Counting Backwards Summary – A Powerful Tale of Reproductive Justice and Family Legacy

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Book Summary Contents

1 Introduction: Counting Backwards Summary – A Powerful Tale of Reproductive Justice and Family Legacy
2 TL;DR – Quick Summary
3 Reader Reviews
4 Questions the Book Answers
5 Counting Backwards Summary & Review & Analysis
6 Author Spotlight: Jacqueline Friedland
7 Conclusion
8 Get Your Copy
9 Attachments & References
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Introduction: Counting Backwards Summary – A Powerful Tale of Reproductive Justice and Family Legacy

“What does it mean to be a woman in a world that seeks to control your body?”

In Counting Backwards by Jacqueline Friedland, this question resonates deeply through the intertwining stories of two women separated by nearly a century but bound by the harrowing theme of reproductive injustice. Set against the backdrop of the controversial Buck v. Bell case and modern-day allegations of forced sterilizations in immigration detention centers, the novel challenges readers to reckon with the dark history of eugenics in America.

In this Counting Backwards Summary, we’ll uncover the gripping narrative, complex characters, and themes of bodily autonomy, justice, and legacy that make this novel both an educational read and an emotional journey.

Through dual timelines—one in the 1920s and the other in 2022—Counting Backwards explores the profound consequences of forced sterilization and the enduring impact of systemic oppression. Let’s dive into the details of the plot, the characters, and the themes that Friedland masterfully weaves together in this powerful, thought-provoking work.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

Plot: Jessa Gidney uncovers forced sterilizations in an ICE detention center, leading her to discover a personal family connection to the Buck v. Bell case.
Themes: Reproductive rights, eugenics, immigration justice, intergenerational trauma.
Strengths: Dual timelines, emotional depth, and educational value.
Weaknesses: Pacing issues and occasional character development concerns.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers interested in reproductive justice, historical fiction, and social commentary.

Read Also in Justice:

Reader Reviews

“Counting Backwards is a powerful and emotional read that sheds light on an overlooked chapter of American history. The dual timelines are expertly handled, and Carrie’s story is haunting.” — Goodreads Review
“Friedland captures the complexities of reproductive justice and immigration issues with sensitivity and nuance. Jessa’s transformation throughout the novel is deeply inspiring.” — Amazon Review
“A must-read for anyone interested in the history of eugenics and its modern-day implications. Counting Backwards is both educational and gripping.” — Goodreads Review

Questions the Book Answers

What is Counting Backwards about?
Counting Backwards follows Jessa Gidney, a Manhattan lawyer, who uncovers a pattern of forced sterilizations in ICE detention centers. The novel also tells the story of Carrie Buck, whose case led to the legalization of forced sterilization in the U.S.
Is Counting Backwards worth reading?
Yes! The novel is a powerful exploration of reproductive justice, immigration issues, and the persistence of eugenics. It is both informative and emotionally engaging.
How long does it take to read Counting Backwards?
The novel is about 350 pages long, and most readers can complete it in 8-10 hours, depending on their reading speed.
What are the main lessons from Counting Backwards?
The novel teaches the importance of bodily autonomy, the enduring impact of eugenics, and the need to confront intergenerational trauma and injustice.
Who should read Counting Backwards?
Anyone interested in historical fiction, social justice, and stories about resilience will appreciate this novel. It’s particularly compelling for readers interested in reproductive rights and immigration issues.
What is Counting Backwards about in summary?
Counting Backwards alternates between two timelines: one focusing on Carrie Buck, whose forced sterilization case became a landmark Supreme Court decision, and the other on Jessa Gidney, a modern-day lawyer uncovering similar abuses in immigration detention centers.

Counting Backwards Summary & Review & Analysis

Plot Summary

Non-Spoiler Overview

The novel unfolds across two timelines: one in 1920s Virginia and another in present-day New York. In 2022, Jessa Gidney, a Manhattan lawyer, is grappling with multiple personal and professional challenges. After a miscarriage and struggling to conceive, Jessa faces strain in her marriage to Vance. Additionally, she is passed over for a promotion at her prestigious law firm, further deepening her sense of personal failure. However, when Jessa begins working on a pro bono case at an ICE detention facility, her life takes an unexpected turn.

Jessa’s case involves Isobel Pérez, a young immigrant mother fighting deportation. During her investigation, Jessa uncovers a chilling pattern of medical malpractice involving forced sterilizations at the facility. As she digs deeper, she discovers that the women in the detention center have been subjected to unauthorized and semi-forced sterilization procedures. Jessa’s discovery becomes a turning point, as she begins to question the larger societal implications of reproductive injustice, with the narrative moving swiftly toward a quest for justice.

The other timeline follows Carrie Buck, a young woman from Virginia in the 1920s who becomes central to the historical Buck v. Bell case, which legalized forced sterilization. Carrie, initially a foster child, faces unimaginable violations when she is deemed “unfit” to reproduce by a corrupt system under the eugenics movement. Through her eyes, the novel explores the horrifying practice of sterilizing women deemed “feeble-minded” and the dehumanizing journey she endures in her fight for autonomy.

These two narratives are cleverly intertwined, with Jessa uncovering an unsettling family secret tied to the eugenics movement, which directly links her to Carrie’s case. The story becomes a moral reckoning for Jessa, as she grapples with her family’s dark past while fighting for the women at the detention center who are subjected to similar abuses.

