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

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

4.75

This book was a complete surprise for me. I've always been fascinated by the Victorian period, more specifically Victorian medicine, so I knew I was going to enjoy this. I didn't expect to enjoy the characters and the setting as much as I did! 

Hazel is as likable as a rich aristocrat who wants for nothing can probably be. Her restlessness and desire to educate herself outside of what was expected of women were understandable if not relatable. Jack's bafflement at her wanting anything besides being rich was understandable as well, and the intersection of their worlds made for a fascinating discussion. 

The grit of Victorian Edinburgh was refreshing, as so much historical fiction sanitizes the sights and smells of Europe into something glittering and posh. This felt more realistic or at least fits my 21st-century knowledge of the time period. There is also an element of magic, a focus on alchemy, and strange murders that all felt very Gothic.
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