Book Blurb:
A nineteenth century mystic marriage counselor and her angel lover battle the Inquisitor of Smut in this biographical historical novel based on a true story.
She will not be silenced! Brilliant, corseted, and haunted by spirits from the Borderlands, a young girl turns her back on the constrictions of Victorian society and strikes out on her own, becoming a mystic marriage counselor. Teaching women the joys of love puts her in the crosshairs of Anthony Comstock, the nation’s Anti-Obscenity Postal Inspector. He promises to silence her forever. She vows to bring him down. With prison looming, Ida and her angel lover must prepare for a battle they may not be able to win.
Book 2 in the Forgotten Women Series
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/kcrD
Editorial Review:
"Censored Angel" by Joan Koster emerges as a testament to defiance, desire, and the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and personal freedom. Ida Craddock, a woman ahead of her time, grappled with societal norms and restrictions that sought to confine her within conventional boundaries. Ida's story is told against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by rigid societal expectations, particularly for women. These constraints encompassed various aspects of Ida's life, from her personal relationships to her intellectual pursuits.
The story skillfully navigates the complex life and struggles of Ida Celanire Craddock. The book is divided into four parts, each thoughtfully organized to cover distinct phases of Ida's journey. This structure allows the reader to follow the evolution of her character and her experiences, from her early life in Philadelphia to her work in Chicago and New York City, all the way to her legal battles against Anthony Comstock.
Koster's narrative is interspersed with poignantly written chapters that delve into the specific events and challenges that shape Ida's life. The pacing is expertly managed, striking a balance between moments of introspection and tension. This structure ensures that the reader remains engaged and invested in Ida's story while also gaining a deep understanding of the historical and societal context in which she lived.
The juxtaposition of Ida's personal experiences and the broader historical forces, such as the Comstock Laws and the burgeoning feminist movement, is seamless. Koster's ability to combine these elements together is impressive, and increases the reader's appreciation of the challenges Ida faced in her pursuit of knowledge and personal freedom.
The first-person perspective adopted with Ida as our guide particularly enhances the emotional complexity of the story. Readers become intimate observers of Ida's life, her dreams, her struggles, and her hopes. This storytelling technique fosters empathy, making Ida a character readers root for and deeply connect with.
The dialogues in "Censored Angel" are equally praiseworthy. Koster excels in harnessing the language, formality, and dialects of the late 19th century. This linguistic precision brings the characters to life and adds depth to their interactions. It is through their conversations that readers truly understand the societal constraints, norms, and the intricate web of relationships that defined this period.
Ida Craddock's characterization in her life story is indeed a compelling evolution from a seemingly constrained and sheltered existence to that of a determined and courageous individual who takes control of her own destiny. At first glance, she may appear as a victim of her circumstances, grappling with a controlling mother and a sheltered upbringing that offered few options for personal autonomy. However, as she continues to discover herself, Ida's transformation reveals a woman who defied societal norms and pursued her groundbreaking, albeit scandalous, research with determination.
“I shift from one foot to the other and tuck the coil of hurt under my heart. I want to please my mother. But sometimes, it is like trying to lift Sisyphus’s boulder. I will always be the inept replacement for the first babe she lost.
Nan wouldn’t have let strange boys touch her. Nan wouldn’t have had dreams of being something more than a wife. Nan would have been perfect.
I raise my head as she comes toward me with the cane.
“Lift your skirts, Ida Craddock. I will make this clear. You will not study medicine. I will not pay for any more schooling than this last year at Friends. You are not a son. Your future is marriage and child-bearing.”
I close my eyes, clasp my hands together, and brace for the blows. The cane strikes. The pain whips through me.
I stifle my cry. There is no future for me here in this house. All I want is to escape and find love and freedom where I may.”
Ida's early fascination with her biology teacher and the book "Gray's Anatomy" foreshadows the intellectual and emotional struggles she is destined to face in her life. This pivotal moment in her formative years serves as a microcosm of the larger societal forces that will attempt to stifle her intellectual curiosity and freedom.
Ida's longing for freedom and self-expression was evident in her pursuit of education, her advocacy for women's rights, and her staunch commitment to exploring taboo subjects like sexual pleasure and spiritual connections. Her intellectual curiosity and boldness led her to challenge conventional norms and engage in discussions that were considered controversial during her time.
