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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Written by two authors (separated by an ocean!) comes an intriguing insight into the struggles of female physicians in the 1840s. Specifically in the UK. The story is historical fiction that is obviously well-researched and remains engaging throughout even when detailing medical procedures.
Recommended to all.
Recommended to all.
It felt like the authors wrote this book solely to show off their research on 1840s medicine. The characters were lackluster (I counted at least three uses of “I’m not like other girls”), the romance was bland and rushed, and I was positively bored through the first half. Will not be reading the sequel.
My first time to check out a book on "The Big Library Read." Reading historical fiction from the first half of the 1900's always makes me grateful for the progress I enjoy today.
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Sexism, Blood, Medical content
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Girl in His Shadow is a fascinating historical novel set in 19th-century London. The story is about Nora Beady, an orphan raised by the brilliant and eccentric Dr. Horace Croft after her parents died during a cholera outbreak. Unlike other young women of the time, Nora is trained in suturing and anatomical illustrations, rather than embroidery, defying societal norms that restrict women from practicing medicine.
Nora secretly assists Dr. Croft with surgeries and medical research, honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. Dr. Daniel Gibson, a charming and ambitious young doctor, threatens to expose Nora’s hidden talents. As Nora navigates the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, she faces a tough decision when she makes a groundbreaking discovery: should she stay invisible and let the men around her take credit, or reveal her true self to the world?
The novel vividly portrays the gritty medical practices of the period and the obstacles faced by doctors and researchers. Nora is a strong protagonist that readers will cheer for as she strives to break barriers in medicine.
I read the series out of order, starting with The Surgeon’s Daughter, but I recommend beginning with this one. The descriptions of cadaver dissections and surgeries are gruesome and difficult to read, but they reflect the harsh realities of medical training during that era. Can you imagine major surgeries and amputations being performed without anesthesia?
Overall, I rate The Girl in His Shadow 4 stars.
Nora secretly assists Dr. Croft with surgeries and medical research, honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. Dr. Daniel Gibson, a charming and ambitious young doctor, threatens to expose Nora’s hidden talents. As Nora navigates the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, she faces a tough decision when she makes a groundbreaking discovery: should she stay invisible and let the men around her take credit, or reveal her true self to the world?
The novel vividly portrays the gritty medical practices of the period and the obstacles faced by doctors and researchers. Nora is a strong protagonist that readers will cheer for as she strives to break barriers in medicine.
I read the series out of order, starting with The Surgeon’s Daughter, but I recommend beginning with this one. The descriptions of cadaver dissections and surgeries are gruesome and difficult to read, but they reflect the harsh realities of medical training during that era. Can you imagine major surgeries and amputations being performed without anesthesia?
Overall, I rate The Girl in His Shadow 4 stars.
Amazing!
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I will be reading more by Audrey Blake. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I will be reading more by Audrey Blake. I highly recommend this book.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes