Monday, September 10, 2018

Notes from the Sept 2018 group


Radium Girls The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore – Discussed on Wed   Sept. 5, 2018 at Geneseo Public Library






The Curies’ newly discovered element of radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty, and wonder drug of the medical community. From body lotion to tonic water, the popular new element shines bright in the otherwise dark years of the First World War.

Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such a coveted job, these “shining girls” are the luckiest alive — until they begin to fall mysteriously ill.
But the factories that once offered golden opportunities are now ignoring all claims of the gruesome side effects, and the women’s cries of corruption. And as the fatal poison of the radium takes hold, the brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America’s early 20th century, and in a groundbreaking battle for workers’ rights that will echo for centuries to come. 
Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girls fully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the “wonder” substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives...

This was a subject that my group did not know much about.  This British author did lots of research and family interviews to write this book.  The reality of so many young women dying due to men / corporate conspiracy, greed, and lack of communication between the different American company locations created many emotions for us readers.  We were shocked at the doctors and dentists who became involved in the coverup – they lied privately and at the trials for money.  It was extremely difficult for the sick women to find anyone to take on their cause.  Our group had good discussions.  We found this an interesting but long book, in parts too detailed and wordy.  Overall most of us enjoyed learning about this issue. 





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