A review by quietlex
Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz

dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

At first I found this a boring read with a few interesting points/moments thrown in, but by the end of it, I’m feeling a wanting sadness. Jack and Hazel have so much chemistry, a connection that anyone would envy. Their love story is an odd yet simple tale, soiled only by others’ greed. Poor boy falls for rich girl, they are forbidden to be, yet both struggle to find a way.
It really didn’t make sense for Dr. Beecham to give up his vial of formula so easily, especially after Hazel made it clear that she wouldn’t be using it for herself, but on Jack. I know he was hoping to have an immortal partner in crime to help advance medicine, but Hazel showed no signs of giving up on her love for Jack. They also never touched back on the “burning coals” in Bernard’s eyes after he sees Hazel taking care of Jack. I know the police immediately arrest Jack, so you could conclude that Bernard went straight to the cops, but they make it seem like Bernard was on Jacks side until the viscount convinced them otherwise. Otherwise, I really enjoyed watching the two love birds fall for each other and slowly being affectionate. It really encapsulated how it feels to be young and in love for the first time. What a trip to read Jack’s letter to Hazel about his still beating heart, “beating or still,” and to close the book and see the engraved anatomically correct heart on the front, still. My heart!
Easy read, if only boring at times with a sweet streak of romance that keeps you going. Long live Jack! And medicine!
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