Book Lovers Pt. 18: Stolen Women: Reclaiming Our Sexuality, Taking Back Our Lives By Dr. Gail Elizabeth Wyatt
- thevaginaliberator
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Stolen Women Book Review | Black Women, Sexuality & History
Book Review: Stolen Women: Reclaiming Our Sexuality, Taking Back Our Lives
Stolen Women: Reclaiming Our Sexuality, Taking Back Our Lives is a necessary and deeply uncomfortable read that examines the historical roots of sexual violence against Black women. The book traces the exploitation of Black women’s bodies back to slavery, detailing how rape, sexual assault, breeding, and medical experimentation were not isolated acts—but systems of control used to dehumanize Black women.
The author clearly illustrates how the sexual abuse of Black women during slavery created narratives that still exist today: the over-sexualization of Black women, the denial of our victimhood, and the policing of our bodies. These atrocities were not only physical—they were psychological, generational, and cultural. Black women’s bodies were treated as property, stripped of consent, autonomy, and protection under the law.
What makes this book powerful is how it connects history to the present. One being this high HIV rates amongst Black women. The trauma didn’t end with emancipation. The legacy of exploitation continues through medical racism, sexual violence, media stereotypes, and the ongoing struggle Black women face when seeking justice or bodily autonomy. Stolen Women forces readers to confront how deeply embedded these injustices are—and how often they are ignored or minimized.
This book is not light reading, but it is essential. It validates the lived experiences of Black women and creates space for healing, reclamation, and empowerment. By understanding the origins of this trauma, Black women can begin to reclaim their sexuality on their own terms and take back ownership of their bodies and narratives.
Happy Reading,
The Vagina Liberator
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