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That Bonesetter Woman
It’s usual, they say, for a young person coming to London for the first time to arrive with a head full of dreams. Well, Endurance Proudfoot did not. When she stepped off the coach from Sussex, on a warm and sticky afternoon in the summer of 1757, it never occurred to her that the city would be the place where she’d make her fortune; she was just very annoyed to be arriving there at all.
Meet Endurance Proudfoot, the bonesetter’s daughter: clumsy as a carthorse, with a tactless tongue and a face she’s sure only a mother could love. Durie only wants one thing in life – to follow her father and grandfather into the family business of bonesetting. It’s a physically demanding job, requiring strength, nerves of steel and discretion – and not the job for a woman.
But Durie isn’t like other women. She’s strong and stubborn and determined to get her own way. And she finds that she has a talent at bonesetting – her big hands and lack of grace have finally found their natural calling.
So, when she is banished to London with her sister, who is pretty, delicate and exactly the opposite to Durie in every way, Durie will not let it stop her realising her dreams. And while her sister will become one of the first ever Georgian celebrities, Durie will become England’s first and most celebrated female bonesetter. But what goes up must come down, and Durie’s elevated status may well become her undoing…
Meet Endurance Proudfoot, the bonesetter’s daughter: clumsy as a carthorse, with a tactless tongue and a face she’s sure only a mother could love. Durie only wants one thing in life – to follow her father and grandfather into the family business of bonesetting. It’s a physically demanding job, requiring strength, nerves of steel and discretion – and not the job for a woman.
But Durie isn’t like other women. She’s strong and stubborn and determined to get her own way. And she finds that she has a talent at bonesetting – her big hands and lack of grace have finally found their natural calling.
So, when she is banished to London with her sister, who is pretty, delicate and exactly the opposite to Durie in every way, Durie will not let it stop her realising her dreams. And while her sister will become one of the first ever Georgian celebrities, Durie will become England’s first and most celebrated female bonesetter. But what goes up must come down, and Durie’s elevated status may well become her undoing…
448 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2022
184 people are currently reading
4203 people want to read
About the author
Frances Quinn
5 books270 followersWelcome to my Goodreads author page! I'm the author of The Smallest Man, my debut novel, which tells the story of Nat Davy, a 'court dwarf' at the time of Charles I and the English Civil War, and That Bonesetter Woman, set around a century later, in Georgian London, and telling the story of Endurance Proudfoot and her sister Lucinda, two women determined to make their way in very different worlds.
I love hearing from and talking to readers, so if there's anything you'd like to know about me, my writing or my books, do get in touch via Twitter (@franquinn), Instagram (@franquinn21) or my author page on Facebook, Author Frances Quinn
I love hearing from and talking to readers, so if there's anything you'd like to know about me, my writing or my books, do get in touch via Twitter (@franquinn), Instagram (@franquinn21) or my author page on Facebook, Author Frances Quinn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 449 reviews
October 12, 2022
In many ways this was a clear five star read. Had a good feeling about this and wasn't disappointed. However I loved the story about Durie and her dreams and struggle to be a Bonesetter woman however I wasn't a huge fan pf the love drama that was included but can agree it added to the story. And it came together at the end.
March 7, 2023
4 delightful stars
A unique hook—bonesetting in 1700s London. And a very uniquely endearing character—Endurance "Durie" Proudfoot. This was such a fun read, and perfect for historical fiction fans and casual fans alike!
Concept: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★
In the mid 1700s, Endurance "Durie" Proudfoot enters the world in the small English town of Lewes. She's larger than most women, stronger than most women, and her no-nonsense honest attitude takes up as much space in the room as her physical presence. In short, Durie sticks out. And not in an acceptable way for ladies to stick out in history.
Her father is a bonesetter, someone who sets people's broken bones, sprains, dislocations, and more through a hands-on knowledge of anatomy and brute strength. It's a "knack," according to him, and one that's been passed down through the line of men in their family for generations.
Durie has the knack too—it's just, she's a woman.
When circumstances change and Durie has to follow her sister to London, Durie slowly realizes that her knack might be worth practicing here in London society. There's a lot of people with ailments, and the modern doctors with their random poultices are making things worse. Durie's never been one to let things sit when something good can be done, so she starts to practice.
A lot happens when Durie—with her men's boots, large frame, blunt attitude, and undeniable talent—enters the London scene. She's in for an adventure....
That Bonesetter Woman took me by complete surprise. I am a very, VERY rare historical fiction reader—I tend to fall into these books via some other hook that gets me invested. In this case, it was the act of bonesetting.
Bonesetting as a career was new to me, and immediately piqued my interest as I love all things medical history and macabre. Obviously, this fit the bill!
However, it wasn't the act of bonesetting that kept me turning the pages of this novel. It was Durie herself. I fell in love with this blunt, kind-hearted woman who stuck out in all the ways it was possible to stuck out like a sore thumb at the time. I quickly found myself invested in Durie's journey, her passions, and her capacity for kindness and love.
This is a character-driven story with a lot of humor and heart.
I will say, due to the above pros in this tale, there were a few cons by comparison. This plot was predictable at every turn—do NOT come for a unique and surprisingly take on this type of "girl goes to the big city and shoots her shot" type of story. All of the things that happen in that stereotyped tale happen here, and with the same outcomes you'd expect.
However, if you can put the predictableness aside, this story will steal your attention and your heart anyway. Go Durie, go!
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A unique hook—bonesetting in 1700s London. And a very uniquely endearing character—Endurance "Durie" Proudfoot. This was such a fun read, and perfect for historical fiction fans and casual fans alike!
Concept: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★
In the mid 1700s, Endurance "Durie" Proudfoot enters the world in the small English town of Lewes. She's larger than most women, stronger than most women, and her no-nonsense honest attitude takes up as much space in the room as her physical presence. In short, Durie sticks out. And not in an acceptable way for ladies to stick out in history.
