Scan barcode
A review by kimreads14
The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Dunlap crafts a narrative that is both chillingly atmospheric and deeply human. The story is a masterclass in blending historical detail with an exploration of morality, love, and ambition. It doesn’t just engage your mind or heart but draws you into its world with a visceral intensity that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
The Resurrectionist presents itself as a gothic mystery, but at its core, it’s a richly character-driven historical fiction with a compelling queer love story. The backdrop—19th-century Scotland's grim world of grave-robbing and medical studies—adds an eerie tension, but the heart of the story lies in the relationship between its two protagonists.
Told through the first-person perspective of James, a young medical student navigating the morally murky waters of anatomy studies, the writing feels both intimate and authentic. The narrative style, slightly formal but confiding, creates an immediate connection to James and his world. His journey feels like a conversation, drawing the reader in while keeping the propriety of the era intact.
Aneurin, James' unlikely companion, is equally captivating. Their bond develops naturally, creating a poignant counterbalance to the macabre subject matter. The emotional depth in their connection gives the story its warmth and heart, making their relationship the centerpiece of the book.
However, while the central characters shine, the supporting cast occasionally fades into the background. This lack of depth in secondary characters means that some pivotal moments don’t land with the emotional weight they might have otherwise carried.
The climax weaves historical fact and fiction seamlessly, delivering a conclusion that feels both satisfying and thought-provoking. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that they bring such a unique historical setting to life while exploring universal themes of love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to in pursuit of our dreams.
I’d recommend The Resurrectionist to fans of historical fiction, gothic mysteries, or anyone drawn to morally complex characters and atmospheric storytelling. It’s a hauntingly beautiful read that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Resurrectionist presents itself as a gothic mystery, but at its core, it’s a richly character-driven historical fiction with a compelling queer love story. The backdrop—19th-century Scotland's grim world of grave-robbing and medical studies—adds an eerie tension, but the heart of the story lies in the relationship between its two protagonists.
Told through the first-person perspective of James, a young medical student navigating the morally murky waters of anatomy studies, the writing feels both intimate and authentic. The narrative style, slightly formal but confiding, creates an immediate connection to James and his world. His journey feels like a conversation, drawing the reader in while keeping the propriety of the era intact.
Aneurin, James' unlikely companion, is equally captivating. Their bond develops naturally, creating a poignant counterbalance to the macabre subject matter. The emotional depth in their connection gives the story its warmth and heart, making their relationship the centerpiece of the book.
However, while the central characters shine, the supporting cast occasionally fades into the background. This lack of depth in secondary characters means that some pivotal moments don’t land with the emotional weight they might have otherwise carried.
The climax weaves historical fact and fiction seamlessly, delivering a conclusion that feels both satisfying and thought-provoking. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that they bring such a unique historical setting to life while exploring universal themes of love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to in pursuit of our dreams.
I’d recommend The Resurrectionist to fans of historical fiction, gothic mysteries, or anyone drawn to morally complex characters and atmospheric storytelling. It’s a hauntingly beautiful read that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.