In “Safe Marriage: A Return to Sanity,” Ettie Annie Rout addresses the pressing public health crisis of her time, advocating for the importance of sexual health and marital sanity in the early 20th century. Written in a direct and often confrontational style, Rout employs a mix of statistical analysis and personal anecdotes to underline her arguments. Employing a progressive lens, she navigates through the entangled issues of sexual morality, health education, and the societal implications of venereal diseases, particularly in the context of World War I. This pioneering work captures a tumultuous period in history, reflecting the emerging discourse on women's rights and sexual autonomy while challenging conventional norms surrounding marriage and sexuality. Ettie Annie Rout was a New Zealand-born feminist, writer, and social reformer known for her passionate advocacy of sexual health and women's rights. Her experiences with the moral double standards of her era, coupled with a desire to educate the public about the dangers of sexually transmitted infections, propelled her to write this groundbreaking book. Rout's commitment to public health and her grassroots activism offers valuable insight into the societal issues that shaped her writing and the urgent need for reform. “Safe Marriage” is a crucial read for anyone interested in the historical context of sexual health debates and the evolution of marriage norms. Rout's compelling arguments and fearless advocacy resonate with contemporary discussions on sexual health, making the book not only a significant historical document but also a relevant contribution to modern conversations on marriage and personal well-being.