Spoilers: The Shocking Family Revelation

As Jessa delves deeper into her research, she uncovers a personal connection to the eugenics movement. Her great-grandfather was involved in the implementation of forced sterilizations, including Carrie Buck’s case. This revelation forces Jessa to confront the legacy of her family’s complicity in these atrocities, pushing her to act with renewed vigor in her pursuit of justice for Isobel and others.

The contemporary narrative builds on Jessa’s journey as she unravels the modern-day implications of reproductive injustice, exposing how the past never truly stays buried. Jessa’s determination to fight the powerful forces behind these forced sterilizations becomes a personal mission, one that challenges her professional life, marriage, and sense of self.

Meanwhile, Carrie’s narrative, told through her first-person accounts and diary entries, showcases her resilience in the face of an overwhelmingly oppressive system. Carrie’s fight for dignity and justice forms a crucial part of the historical commentary, shedding light on how systemic racism and the devaluation of women’s bodies led to devastating policies that continue to resonate today.

Main Characters

Jessa Gidney

Jessa is the primary protagonist in Counting Backwards. Her journey from a woman obsessed with achieving conventional success to someone willing to risk it all for justice is powerful and moving. At the beginning of the story, Jessa is consumed by personal disappointments, including her inability to conceive and the professional setback of not making partner at her law firm.

As the novel progresses, Jessa transforms, finding her voice through the women she represents and the historical injustice she uncovers.

Her character arc is marked by her growing sense of moral duty and the difficult choice to confront her family’s legacy of involvement in the eugenics movement.

Carrie Buck

Carrie is the emotional core of the novel. The real-life figure behind the infamous Buck v. Bell Supreme Court case, Carrie was deemed “feebleminded” and subjected to forced sterilization under the guise of improving society.

Through Carrie’s diary entries and experiences, the novel presents a deeply humanized portrait of a woman whose autonomy was stolen from her. Despite the oppressive forces working against her, Carrie’s inner strength and desire for justice resonate with readers, making her a truly memorable character.

Vance Gidney

Vance is Jessa’s husband, and their marriage becomes an important subplot in the novel. Vance’s lack of support for Jessa’s pro bono work and her struggle with infertility creates emotional distance between them. His concern for their future and his disapproval of Jessa’s newfound activism highlight the tensions in their relationship.

Although he represents a more conventional view of success and family, Vance’s character provides insight into the pressure women face to conform to traditional roles.

Isobel Pérez

Isobel is a young immigrant mother fighting deportation and medical malpractice in an ICE detention center. She serves as the catalyst for Jessa’s investigation and is a symbol of the vulnerable population subjected to systemic abuse.

Isobel’s determination to protect her daughter and her dignity drives Jessa’s moral awakening and her eventual pursuit of justice.

Themes & Analysis

Reproductive Rights and Bodily Autonomy

The central theme of Counting Backwards is the violation of women’s reproductive rights, both in the historical context of Carrie Buck’s forced sterilization and the modern-day abuses uncovered by Jessa. The novel forcefully critiques how reproductive control has been used as a tool of social control, particularly against marginalized groups. The parallel timelines amplify the relevance of this issue, showing how the fight for bodily autonomy continues across generations.

Eugenics and its Persistence

Through the lens of both Carrie’s personal history and Jessa’s family connection, Counting Backwards explores the history of eugenics in America. Carrie’s forced sterilization case is a chilling reminder of the ways in which society sought to “improve” itself by eradicating certain populations. The novel also highlights how eugenics thinking has permeated modern-day practices, particularly in the form of forced sterilizations in immigrant detention centers.

Immigration Justice and Incarceration

The contemporary storyline also shines a light on the injustices faced by immigrants in the U.S., particularly in ICE detention centers. The mistreatment of detainees, especially women, reflects the larger societal issues of racism and classism. Isobel’s case is emblematic of the exploitation faced by immigrant women, further emphasizing the book’s focus on bodily autonomy and systemic oppression.

Intergenerational Trauma

Jessa’s discovery of her family’s involvement in the eugenics movement forces her to confront the ways in which trauma is passed down through generations. The novel examines how history shapes our present and how we must reckon with the sins of our ancestors in order to move forward. This theme of legacy and responsibility is deeply tied to Jessa’s character development and moral growth.

Author Spotlight: Jacqueline Friedland

Jacqueline Friedland’s debut novel, Counting Backwards, is an ambitious and thought-provoking work that blends historical fiction with contemporary social commentary. Friedland’s background in law and history lends an authentic feel to the narrative, particularly in the exploration of reproductive justice and the legal landscape surrounding eugenics.

Her writing is both accessible and deeply emotional, offering readers a compelling story while educating them about the dark history of forced sterilizations in America.

Friedland’s ability to balance the historical and contemporary elements of the novel speaks to her skill as a storyteller, ensuring that both timelines feel relevant and interconnected.

Conclusion

Counting Backwards is a powerful, thought-provoking novel that tackles complex issues with both historical depth and contemporary relevance. Through its dual timeline structure and compelling characters, Jacqueline Friedland highlights the continuing struggle for reproductive justice, the legacy of eugenics, and the importance of personal and societal reckoning.

Despite some minor pacing issues and character development concerns, Counting Backwards is a must-read for those interested in social justice, history, and the fight for bodily autonomy.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Counting Backwards is a gripping novel that explores the dark history of eugenics and its continuing implications, making it an essential read for anyone passionate about social justice and historical awareness.