Her father is a bonesetter, someone who sets people's broken bones, sprains, dislocations, and more through a hands-on knowledge of anatomy and brute strength. It's a "knack," according to him, and one that's been passed down through the line of men in their family for generations.
Durie has the knack too—it's just, she's a woman.
When circumstances change and Durie has to follow her sister to London, Durie slowly realizes that her knack might be worth practicing here in London society. There's a lot of people with ailments, and the modern doctors with their random poultices are making things worse. Durie's never been one to let things sit when something good can be done, so she starts to practice.
A lot happens when Durie—with her men's boots, large frame, blunt attitude, and undeniable talent—enters the London scene. She's in for an adventure....
That Bonesetter Woman took me by complete surprise. I am a very, VERY rare historical fiction reader—I tend to fall into these books via some other hook that gets me invested. In this case, it was the act of bonesetting.
Bonesetting as a career was new to me, and immediately piqued my interest as I love all things medical history and macabre. Obviously, this fit the bill!
However, it wasn't the act of bonesetting that kept me turning the pages of this novel. It was Durie herself. I fell in love with this blunt, kind-hearted woman who stuck out in all the ways it was possible to stuck out like a sore thumb at the time. I quickly found myself invested in Durie's journey, her passions, and her capacity for kindness and love.
This is a character-driven story with a lot of humor and heart.
I will say, due to the above pros in this tale, there were a few cons by comparison. This plot was predictable at every turn—do NOT come for a unique and surprisingly take on this type of "girl goes to the big city and shoots her shot" type of story. All of the things that happen in that stereotyped tale happen here, and with the same outcomes you'd expect.
However, if you can put the predictableness aside, this story will steal your attention and your heart anyway. Go Durie, go!
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December 30, 2022
4, 0 ✨✨✨
October 9, 2022
Loved the underdog story presented here and found Endurance to be an extremely likable character. I would've liked more medical details and less focus on her suitors (both the suitable and unsuitable). I also didn't completely believe that she would've learned so much after watching her father so a few months. She was practicing as if she'd been laying on hands for years, and I just didn't buy it. Historical details were wonderful, but overall, this one lacked the depth of feeling of The Smallest Man. Still, a good read for anyone who loves historical fiction and rooting for the underdog.
August 3, 2022
If you follow my reviews or follow me on Twitter, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of books containing female characters who don’t conform to the demands of society, especially in historical times when women weren’t allowed to do anything! So, it’s no surprise that I loved That Bonesetter Woman.
Durie is sent away to London from Lewes when her sister, Lucinda, throws the family into shame. They live with their Aunt Ellen who runs a bakery & has no children of her own. Durie had her heart set on becoming a Bonesetter, like her father, but it’s not a job for a woman!
Eventually, Aunt Ellen encourages Durie to follow her dreams in London but the male dominated medical profession is having none of it. Durie becomes the butt of their jokes & is increasingly pushed to defend the profession she so wishes to do.
This book is so wonderfully written, I could feel Durie’s frustrations and humiliation coming off the page. I couldn’t read it fast enough & was so pleased I had an entire day to focus on it. You can’t beat a day spent with Durie!
There’s so much more to this book but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. If you’re a historical fiction fan, and a fan of women who don’t take any shit, you’ll love That Bonesetter Woman!
Durie is sent away to London from Lewes when her sister, Lucinda, throws the family into shame. They live with their Aunt Ellen who runs a bakery & has no children of her own. Durie had her heart set on becoming a Bonesetter, like her father, but it’s not a job for a woman!
Eventually, Aunt Ellen encourages Durie to follow her dreams in London but the male dominated medical profession is having none of it. Durie becomes the butt of their jokes & is increasingly pushed to defend the profession she so wishes to do.
This book is so wonderfully written, I could feel Durie’s frustrations and humiliation coming off the page. I couldn’t read it fast enough & was so pleased I had an entire day to focus on it. You can’t beat a day spent with Durie!
There’s so much more to this book but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. If you’re a historical fiction fan, and a fan of women who don’t take any shit, you’ll love That Bonesetter Woman!
August 19, 2022
Oh, what an absolute delight this novel is. So much love and if only I could put it into words to do it justice. ❤️
I dare you not to fall in love with the character of Endurance “Durie” Proudfoot. She’s clumsy, will never be called attractive, doesn’t have an ounce of diplomacy in her body (I hear you, sister!) and made me chuckle out loud from the moment she was introduced to me. Durie just wants one thing in life. To be a bonesetter, like her father and grandfather before her. She learns, she studies, she watches and it turns out she actually has the gift for it. Slight problem, though. her father won’t allow her to join him because bonesetting isn’t a job for a woman. But Durie is strong, determined and stubborn. She won’t just give up on her dream.
Then there’s Durie’s sister, Lucinda. Pretty, charming, everything Durie is not. Lucinda can wrap everyone around her little finger, charm the pants off the most curmudgeonly person and turn every man’s head. I found Lucinda much harder to connect with, or even to like. She comes across as extremely entitled somehow, seemingly always choosing the easy way out because her looks afford her that possibility every time. But all of this also results in her being banished to London and Durie is to go with her. They’ll be staying with their Aunt Ellen, whom they’ve never met. It will mark the beginning of amazing, and less amazing, events for both of them.
I can’t even begin to describe the many ways I loved this novel. To have a story like this, full of incredibly strong and independent women finding their way in a man’s world and pursuing their dreams was just such a joy. Aunt Ellen is at the forefront of pretty much everything. She has been running her own successful shop for years and has absolutely no need for a man. This is in stark contrast with Lucinda who seems to think her life won’t amount to anything without a man in it, and Durie who has already accepted no man will ever want to be with her.
