maddyb001's review against another edition
4.0
This book was beautiful. The character arc and developments were great. I loved how she didn't give up her dreams for a man and insisted on having both her career and love.
aw21594377's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this one! I found the science aspect really fascinating as well as the social parts— I.e. being a woman in a male-dominated field. The fact that it was illegal for women to practice medicine just blows my mind, but also doesn’t surprise me. At times I felt like Nora was a little aggressive and unnecessarily antagonistic, but it also makes a lot of sense in the context of the world she was raised in.
I liked her mentor a lot! I think the opening scene was a great introduction on how they met and how unconventional but also good-hearted he is. Daniel had a good character arc, although perhaps a little trope-y. I think he was truly conflicted about wanting to “protect” women from the “atrocities” of blood and gore. The birthing scene was really tragic and gruesome, but I believe treating women like they’re fragile and going to break at any moment also does them a disservice.
I felt like the author did a really good job of setting the tone of the world. The rampant bawdy sexism and harassment made my stomach roil. However there were still some good eggs: Henry and John, Dr. Gibson., Daniel, the housekeeper. Nora’s opportunity to leave London to start afresh in Italy sounded like a dream come true; it also felt very realistic: her reputation was tainted after the revelation of her involvement in John’s surgery. That incident would follow her everywhere she went. Women’s being invited and encouraged to participate in practicing medicine would be a whole new experience for her, and probably extremely refreshing. Having to hide a part of you is.. hard. So I can strongly relate to how that takes a toll.
I would definitely read the sequel(s). Admittedly, though, it’s been a few weeks and I’m already not remembering a ton; I gave 4 stars because I really enjoyed listening to this, but I’m not sure the story itself was particularly unique. I think in certain instances the characters felt more like plot devices than unique people.
I liked her mentor a lot! I think the opening scene was a great introduction on how they met and how unconventional but also good-hearted he is. Daniel had a good character arc, although perhaps a little trope-y. I think he was truly conflicted about wanting to “protect” women from the “atrocities” of blood and gore. The birthing scene was really tragic and gruesome, but I believe treating women like they’re fragile and going to break at any moment also does them a disservice.
I felt like the author did a really good job of setting the tone of the world. The rampant bawdy sexism and harassment made my stomach roil. However there were still some good eggs: Henry and John, Dr. Gibson., Daniel, the housekeeper. Nora’s opportunity to leave London to start afresh in Italy sounded like a dream come true; it also felt very realistic: her reputation was tainted after the revelation of her involvement in John’s surgery. That incident would follow her everywhere she went. Women’s being invited and encouraged to participate in practicing medicine would be a whole new experience for her, and probably extremely refreshing. Having to hide a part of you is.. hard. So I can strongly relate to how that takes a toll.
I would definitely read the sequel(s). Admittedly, though, it’s been a few weeks and I’m already not remembering a ton; I gave 4 stars because I really enjoyed listening to this, but I’m not sure the story itself was particularly unique. I think in certain instances the characters felt more like plot devices than unique people.
roaringmamalion's review against another edition
5.0
Completed as a blend of audio and ebook - the audio is beautifully narrated, and I would love to listen to the sequel! The scientific, bordering on gruesome, details of various, gristly medical procedures are in equal parts fascinating and triggering. As someone with a complex medical history, I find these types of stories inexplicably engaging. Nora is a strong, complex character whom I look forward to getting to know in future stories - while her circumstances are unusual, her desires for freedom, education, and respect are not. I enjoy her interactions with the somewhat clueless but brilliant Dr. Croft and the innocent, but learning, Dr. Gibson. I’m excited to see Nora continue her journey of medical discovery.
mellymel35's review against another edition
5.0
I would highly recommend this book. Especially if you like empowered women or medical.
hsthomp's review against another edition
3.0
Easy to read. Probably 3.5 stars. Interesting read and good characters! Picked it up as an ebook recommended by the library and glad to read. It was slower but overall enjoyable.
teabella's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this historical fiction. I felt lost in the time and loved the strength of the main character.
ndbeyer's review against another edition
3.0
3.5- Excellent Historical Fiction book highlighting the difficulties of being a talented woman at a time when they were meant to be housekeepers.
hello_sweetie11's review against another edition
4.0
Awesome! Such a strong female in an era that opposed that strength. I‰ЫЄd like to read her continued story!