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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
LOVED this - my first historical fiction set in Civil War - interesting to read about the medical aspect of treating the war's injured. And Mary Sutter is a strong, complex character. I think this could be a good book club pick!
The saving grace of this book is the author's elegant use of language and detailed historical research. Otherwise, this story is a jumble of melodramatic romantic triangles and absurd coincidences. Even though there is a lot of discomfiting descriptions of crude surgery and illness, the story itself is far too neat and tidy. While I found the characters endearing and believed their motivations, I found the happenstance that kept bringing these folks together utterly tiresome.
Really enjoyed this one. Mary Sutter was a determined woman. I think this would make a great movie!
I'm being generous with 2 stars as 1 1/2 is more accurate. I didn't really dislike it but didn't enjoy it either which was disappointing given the premise. Just too much Civil War detail for me.
Robin Oliveira did a wonderful job with this one, you can tell she did her research. She set the scenes and period so well and developed a wonderful character in Mary Sutter.
Do not read this if you're pregnant. Some of the midwife stuff was pretty hard to stomach.
I listened to this as a book on tape and enjoyed it. The story was fascinating. I loved her drive and determination. The writing was pretty seamless.
I listened to this as a book on tape and enjoyed it. The story was fascinating. I loved her drive and determination. The writing was pretty seamless.
This book was our book club selection for November. It is the story of a young girl, Mary Sutter, who is determined to become a surgeon. She applies to Medical College and is rejected, then tries to find a surgeon who will apprentice her to no avail. She finally seeks out Dorothea Dix to apply to be a nurse in the war effort (Civil War, that is). Ms. Dix rejects her as well because she didn't fit her picture of a nurse. Mary was a very strong, determined woman. She found the Union Hotel which was a ramshackle building converted to a hospital for the war wounded. She made herself indispensible to the surgeon in charge and helped clean up the place as best they could. She helped him perform a couple of amputations and convinced him to teach her what he knew. The story goes on from there. Believe me, I haven't spoiled it for you. If you are a fan of life during the Civil War, you will enjoy this book. So many people lost loved ones and so many people died of battle injuries or just of disease which ran rampant through the troops and hospitals. It was very sad. This is a very sad book even though it has somewhat of a happy ending. She loses so much, but she is successful in achieving what she wants - yes, that is a spoiler, but you know it's going to happen from the beginning.