I adored Aunt Ellen from the get-go as well. Until at a certain point she does something I didn’t at all agree with and I got quite angry with her. I understood, but I also didn’t. That just goes to show how invested I had become in the lives of these characters. I desperately wanted all the good things for them, for them to succeed in their endeavours.
Of course, Durie’s path isn’t one made of roses. There are obstacles, mainly from men who can’t stand a woman “invading their patch”. There is a dash of romance that comes with quite a bit of predictability, but I didn’t care one bit. Mostly because considering the times, it came across as entirely plausible. There is heartbreak, loss, grief but also love, family and sheer determination to pick yourself up when you fall, hold your head up high, and keep chasing your dreams.
I loved everything about ‘That Bonesetter Woman‘. I loved the characters and the setting, the two very different worlds Lucinda and Durie move in, the witty moments and yes, even that little bit of romance. I found myself utterly absorbed and engrossed from start to finish. This novel offered the perfect escapism and I was a tad sad when it ended because I gladly would have spent a lot more time with Durie. Truly delightful and I would definitely recommend it. Frances Quinn (‘The Smallest Man‘ wasn’t a fluke 😉) has now firmly found herself a spot on my list of go-to authors. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
I dare you not to fall in love with the character of Endurance “Durie” Proudfoot. She’s clumsy, will never be called attractive, doesn’t have an ounce of diplomacy in her body (I hear you, sister!) and made me chuckle out loud from the moment she was introduced to me. Durie just wants one thing in life. To be a bonesetter, like her father and grandfather before her. She learns, she studies, she watches and it turns out she actually has the gift for it. Slight problem, though. her father won’t allow her to join him because bonesetting isn’t a job for a woman. But Durie is strong, determined and stubborn. She won’t just give up on her dream.
Then there’s Durie’s sister, Lucinda. Pretty, charming, everything Durie is not. Lucinda can wrap everyone around her little finger, charm the pants off the most curmudgeonly person and turn every man’s head. I found Lucinda much harder to connect with, or even to like. She comes across as extremely entitled somehow, seemingly always choosing the easy way out because her looks afford her that possibility every time. But all of this also results in her being banished to London and Durie is to go with her. They’ll be staying with their Aunt Ellen, whom they’ve never met. It will mark the beginning of amazing, and less amazing, events for both of them.
I can’t even begin to describe the many ways I loved this novel. To have a story like this, full of incredibly strong and independent women finding their way in a man’s world and pursuing their dreams was just such a joy. Aunt Ellen is at the forefront of pretty much everything. She has been running her own successful shop for years and has absolutely no need for a man. This is in stark contrast with Lucinda who seems to think her life won’t amount to anything without a man in it, and Durie who has already accepted no man will ever want to be with her.
I adored Aunt Ellen from the get-go as well. Until at a certain point she does something I didn’t at all agree with and I got quite angry with her. I understood, but I also didn’t. That just goes to show how invested I had become in the lives of these characters. I desperately wanted all the good things for them, for them to succeed in their endeavours.
Of course, Durie’s path isn’t one made of roses. There are obstacles, mainly from men who can’t stand a woman “invading their patch”. There is a dash of romance that comes with quite a bit of predictability, but I didn’t care one bit. Mostly because considering the times, it came across as entirely plausible. There is heartbreak, loss, grief but also love, family and sheer determination to pick yourself up when you fall, hold your head up high, and keep chasing your dreams.
I loved everything about ‘That Bonesetter Woman‘. I loved the characters and the setting, the two very different worlds Lucinda and Durie move in, the witty moments and yes, even that little bit of romance. I found myself utterly absorbed and engrossed from start to finish. This novel offered the perfect escapism and I was a tad sad when it ended because I gladly would have spent a lot more time with Durie. Truly delightful and I would definitely recommend it. Frances Quinn (‘The Smallest Man‘ wasn’t a fluke 😉) has now firmly found herself a spot on my list of go-to authors. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
May 15, 2023
I absolutely adored this story; it temporarily cured me of my book hopping habit as I was so engrossed I didn’t want to read anything else! Durie was a really great character. Although based on a real person, the author gave her a much improved outcome than in real life. Totally absorbing, evocative of the period,#couldntbebetter.
July 21, 2022
Before reading this book I had very little awareness of the existence of bonesetters or what they did. I now know it involved a combination of the skill of an orthopaedic surgeon in setting fractures and that of an osteopath in treating painful joints. I certainly had no idea there were women who performed such a role. But, in her Author’s note, Frances reveals the inspiration for Endurance was a real person – Sally Mapp – a bonesetter who found fame in eighteenth century England. Other elements of Sally’s life are to be found in the story of her fictional alter ego, Endurance ‘Durie’ Proudfoot.
Durie’s story is a familiar one, that of a woman thwarted in achieving her ambition by discrimination and the social conventions of the day. Although her Aunt Ellen’s belief is that ‘if there’s work a woman’s got a talent for, she ought to do it’, it’s not as easy as that. Firstly, Durie faces opposition from her father who, whilst acknowledging she has skill, holds firmly to the belief that bonesetting is a man’s work. An unexpected, and initially unwanted, move to London for reasons related to Durie’s sister, Lucinda – plus a helping of good fortune – finally seems to provide the opportunity for Durie to perform the work she believes she was born to do. Her aunt’s commercial acumen initially brings Durie success but proves disastrous in other respects. Soon Durie is facing some pretty underhand tactics from those who cannot tolerate the idea of a woman bonesetter or, perhaps, feel threatened by her success. Unfortunately Durie’s plainspeaking and inability to ‘flannel’ only inflames the situation.
