It was fascinating to read The Radium Girls - The Dark Story of America's Shining Women first during the impeachment trial and then as the global epidemic was unfolding. Kate Moore compiled an interesting account of the (mostly) young women who were poisoned by the radium in the paint they used in their work. It showed the mistreatment of people for the financial gain of a few, and then the dogged refusal of those businessmen to take any responsibility. I was struck by the similarity in "rephrasing" the facts and rewriting history used by the company lawyers and the president's defense team. At least the radium companies were eventually shown for their true role in ruining their employees lives. We'll see how accurately history remembers Trump and his actions using his presidential powers. It's gratifying to know that good legislation protecting workers' rights came out of the radium trials, although it was disappointing to hear the short account of it happening again in 1978. Wow.
I was also struck by the context Kate Moore brought to this subject. So many landmark events were happening during that time: World War I, the Flu of 1918, Women's Suffrage and getting the vote, Prohibition and into the Great Depression, just to name a few! I love it when history is sewn together to show us how events are interrelated.
I didn't keep any quotes this time. I almost did, but realized I was just noticing when the author wrote with clear bias, in an isn't-this-awful-guys way that I found to be too emotional (even though I was agreeing with her!) It felt a little long at times, but that helped show just how dogged legal battles like this can be. It was a well-researched work of an important issue, and I am glad I read it.
And now I am waiting for the libraries to reopen to be able to return the book.