Koster masterfully constructs the social fabric of a bygone era, with painstaking attention to detail. The book opens in Philadelphia's Monument Cemetery in 1875, an interesting setting rich in symbolism where young Ida's fascination with an angel monument foreshadows her unending quest to connect with higher planes of existence. Throughout the story, the author introduces a colourful cast of characters, some historical figures and others fictional, whose lives intersect with Ida's in diverse ways.
The character relationships in the book are complex and contribute to the depth of the story. The strained but compelling mother-daughter relationship between Ida and Elizabeth is portrayed with authenticity, revealing the societal pressures and expectations that defined their interactions.
The story follows Ida's tumultuous journey from a stifling household to her daring exploration of sexuality, spirituality, and education. Ida Craddock's relationship with her mother, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Craddock Decker, is a central and complex element of her life. Throughout her life, it is clear that Ida's relationship with her mother is marked by tension and discord, driven by their differing beliefs and desires.
Her mother is a staunch temperance supporter and the distributor of Craddock patent medicines. She embodies the conservative values of her time, adhering to societal norms and expectations, especially concerning marriage and a woman's role. Her strictness and lack of emotional connection with Ida are evident early on, causing Ida to feel neglected and isolated.
Ida's desire for a medical degree and her exploration of unconventional beliefs, such as spiritualism and free love, put her at odds with her mother. Lizzie disapproves of Ida's intellectual pursuits, threatening to report her behavior to the headmistress and attempting to impose control over her daughter's life. Ida's accidental revelation of her affection for Annie Shoemaker, an instructor at her school, exposes her mother's disapproval and threats, deepening the divide between them.
Her mother continues to wield her influence, particularly in matters of Ida's suitors and marriage prospects. The ultimatum she imposes on Charles Sullivan, demanding his departure, serves as a turning point in Ida's defiance of her mother's wishes. She decides to keep the locket that he gave her, and he eventually becomes the inspiration for her “spirit husband”, Soph.
Despite the strife, Ida remains determined to assert her independence, especially in her pursuit of education and her decision to leave home to follow her dreams at the University of Pennsylvania. Their differing beliefs regarding women's roles in society and the definition of acceptable behavior continue to be sources of tension. The relationship between Ida and her mother is a powerful reflection of the societal norms and constraints of their time, where the clash of traditional values and burgeoning ideas of personal freedom and women's rights play a significant role in Ida's journey and her determination to challenge the status quo. Yet Ida's spirit remains unbroken, despite the stern maternal disapproval that hovers like a dark cloud over her ambitions.
Ida’s audacious exploration of knowledge, including her thirst for a medical degree and her fascination with the human body's intricacies, quickly becomes the central purpose of her life. Koster brilliantly outlines Ida's intellectual transformation, from her admiration for "Gray's Anatomy" to her eventual involvement with prominent figures in the fields of free love, spiritualism, and sex education, such as Dr. Alice Stockham and Otoman Zar-Adusht Hanish. The book explores her evolution as a sexual education advocate, an angle that's incredibly relevant to contemporary discussions on women's rights and sexual empowerment.
The Comstock Laws, which aimed to suppress information on birth control and sexual education, loom large. The unyielding campaign of Anthony Comstock against the distribution of any material he deemed obscene lends a chilling historical context that heightens the stakes of Ida's quest. Her commitment to providing women with vital knowledge about their bodies positions her as a radical visionary who stood her ground in the face of oppressive censorship. Even though it landed her in prison and often in poverty.
Koster's research shines through, rendering each character with unique authenticity. This historical accuracy is most apparent in her portrayal of the real-life figures like Anthony Comstock and Ada Goodrich, whose interactions with Ida add gravitas to the narrative.
The characterization is easily a notable strength of the book. Ida Craddock is shown to be a multifaceted woman, making her relatable and engaging. Koster delves into Ida's inner thoughts and emotions, allowing the reader to empathize with her aspirations, fears, and perspective. Her character development is a central arc of the story, and we witness her transformation from a young woman confined by societal norms to a fearless advocate for sexual knowledge and personal freedom. The supporting characters, both historical and fictional, are equally well-drawn. Koster provides nuanced portrayals of characters like Ida's mother, Elizabeth Craddock Decker, and her friends, such as Dr. Alice Stockham and Otoman Zar-Adusht Hanish. These characters contribute to the richness of the narrative and serve as vehicles to explore various aspects of Ida's life and beliefs. Her lifelong relationship with her friend and confidante Katie, is also particularly touching.