The three main female characters, Durie, Lucinda and Aunt Ellen, have things in common – determination, resilience and a desire for independence – but exhibit them in entirely different ways. Lucinda, despite coming across as shallow, hard-hearted and even duplicitous at times, nevertheless knows what it will take to succeed and nothing and no-one is going to stop her. Aunt Ellen, whom Durie concedes ‘was a lot more interesting than she’d seemed’ has built a successful business, eschewing marriage because it will mean her husband has control over everything she owns. Durie has an unflinching belief that she has the ‘knack’ of bonesetting and can help people who have been let down by conventional medicine.
There’s a feminist element running through the story. When a rift occurs between Lucinda and Durie, Aunt Ellen counsels them that they are stronger together. ‘All women are. You’ve both seen enough of men to know you can’t count on them. So make sure you can count on each other.’ As it turns out, there is one man that can be counted on.
One of the fantastic elements of the book is the way it immerses you in the life of Georgian London. There are lively scenes at the theatre as the audience’s appetite for sentimental storylines and outrageous adventures is quenched. We visit the coffee houses where patrons peruse the news sheets for details about the latest antics of members of the aristocracy – who they’ve been seen with, what they’re wearing, the establishments they patronise. The Georgian equivalent of today’s social media influencers, if you like. Not forgetting the residents of the Tower of London menagerie who play such an important (matchmaking) part in the story.
There are several heartbreaking aspects to the book: Durie’s erroneous belief that she is responsible for a tragic event; the unworldiness that means she is vulnerable to manipulation and betrayal; and an intervention made with the best of intentions but that is utterly wrong. In contrast, a particularly heartwarming storyline is neatly brought to a conclusion by means of a touching postscript.
In the Acknowledgments section the author talks about the experience of writing a second novel, including the nagging question: was the first one (The Smallest Man) a ‘fluke’? On the evidence of That Bonesetter Woman I can definitely say it wasn’t a fluke.
Durie’s story is a familiar one, that of a woman thwarted in achieving her ambition by discrimination and the social conventions of the day. Although her Aunt Ellen’s belief is that ‘if there’s work a woman’s got a talent for, she ought to do it’, it’s not as easy as that. Firstly, Durie faces opposition from her father who, whilst acknowledging she has skill, holds firmly to the belief that bonesetting is a man’s work. An unexpected, and initially unwanted, move to London for reasons related to Durie’s sister, Lucinda – plus a helping of good fortune – finally seems to provide the opportunity for Durie to perform the work she believes she was born to do. Her aunt’s commercial acumen initially brings Durie success but proves disastrous in other respects. Soon Durie is facing some pretty underhand tactics from those who cannot tolerate the idea of a woman bonesetter or, perhaps, feel threatened by her success. Unfortunately Durie’s plainspeaking and inability to ‘flannel’ only inflames the situation.
The three main female characters, Durie, Lucinda and Aunt Ellen, have things in common – determination, resilience and a desire for independence – but exhibit them in entirely different ways. Lucinda, despite coming across as shallow, hard-hearted and even duplicitous at times, nevertheless knows what it will take to succeed and nothing and no-one is going to stop her. Aunt Ellen, whom Durie concedes ‘was a lot more interesting than she’d seemed’ has built a successful business, eschewing marriage because it will mean her husband has control over everything she owns. Durie has an unflinching belief that she has the ‘knack’ of bonesetting and can help people who have been let down by conventional medicine.
There’s a feminist element running through the story. When a rift occurs between Lucinda and Durie, Aunt Ellen counsels them that they are stronger together. ‘All women are. You’ve both seen enough of men to know you can’t count on them. So make sure you can count on each other.’ As it turns out, there is one man that can be counted on.
One of the fantastic elements of the book is the way it immerses you in the life of Georgian London. There are lively scenes at the theatre as the audience’s appetite for sentimental storylines and outrageous adventures is quenched. We visit the coffee houses where patrons peruse the news sheets for details about the latest antics of members of the aristocracy – who they’ve been seen with, what they’re wearing, the establishments they patronise. The Georgian equivalent of today’s social media influencers, if you like. Not forgetting the residents of the Tower of London menagerie who play such an important (matchmaking) part in the story.
There are several heartbreaking aspects to the book: Durie’s erroneous belief that she is responsible for a tragic event; the unworldiness that means she is vulnerable to manipulation and betrayal; and an intervention made with the best of intentions but that is utterly wrong. In contrast, a particularly heartwarming storyline is neatly brought to a conclusion by means of a touching postscript.
In the Acknowledgments section the author talks about the experience of writing a second novel, including the nagging question: was the first one (The Smallest Man) a ‘fluke’? On the evidence of That Bonesetter Woman I can definitely say it wasn’t a fluke.
July 30, 2022
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Never have I loved a character more than Endurance Proudfoot. Her name for a start makes her stand out. Her desire to become a bonesetter in a man’s world marks her out. What really made her come alive on the page for me however was her wit and humour, her dry sarcasm and almost childlike honesty. There’s a scene in a cupboard where her commentary of what she can see make me snort orange juice out of my nose. Totally worth it!
The plot is a very interesting one. I had never really heard of bonesetting and certainly not the way they did it back in Georgian London. I squirm when I see it on 24 Hours in A&E so there were scenes where I did feel a bit faint but it’s so good, the writing and characters kept me going. Durie, bless her, saved me on many an occaision.
This remarkable tale is inspired by two very real bonesetters of their time and if the real Endurance had been half as witty as the fictional one then I hope someone invents a time machine as I want to meet her. She stops at nothing to become a bonesetter and help her father. When that fails, she sets up on her own and gives the grumpy London doctors as good as she gets. How I cheered when she got one up on them or fired a comment their way. It’s not all plain sailing of course and the poor girl goes ghrough hell but I loved the way she never let anything stop her. When she couldn’t view human bones, she went to the Tower of London and watched lions and monkeys.
