"The Case of Mistress Mary Hampson: Her Story of Marital Abuse and Defiance in Seventeenth-Century England" by Jessica Malay presents a captivating and insightful exploration of a woman's resilience and defiance in the face of a brutal reality. This meticulously researched work reconstructs the life of Mistress Mary Hampson, a 17th-century English woman, through her own autobiographical narrative. The book delves into the harrowing details of her abusive marriage, offering a raw and personal perspective on the societal constraints and the limited legal options available to women in that era. By piecing together fragments of Mary's story, Malay unveils a complex and compelling voice that challenges the prevailing historical narratives surrounding domestic violence and female agency in 17th-century England. Through meticulous historical research and a sensitive reconstruction of Mary's experiences, this book provides a unique and valuable addition to the study of women's history, social justice, and the enduring struggles against domestic abuse.