“His presence lessens. A draft of air, redolent of the borderlands, seeps between us. My body chills. I am losing him.
“It is not enough to love me,” he says. “You must ask the Divine Spirit to join us in this holiest of bondings—marriage.”
I find my voice. “I will. I must. I love you.”
He rises above me in a wafting of wings. “Then it shall be so.”
I reach toward him. “Don’t leave, please.”
I strain to pull him to me but grasp only empty air. He is gone, my heavenly bridegroom. And I can’t wait for him to come again.
I curl up on my side. If this is a dream, I want it to never end.”
A particularly unique and interesting aspect of Ida’s story is the exploration of her spirituality and the angelic presence she believes guides her. Of course, she naturally receives much backlash for these beliefs. Ida’s relationship with Soph is a unique and deeply spiritual connection that plays a pivotal role in her life and beliefs. Soph is not a physical being but a spiritual presence, and Ida's relationship with him is characterized by a profound spiritual and emotional bond. This relationship is central to her work as a writer, counselor, and spiritualist.
Soph is often referred to as Ida's "heavenly husband." Their connection is rooted in Ida's spiritual experiences and beliefs. She believes that she communicates with Soph through her spiritual rituals and encounters, which she performs in her small, sparse bedroom, particularly during thunderstorms. These rituals involve prayer, meditation, and (often sensual) spiritual practices aimed at invoking Soph's presence.
Ida's relationship with Soph transcends the physical realm. It is a connection that fulfills her emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Through her encounters with Soph, Ida explores the concept of spiritual marriage, emphasizing the importance of intimacy elevated to a spiritual plane. Her teachings often revolve around the idea that a marriage founded on mutual pleasure and spiritual connection can lead to a harmonious and fulfilling union.
Soph's influence on Ida is profound. Their spiritual encounters empower Ida with a deeper understanding of her own body, pleasure, and the spiritual world. These experiences guide her counselling and writing, allowing her to provide guidance and education on sexual matters and relationships to other women. Ida's work is imbued with the belief that understanding and embracing pleasure is an essential aspect of marital happiness and spiritual enlightenment.
The concept of a "heavenly husband" signifies Ida's spiritual and personal autonomy. It is a way for her to maintain her independence while exploring her own spiritual beliefs. Her relationship with Soph also serves as a source of inspiration and strength in her advocacy for marriage reform, her fight against censorship, and her commitment to challenging societal norms and restrictions. Of course, many (including her mother) would see her committed to an asylum for her unconventional beliefs.
Koster does not shy away from delving into the darker corners of Ida's life. The hostile and tense relationship between Ida and her mother is masterfully portrayed, and the story’s later sections convey the intense legal battles Ida faced against Comstock's relentless suppression of her work. Her incarceration and trial showcase her determination to confront societal norms, even at great personal cost.
As we reach the story's poignant conclusion, Koster addresses the aftermath of Ida's death in 1902, leaving us with a powerful image of her legacy. The book closes with a thought-provoking reflection on Ida's enduring impact on women's rights and sexual pleasure, with her life's work paving the way for future generations. Ida’s story is a poignant exploration of a woman's relentless pursuit of knowledge, personal freedom, and sexual enlightenment in the face of oppressive societal norms. Koster's impeccable research, vivid characters, and compelling storytelling combine to create a powerful work that resonates with contemporary conversations on women's rights and sexual empowerment. In her story, we find the enduring spirit of a woman who refused to be censored.
"Censored Angel" is a must-read for those who appreciate historical narratives that shed light on the lives of remarkable individuals who challenged the status quo. It reminds us that, despite the suppression of their voices in their time, their stories continue to echo and inspire. If you're open to embracing a slightly slow start and unconventional concepts regarding spirituality, then wholeheartedly this book receives a 4 out of 5 stars.
*****
"Censored Angel" by Joan Koster receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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