There’s a heartbreaking thread about the Foundling Hospital and that was sad. Once again, it’s Endurance who comes through. These two story threads blended well with each other and the ending was a big pile of bones wrapped up with a mash of ribbons (well this is Endurance we are taling about)
Excellent writing and pacing, wonderful characters that really did come alive off the page and a fascinating look at Georgian London and the medical practices of the day.
April 11, 2022
That Bonesetter woman is Durie (Endurance) Proudfoot. Raised by her Bonesetter father and stepmother in 18th centaury Lewes, the ungainly and forthright Durie realises she has a talent for bonesetting on an impromptu work visit with her father. It's no job for a woman though according to the folks around her and her only shot at proving herself comes when her stepbrother, Richie, proves to have a weak stomach for the work. In a bid to spur Richie on, her father pits the two against each other in competition, dangling the promise of a job as his assistant as a reward. All Durie's hopes are crushed when her beautiful sister, Lucinda, is seduced and impregnated by the local lord and the pair are shipped off to Aunt Ellen in London for Lucinda's laying in.
Aunt Ellen is a successful businesswoman, who's cool head for business and inner knowledge of the workings of London society stand the two girls in good stead as they rise and fall in the London scene and discover what exactly each of them requires to be happy.
That Bonesetter Woman contains the hallmarks of historical fiction - un-wanted pregnancy and a foundling hospital - check. Falling in love with someone already married - check. Being hoodwinked by a handsome rogue after your money - check. Fall from grace but rising above it - check. However, it does it in a really good way. It never turns mawkish and there's no weeping and wailing in hovels. It never falls into the category I like to affectionately term "poverty porn".
Another way that makes this novel stand out is its celebration of female strength. Aunt Ellen chooses to remain a spinster and is happy as such, Durie shows that hard work pays off, Lucinda unashamedly cashes in on her looks and the rest of her family accept it (no bemoaning her for a whore and turning their backs on her here - instead they make sure she has a contract before she sets up as a mistress), and the stepmother shows hard work and skill in business and contentment in marriage and motherhood. All aspects of femininity are shown and celebrated and I enjoyed the representation that not all women find happiness in the same quarters. This is a story of redemption, love, and accepting yourselves and others as they are.
I feel a bit mean giving only 2 stars but according to the Goodreads rating system that means the book was "OK". And it is OK. It's not ground breaking in any way but it's a nice story told in an easy accessible way. It's also not high literature so there's no playing around with concept and style which is just perfect for upcoming summer travel. It's a book accessible to all readers and it's lack of "scenes of a sexual nature" and bad language mean that it's one you can share with older teens on holiday. It's predictability brings a sense of comfort whilst reading and it's overall feelgood nature uplifts the reader. You can't help but cheer the awkward and forthright Durie on.
That Bonestter Woman is a engaging and uplifting historical tale which will be enjoyed by fans of Lesley Pearce and Dangerous Women by Hope Adams.
Aunt Ellen is a successful businesswoman, who's cool head for business and inner knowledge of the workings of London society stand the two girls in good stead as they rise and fall in the London scene and discover what exactly each of them requires to be happy.
That Bonesetter Woman contains the hallmarks of historical fiction - un-wanted pregnancy and a foundling hospital - check. Falling in love with someone already married - check. Being hoodwinked by a handsome rogue after your money - check. Fall from grace but rising above it - check. However, it does it in a really good way. It never turns mawkish and there's no weeping and wailing in hovels. It never falls into the category I like to affectionately term "poverty porn".
Another way that makes this novel stand out is its celebration of female strength. Aunt Ellen chooses to remain a spinster and is happy as such, Durie shows that hard work pays off, Lucinda unashamedly cashes in on her looks and the rest of her family accept it (no bemoaning her for a whore and turning their backs on her here - instead they make sure she has a contract before she sets up as a mistress), and the stepmother shows hard work and skill in business and contentment in marriage and motherhood. All aspects of femininity are shown and celebrated and I enjoyed the representation that not all women find happiness in the same quarters. This is a story of redemption, love, and accepting yourselves and others as they are.
I feel a bit mean giving only 2 stars but according to the Goodreads rating system that means the book was "OK". And it is OK. It's not ground breaking in any way but it's a nice story told in an easy accessible way. It's also not high literature so there's no playing around with concept and style which is just perfect for upcoming summer travel. It's a book accessible to all readers and it's lack of "scenes of a sexual nature" and bad language mean that it's one you can share with older teens on holiday. It's predictability brings a sense of comfort whilst reading and it's overall feelgood nature uplifts the reader. You can't help but cheer the awkward and forthright Durie on.
That Bonestter Woman is a engaging and uplifting historical tale which will be enjoyed by fans of Lesley Pearce and Dangerous Women by Hope Adams.
August 25, 2022
A thoroughly charming book. With her filterless straight-talking, inability to lie, and obvious dyspraxia, the main character, Drurie, has an innocent quality that suggests some autistic spectrum traits, and it gives the narration a unique, almost factual, occasionally child-like feel that I found intriguing. The horrible misogyny and bullying Drurie endures, as well as her extreme naivety and credulity, is at times difficult to read, but her spirit and eventual triumph is more uplifting as a result. There is some predictability to the story, but that was not a bad thing for me. I like to see a happy ending coming on the horizon. There were also a good number of Historical Fiction tropes, but I thought they were dealt with with quite a nice twist. The foundling child's mother was not upset about the situation. The step mother was not evil. The single women didn't all want a wealthy husband. The rich people weren't all bad and the poor people weren't all good. The premise, loosely based on a real historical character apparently, was really interesting and gave a superb angle from which to view a sector of Georgian society that we don't often see--the doctors, lawyers and merchants, as opposed to the extremes of society, the elite or servant classes, which is more common in historical fiction. I wouldn't have minded a bit more of the bone-crunching action, which is a weird thing to say, but I found I enjoyed watching Drurie work, and for large parts of the book, she didn't. There were also parts of the book that felt glossed over or simplified, but that's to be expected in a story that spans 5 years. Overall, I found the whole thing a delight to read, and the very last letter gave me a happy tear in my eye. Would definitely recommend.
