Vivian's Decision

A Novel

Della Leavitt

• Publisher: She Writes Press
• eBook ISBN:
  9798896361213
• Year: 2026

An evocative work of historical fiction, Vivian’s Decision is an all too relevant story of repeated history, female friendship, and the strength that it takes to make choices of one’s own. 

Vivian Jacobson is distraught to be pregnant again. Already drowning in the demands of her four young children, she can’t imagine adding a fifth to her brood. Her husband, Mel, is a devoted partner, but he works long days in his family’s Maxwell Street tavern—leaving Vivian isolated and overwhelmed in their suburban Chicago home.

When Vivian pleads with Mel to let her ask her trusted obstetrician for an abortion, Mel reluctantly agrees. Her doctor won’t risk his license, but refers her to someone who will. Once she finds herself in the sleazy abortionist’s disgusting makeshift flat, she can’t go through with the procedure. As she flees, the man warns her that the clock is ticking: If she wants this abortion, she must return within one week.

As Vivian struggles with what to do, she is buffeted by a series of revelations, including her Jewish immigrant mother's parallel secret. Ultimately, she must find the courage to make the decision that is best for her family—and her own fulfillment.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Chapter One: Suburban Life
• Chapter Two: Ethel’s Visit
• Chapter Three: The Move to Maple Street
• Chapter Four: Shabbos Dinner
• Chapter Five: Hannah’s Crisis
• Chapter Six: The Test and the Referral
• Chapter Seven: Mother’s Day
• Chapter Eight: The Greystone
• Chapter Nine: Mel’s War
• Chapter Ten: Vivian’s Confidante
• Chapter Eleven: Courtship
• Chapter Twelve: Rabbi Bornstein
• Chapter Thirteen: The Anniversary Watch
• Chapter Fourteen: Dr. Goldblum’s Guidance
• Chapter Fifteen: Forgiveness
• Chapter Sixteen: Deliberate, but Not Deliberate
• Chapter Seventeen: Vivian’s Choice
• Chapter Eighteen: No Going Back
• Author’s Note
• Acknowledgments
• About the Author
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