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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Meh...for a book that is historical fiction, it didn't teach me that much about the Civil War or about the changes in medicine/nursing. That said, it held my interest.
Set during the time of the Civil War, Mary Sutter is a midwife who wants to become a doctor. No one will train her and no one will listen to her when she believes the soldiers will need more help from those with medical knowledge. The North still thinks everything will be taken care of in three months time. Two men do help Mary: William Stipp and James Blevens, both surgeons. While it was a very informative book, I liked the relationships between Mary, her twin sister Jenny, their mother, and the men. It was a sadly sweet historical story.
I've read many books, fiction and non-fiction, about the Civil War. The more authentic and honest they are, the more difficult they are to read--similar to reading about the Nazi death camps. This beautifully written novel draws the reader deeply into not only the horrendous conditions of the Civil War battlefields but also into the minds of the devoted individuals who tried their damndest to keep the wounded alive. Ms. Oliveira intuitively shows the reader her characters' innermost feelings and conflicts at difficult times.
I read a lot of historical fiction by popular authors who are recognized for this genre of women in history. None of them, in my experience write as evocatively as Ms. Oliveira. I am excited to have discovered this exceptional author and I look forward to reading the rest of her work. This is probably the best book I have read so far this year.
I read a lot of historical fiction by popular authors who are recognized for this genre of women in history. None of them, in my experience write as evocatively as Ms. Oliveira. I am excited to have discovered this exceptional author and I look forward to reading the rest of her work. This is probably the best book I have read so far this year.
Totally enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the aftermath of the battles in the Civil War and the cost in human life is a reminder of the how sensless wars can be.
Disappointing, plodding, and predictable are the first words that come to mind for a review of this book. The characters are shallow and a bit extreme, as in extremely unattractive, uninteresting, unintelligent, etc. These character extremes somehow combine to make an extremely dull story, in spite of the fact that it's set during the civil war, which was a time that was anything but dull.
Women's role in war, their role in the medical field, and their role in the family are all themes running through this novel, which ought to make for an interesting, compelling story. Sadly, it does not.
The writing style is also juvenile and annoying.
Women's role in war, their role in the medical field, and their role in the family are all themes running through this novel, which ought to make for an interesting, compelling story. Sadly, it does not.
The writing style is also juvenile and annoying.
Rather predictable, I guessed where it was going after about the first chapter. It was okay though, enjoyable enough while reading, but not riveting.
I really loved this; blew through it in like 8 hours today, counting time out to go to the grocery store and nanny my nephew (thank goodness for his afternoon nap!). I just couldn't put it down! It was really good!
It reminded me of Gone With The Wind (until just past the middle, when it didn't anymore): strong, stubborn female protagonist (although more likable than Scarlett O'Hara) whose determination gets her through hell; unrequited love interest; a labor scene.
It reminded me of Gone With The Wind (until just past the middle, when it didn't anymore): strong, stubborn female protagonist (although more likable than Scarlett O'Hara) whose determination gets her through hell; unrequited love interest; a labor scene.
3.5. Really well researched. I could have done without the POV of the president.
This is the story of Mary Sutter's quest to become a surgeon during the Civil War. It's about her ability to overcome hardships and tragedy to finally achieve her dream.
I really, really wanted to love this book. The writing was good and the characters were likable... but... and it's a big "but"... I just never developed any compassion for the characters. Each of the characters seemed to struggle with being in touch with their emotions, which comes across as a bit passionless, and perhaps that's what lead me to feel luke-warm about everyone. That said, I have to admit that I wasn't able to make it through the book. I got to about page 260, decided to read the end and couldn't work up the motivation to finish it.
As I mentioned earlier, the writing is nicely done and therefore, I'm not giving it up as a lost cause. I'm sure there are many who loved it!
I really, really wanted to love this book. The writing was good and the characters were likable... but... and it's a big "but"... I just never developed any compassion for the characters. Each of the characters seemed to struggle with being in touch with their emotions, which comes across as a bit passionless, and perhaps that's what lead me to feel luke-warm about everyone. That said, I have to admit that I wasn't able to make it through the book. I got to about page 260, decided to read the end and couldn't work up the motivation to finish it.
As I mentioned earlier, the writing is nicely done and therefore, I'm not giving it up as a lost cause. I'm sure there are many who loved it!
Hauntingly, achingly, beautiful. I love Mary Sutter.