August 7, 2022
Oh I really loved this one. What a fabulous character Endurance Proudfoot is!
May 17, 2022
Frances Quinn is fast becoming one of my new favourite novelists. I read her debut 'The Smallest Man' this year and loved it to bits, recommending it to everyone. Then I won a proof copy of her new novel 'That Bonesetter Woman' (publication July 2022) in a competition. In this story, the author has created yet another main protagonist who grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go until you've found out how they fare. I don't normally read 'historical fiction' as such but in both novels Quinn creates a historical setting for her characters with very little fuss which probably shows how much work she puts into it. Also, the character of Endurance Proudfoot and her resilience is will not easily be forgotten; I kept thinking 'How much MORE can this character take?' but, of course, that's what keeps you turning the pages. I especially liked the short chapters in this one, too, which again kept up the pace. Next, please!
July 21, 2022
Absolutely loved this glorious read. Felt immersed into this world straight away and I felt that I was walking those streets with Endurance. The Foundling hospital storyline was delicately done and so thought provoking.
This is a really unusual storyline, and Dorie stands out as a real heroine of her time. Its hard to say too much without spoilers but I was enthralled by the way she handled the constant put downs of her work.
Sweet, endearing Endurance, riveting.
This is a really unusual storyline, and Dorie stands out as a real heroine of her time. Its hard to say too much without spoilers but I was enthralled by the way she handled the constant put downs of her work.
Sweet, endearing Endurance, riveting.
November 11, 2024
“She couldn’t fit in, so she decided to stand out.”
If you enjoy reading late into the night because you must read one-more-page, then this is the book for you.
What words to describe “That Bonesetter Woman”? Unexpected. Touching. The opposite of predictable. Moving. A proper story. And despite moments when I feared I couldn’t keep reading…it has a HEA ending.
Set in the 18th century, this is the story of Durie, a galumph of a woman who feels like a donkey compared to her talented sister. Named Endurance because her mother had to endure and subsequently died from her birth, Durie has one reason to live…her calling as a bonesetter. When she lays hands on dislocated bones or damaged joints, she comes alive. But unfortunately, the can be no such thing as a female bonesetter, so she must accompany her disgraced sister to London, to await the birth of an illegitimate child.
But once in London, a freak accident pitches Durie into a moment of destiny, where she encounters both her salivation and future downfall. In a story that has heart-touching moments of love, and dread at the pain to come, this is a wonderful story with several surprises up its sleeve.
I loved how true-to-herself Durie was, and that she acted out her best judgment, despite knowing it was not acceptable to society. I wanted to applaud the true friends she made along the way, and even came to respect that self-centred sister of hers.
This is the second book by Frances Quinn, and I’m off to check out the first. Can recommend higher than that!
If you enjoy reading late into the night because you must read one-more-page, then this is the book for you.
What words to describe “That Bonesetter Woman”? Unexpected. Touching. The opposite of predictable. Moving. A proper story. And despite moments when I feared I couldn’t keep reading…it has a HEA ending.
Set in the 18th century, this is the story of Durie, a galumph of a woman who feels like a donkey compared to her talented sister. Named Endurance because her mother had to endure and subsequently died from her birth, Durie has one reason to live…her calling as a bonesetter. When she lays hands on dislocated bones or damaged joints, she comes alive. But unfortunately, the can be no such thing as a female bonesetter, so she must accompany her disgraced sister to London, to await the birth of an illegitimate child.
But once in London, a freak accident pitches Durie into a moment of destiny, where she encounters both her salivation and future downfall. In a story that has heart-touching moments of love, and dread at the pain to come, this is a wonderful story with several surprises up its sleeve.
I loved how true-to-herself Durie was, and that she acted out her best judgment, despite knowing it was not acceptable to society. I wanted to applaud the true friends she made along the way, and even came to respect that self-centred sister of hers.
This is the second book by Frances Quinn, and I’m off to check out the first. Can recommend higher than that!
September 12, 2022
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for approving me for an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed the audio version of Frances Quinn’s previous novel, The Smallest Man, and couldn’t wait to read her latest.
From the start Durie is the type of character you want to see succeed. She’s clearly different to her sister Lucinda and has clear plans on what she wants to do with her life. Unfortunately Durie’s passions break out of the social norms and even her father isn’t keen to help her achieve them. What I came to admire was not just Durie’s no nonsense attitude but the way she held herself during difficult times and fought with determination to get what she wanted.
Arguably, thanks to the influence of her Aunt Ellen, Durie does lose sight of what her end game is but you can’t fault her or her aunt for their business like minds. It’s actually because of Ellen that you see Durie achieving more than she originally planned and despite my early reservation Ellen becomes a great crutch for Durie. The journey through all her difficulties and obstacles that she faced were brilliantly written.
This story beautifully captures life in a male dominant world, where women are expected to achieve nothing but birth children and keep their husbands happy. I was cheering Durie and Ellen on happy to see them break from the mould and take London by storm. Another fantastic read from Frances Quinn, I look forward to many more!
From the start Durie is the type of character you want to see succeed. She’s clearly different to her sister Lucinda and has clear plans on what she wants to do with her life. Unfortunately Durie’s passions break out of the social norms and even her father isn’t keen to help her achieve them. What I came to admire was not just Durie’s no nonsense attitude but the way she held herself during difficult times and fought with determination to get what she wanted.
