A review by gabmc
That Bonesetter Woman by Frances Quinn

4.0

Endurance (Durie) Proudfoot (what a great name!) is the heroine, main character and 'that' bonesetter woman of the title. Durie has inherited the bonesetting 'gift' from her father but it's not an occupation that is supposed to be practiced by women. In fact women in England in the 1700s are not supposed to do much of anything except be dainty and become wives and mothers. Durie is six feet tall and definitley does not fit the 'delicate' stereotype. When her older sister Lucinda 'gets into trouble', the sisters are sent to London to live with their aunt. Lucinda is planning on becoming an actress once her troubles are over and all Durie wants to do is be a bonesetter. Their aunt owns a tea shop and has connections to London's high society and all it takes is one referral for Durie to get started. Frances Quinn paints a vivid picture of historical London which makes me want to go there. I was particularly taken by the lions at the Tower of London and their keeper. Durie finds solace visiting the lions every Sunday on her days off. The author's note at the end of the book explains that the characters of both Durie and Lucinda were based on real women of the time. Great book about the physical and mental strength of a well written character.