Book Review: Mary Toft: The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits: The Hoax That Broke British Medicine by Christopher Fisher

First of all…YES, THIS IS A TRUE STORY!

I looked it up on Wikipedia for more information and to verify that it was true.

Once again, it IS A TRUE STORY!

I was in disbelief on so many levels.

In 1726, the English countryside was shocked when Mary Toft claimed to give birth to rabbits.

Not only did she claim this, but the midwife verified it!

What began as a strange rumor in a small Surrey town quickly spread. Surgeons, noblemen, and even the King's own physicians traveled to witness the impossible.

The description of the book says the below and I found it all to be true!

• A grieving woman caught between survival and manipulation

• Surgeons willing to risk everything for fame

• A nation enthralled by the grotesque and the miraculous

• A hoax that spiraled into chaos and humiliation

• A story that asks what happens when belief outweighs truth

The title caught my attention immediately. Wouldn't you stop and think, "What in the world?"

When I listened to this short story, I wanted more. I found myself Googling Mary Toft and reading everything I could find about her.

Even though this happened in the 1700s, not much has changed about mankind today.

What I mean is that we all want to be special. We all want to be different and known for something unique.

We live in the age of social media, influencers, and constant comparison. Everyone seems to be striving to stand out from the crowd.

In my opinion, that's exactly what happened with Mary Toft and the doctors and surgeons involved.

Grief guided Mary Toft's actions, while greed guided many of the doctors and surgeons.

The story also reminded me of the older circus sideshows where people paid to see those considered "different." Whether it was physical disabilities, rare medical conditions, or unusual appearances, crowds flocked to see what they viewed as extraordinary.

Thankfully, many of those terms and practices are now recognized as offensive and exploitative.

This story also shows how gullible humans can be.

Even when something seems impossible, why do we sometimes believe it?

Three hundred years later, Mary Toft's story still raises the same question:

Why are we so eager to believe the unbelievable?

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not one to give spoilers—especially when it comes to a short story, book, or novella.

But I hope I've shared just enough to spark your curiosity and inspire you to dive in and read or listen to this one yourself.

It's absolutely worth the journey.

The next time you're at your local library—or browsing on Audible, Hoopla, Libby, Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, YouTube Audiobooks, or even your favorite bookstore—go check it out!

I'd love to hear what you think!