The Sewing Girl's Tale

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New York Times Editors’ Choice and winner of multiple prestigious awards, this gripping narrative unfolds the first published rape trial in American history and its profound aftermath, illustrating both progress and enduring issues over two centuries. In the summer of 1793, seventeen-year-old seamstress Lanah Sawyer bravely accused a gentleman of rape, an act that was almost unheard of at the time. Her bold accusation ignited a fierce courtroom battle and a struggle for justice that jeopardized both her life and that of her assailant. The trial laid bare a predatory sexual underworld, incited riots, and sparked intense debates about class privilege and sexual double standards, drawing in the nation’s top legal minds, including Alexander Hamilton, and influencing the evolution of American law. The events surrounding the case became a powerful commentary on seduction and the limitations of justice. Ultimately, Lanah succeeded in holding her assailant accountable, but not without significant personal sacrifice. Through meticulous historical research, the narrative transports readers from the streets to the elite circles of the city, revealing how a determined young woman and the power of words can inspire change in laws and culture. Includes photographs.