Arguably, thanks to the influence of her Aunt Ellen, Durie does lose sight of what her end game is but you can’t fault her or her aunt for their business like minds. It’s actually because of Ellen that you see Durie achieving more than she originally planned and despite my early reservation Ellen becomes a great crutch for Durie. The journey through all her difficulties and obstacles that she faced were brilliantly written.
This story beautifully captures life in a male dominant world, where women are expected to achieve nothing but birth children and keep their husbands happy. I was cheering Durie and Ellen on happy to see them break from the mould and take London by storm. Another fantastic read from Frances Quinn, I look forward to many more!
January 8, 2024
3.5 - overall, interesting story, enjoyable book. My complaint comes from the “drama” introduced with a romantic relationship. If this portion were left out, easily 5 stars. I loved the sisters relationship as it played so realistically, with very clever storylines. But don’t give me a protagonist-feminist in the 1700/s that’s completely unrealistic. (I may hold to ideals of writing a character like Jo from Little Women if you want a woman challenging the times….)
January 6, 2026
That last page had me sobbing!!!!
June 17, 2022
I loved this! I’ll admit that when I first saw that this was a novel about a female bonesetter in the 18th century, I was sceptical. Was this really something a woman would be able to do at that time or was this going to be another book, like one or two others I’ve read recently, based around a completely anachronistic idea that could never have happened in reality? Then I discovered that there really was a female bonesetter working in London in the 1700s: her name was Sally Mapp and her story has provided Frances Quinn with the inspiration for her latest novel.
That Bonesetter Woman begins with Endurance Proudfoot – known as Durie – arriving in London in 1757 with her sister, Lucinda. The unmarried Lucinda has found herself pregnant and, with Durie accompanying her, has been hastily packed off to stay with an aunt so that she can give birth away from prying eyes at home. Durie is not at all happy to be sent away; she had been on the verge of persuading her father, a bonesetter, to allow her to work with him as his assistant. Now it looks as though the position will go to her younger brother instead. This is devastating for Durie – with her large hands and feet, social awkwardness and tendency to always say and do the wrong thing, bonesetting is the one thing she’s discovered she’s good at.
Watching with a mixture of admiration and resentment as Lucinda overcomes her own personal crisis and launches a new career for herself on the London stage, Durie decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. She’s determined to find a way to do the work she loves and nothing is going to stop her.
This is a fascinating novel, particularly as it’s loosely based on the lives of real people (like Durie, Sally Mapp was believed to have a sister, Lavinia Fenton, who became a famous London actress). I enjoyed reading about Durie’s work as a bonesetter – similar to a modern-day chiropractor or osteopath, I think – but what particularly interested me was seeing the obstacles she had to overcome to be allowed to carry out her work at all, the mistrust from patients on discovering that they were going to be treated by a woman, and the hostility she faces from the existing, exclusively male, medical community. Poor Durie experiences one setback after another, but her passion for bonesetting and helping those in pain really shines through.
Although Durie is not considered a great beauty like her sister, she does have love interests throughout the novel but her lack of self-confidence leads to her making mistakes and poor decisions. Nothing ever seems to go her way, but while things often look bleak for Durie I never stopped hoping that she would find happiness and success in the end.
As I come to the end of this review I realise there are a lot of things I haven’t mentioned – the vivid portrayal of 18th century London, the menagerie in the Tower of London, the subplot involving the Foundling Hospital – but there’s so much going on in this novel, I can’t include all of it! It’s a great book and I will have to find time to read Frances Quinn’s previous novel, The Smallest Man.
That Bonesetter Woman begins with Endurance Proudfoot – known as Durie – arriving in London in 1757 with her sister, Lucinda. The unmarried Lucinda has found herself pregnant and, with Durie accompanying her, has been hastily packed off to stay with an aunt so that she can give birth away from prying eyes at home. Durie is not at all happy to be sent away; she had been on the verge of persuading her father, a bonesetter, to allow her to work with him as his assistant. Now it looks as though the position will go to her younger brother instead. This is devastating for Durie – with her large hands and feet, social awkwardness and tendency to always say and do the wrong thing, bonesetting is the one thing she’s discovered she’s good at.
Watching with a mixture of admiration and resentment as Lucinda overcomes her own personal crisis and launches a new career for herself on the London stage, Durie decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. She’s determined to find a way to do the work she loves and nothing is going to stop her.
This is a fascinating novel, particularly as it’s loosely based on the lives of real people (like Durie, Sally Mapp was believed to have a sister, Lavinia Fenton, who became a famous London actress). I enjoyed reading about Durie’s work as a bonesetter – similar to a modern-day chiropractor or osteopath, I think – but what particularly interested me was seeing the obstacles she had to overcome to be allowed to carry out her work at all, the mistrust from patients on discovering that they were going to be treated by a woman, and the hostility she faces from the existing, exclusively male, medical community. Poor Durie experiences one setback after another, but her passion for bonesetting and helping those in pain really shines through.
Although Durie is not considered a great beauty like her sister, she does have love interests throughout the novel but her lack of self-confidence leads to her making mistakes and poor decisions. Nothing ever seems to go her way, but while things often look bleak for Durie I never stopped hoping that she would find happiness and success in the end.
As I come to the end of this review I realise there are a lot of things I haven’t mentioned – the vivid portrayal of 18th century London, the menagerie in the Tower of London, the subplot involving the Foundling Hospital – but there’s so much going on in this novel, I can’t include all of it! It’s a great book and I will have to find time to read Frances Quinn’s previous novel, The Smallest Man.
September 9, 2023
I chose to read this book because I read a very positive review of this historical fiction novel a while ago and the unusual occupation piqued my interest as well, and then I haven't even mentioned the beautiful cover. Also, the author mentions her three furry friends in the dedication (yes and the husband too) so I was already feeling this was going to be a good match, and I wasn't wrong!
