexander Hamilton was involved at one point!). The case: Working-class seamstress Lanah Turner was raped by wealthy entrepreneur Harry Bedlow. She said he pretended to be “Lawyer Smith” and feigned interest in her. After scheming to meet up with her for a stroll, he forced her to accompany him to a brothel, and, even though she screamed and tried to fight him off, he raped her and kept her there for the night.

What makes this case extra intriguing is how while some things about it are antiquated others are infuriatingly the same, even over 2 centuries later! Women having to “prove” their case beyond just their word. Men, especially white, prominent men are given the benefit of the doubt. The female victim is denigrated again & again & again. Sweet does a great job highlighting the inequities between men and women of the time, but also how Lanah’s case upended the status quo.

It’s a testament to Sweet’s skill that the scholarly info is never overbearing or didactic but deftly woven into the third-person narrative. All in all, this is an excellent book that spotlights a little-known but fascinating moment in history. I just wish some things weren’t still so unfair, 200+ years later.

If you’re a history fan, read this book! Thanks to @netgalley for the gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review.