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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
A unique story with a great dark gothic atmosphere. Historical fiction with some mystery and light magical realism. The love story is more about her love and passion for the art of medicine and determination to become a surgeon, although there was also a light romance plot as well. Definitely has a YA feel, which isn’t usually my thing but was still a very enjoyable read.
This one didn’t go where I expected—it was better. Set in the early 1800s, a young woman named Hazel is expected to marry her wealthy cousin and live a traditional life for that time. It’s all her mom wants for her, especially since she's focused on the health and wellbeing of her surviving son and not at all concerned about Hazel.
Hazel grew up reading medical books from her dad’s collection, so when the opportunity to attend to a lecture of a well renowned physician rises, she sneaks out of her house to join the mostly male audience and learn of an upcoming physicians exam. With a plague returning to their town, Hazel uses it as an opportunity to take the courses necessary so she can solve for this illness that took her oldest brother. Conveniently, her mother’s paranoia for the heir’s health sends the two of them out of town to a safer location, leaving Hazel to make decisions without her mother’s judgment.
I love how the book is more focused on Hazel’s commitment to helping others and persevering even though the professionals tell her that a woman can’t be a doctor. It also has gothic and mystery elements as Hazel befriends a resurrectionist—a young man who digs up bodies to sell to physicians and scientists for profit. There was one scene that was a bit squeamish, so if this is ever turned into a movie, I’ll be covering my eyes.
Hazel grew up reading medical books from her dad’s collection, so when the opportunity to attend to a lecture of a well renowned physician rises, she sneaks out of her house to join the mostly male audience and learn of an upcoming physicians exam. With a plague returning to their town, Hazel uses it as an opportunity to take the courses necessary so she can solve for this illness that took her oldest brother. Conveniently, her mother’s paranoia for the heir’s health sends the two of them out of town to a safer location, leaving Hazel to make decisions without her mother’s judgment.
I love how the book is more focused on Hazel’s commitment to helping others and persevering even though the professionals tell her that a woman can’t be a doctor. It also has gothic and mystery elements as Hazel befriends a resurrectionist—a young man who digs up bodies to sell to physicians and scientists for profit. There was one scene that was a bit squeamish, so if this is ever turned into a movie, I’ll be covering my eyes.
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
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:
No
[3.75] I have mixed feelings about this book. The plot and the romance felt a little rushed and incomplete but I like the idea of both.
A little gruesome and not totally believable relationship. But interesting!
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
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:
No
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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:
No
2.5, probably could have been a 3 if I hadn't felt so let down by it.
Because this could have been so good! The cover is stunning, it's set in Edinburgh, which I love, and the overall setting with resurrection men, a mystery and a girl striving to be a surgeon? Amazing!
But in my opinion it was neither here nor there. It wasn't super romantic, it wasn't particularly atmospheric or spooky, it wasn't even interesting in the medical or mystery aspects and I did not care much about the characters. It also loosely threw in fantasy-elements, mostly towards the end, which didn't add to the story in my opinion.
Because this could have been so good! The cover is stunning, it's set in Edinburgh, which I love, and the overall setting with resurrection men, a mystery and a girl striving to be a surgeon? Amazing!
But in my opinion it was neither here nor there. It wasn't super romantic, it wasn't particularly atmospheric or spooky, it wasn't even interesting in the medical or mystery aspects and I did not care much about the characters. It also loosely threw in fantasy-elements, mostly towards the end, which didn't add to the story in my opinion.