Durie (given name Endurance) might not hold back when she talks but she's such a good hearted person and she had me on her side from the very first pages. Durie's always the odd one out, she doesn't have her sister's good looks and she's not good at sewing or anything else but when she sees her father at work she knows she found her true calling, she wants to be a bonesetter too, setting joints, helping people with stiff backs. The only problem is that the profession is handed from father to son and there are no female bonesetters. When she is sent with her sister Lucinda to live with her Aunt Ellen for a little while who has a confectionary store in London, she has to put her dream on hold.
It's not very often that I find myself so addicted to a story that isn't a crime novel but I simply had to know how Durie would get on in London. I witnessed her highs and lows, the resistance from her own family, then the established doctors when she tried to carve her own way, her success thanks to a little boy but also the lies that were spread about her. That Bonesetter Woman is a sweeping story that crept into my heart. Aunt Ellen was a wonderful and wise character with much business sense and I liked her a lot even though I didn't agree with her meddling at one crucial moment and it was the only time I didn't like her so much. But overall I loved how Aunt Ellen was such an advocate of female independence.
There are a lot of obstacles for Durie to do what she loves best which is fixing people but I loved her passion and her determination, it spat of the pages. As a reader I knew at times a little more than Durie herself and it hurt me to know when someone didn't have her best interests at heart. I could only hope for a happy ending and I hope I'm not spoiling it by saying that I was quite satisfied with the way it ended, karma always finds its way.
Kudos to the author for making the story feel so authentic (she explains in the epilogue it was inspired by a real story), she did lots of research and it shows and creates a depth needed in such a historical fiction novel. As a result I almost didn't want to say goodbye to Durie, her sister and aunt, and Cromley the lion. I'll be only too happy to sign up for Quinn's next novel.
Durie (given name Endurance) might not hold back when she talks but she's such a good hearted person and she had me on her side from the very first pages. Durie's always the odd one out, she doesn't have her sister's good looks and she's not good at sewing or anything else but when she sees her father at work she knows she found her true calling, she wants to be a bonesetter too, setting joints, helping people with stiff backs. The only problem is that the profession is handed from father to son and there are no female bonesetters. When she is sent with her sister Lucinda to live with her Aunt Ellen for a little while who has a confectionary store in London, she has to put her dream on hold.
It's not very often that I find myself so addicted to a story that isn't a crime novel but I simply had to know how Durie would get on in London. I witnessed her highs and lows, the resistance from her own family, then the established doctors when she tried to carve her own way, her success thanks to a little boy but also the lies that were spread about her. That Bonesetter Woman is a sweeping story that crept into my heart. Aunt Ellen was a wonderful and wise character with much business sense and I liked her a lot even though I didn't agree with her meddling at one crucial moment and it was the only time I didn't like her so much. But overall I loved how Aunt Ellen was such an advocate of female independence.
There are a lot of obstacles for Durie to do what she loves best which is fixing people but I loved her passion and her determination, it spat of the pages. As a reader I knew at times a little more than Durie herself and it hurt me to know when someone didn't have her best interests at heart. I could only hope for a happy ending and I hope I'm not spoiling it by saying that I was quite satisfied with the way it ended, karma always finds its way.
Kudos to the author for making the story feel so authentic (she explains in the epilogue it was inspired by a real story), she did lots of research and it shows and creates a depth needed in such a historical fiction novel. As a result I almost didn't want to say goodbye to Durie, her sister and aunt, and Cromley the lion. I'll be only too happy to sign up for Quinn's next novel.
November 2, 2022
The Smallest Man really inspired me with a desire to read historical fiction again after a long gap and to read more of Frances Quinn.
This is the delightful story of Endurance Proudfoot (Durie), large set, unprepossessing, clumsy..the daughter of the local bonesetter. Bonesetters, in some societal circles regarded as little more than a hack, were greatly valued in others. Durie watches her father at work and has ambitions to follow him in this career, endeavouring to provide practical assistance wherever possible and carrying out her own research. It is clear that she has a natural talent. However, she is a woman and thwarted in her ambition by parents who do not see this as an appropriate career for a girl. They plan to train up her brother instead. Durie’s sister, Lucinda, is a coquettish young woman who has fallen astray to false promises made by a gentleman of wealth. She has to be disappeared to London to avoid observation of her pregnancy. Her baby will also be disappeared ..to the local foundry hospital. Durie is sent to London to keep her sister company, both of them employed by their Aunt.
This is another delightful story populated by wonderfully rounded characters and with a really strong sense of time and place. This has a very different feel from Smallest Man - it felt much more character driven with the character of Dorie being right at the heart. She’s courageous, warm hearted, hard working, compassionate..and her story is one that you hope will have a good ending. It also feels very much a social history with wonderful detail about food, dress, employment and …bonesetters. I had never heard of bonesetters! I was rushing straight off to find out more. That is the sign of the best historical fiction..when you are inspired to find out more.
The writing is if anything lighter than the Smallest Man, and sucks you in straight away. At times I really could not put this down because I had to know what happened to Durie.
Hope that there is more on its way from this author!
This is the delightful story of Endurance Proudfoot (Durie), large set, unprepossessing, clumsy..the daughter of the local bonesetter. Bonesetters, in some societal circles regarded as little more than a hack, were greatly valued in others. Durie watches her father at work and has ambitions to follow him in this career, endeavouring to provide practical assistance wherever possible and carrying out her own research. It is clear that she has a natural talent. However, she is a woman and thwarted in her ambition by parents who do not see this as an appropriate career for a girl. They plan to train up her brother instead. Durie’s sister, Lucinda, is a coquettish young woman who has fallen astray to false promises made by a gentleman of wealth. She has to be disappeared to London to avoid observation of her pregnancy. Her baby will also be disappeared ..to the local foundry hospital. Durie is sent to London to keep her sister company, both of them employed by their Aunt.
This is another delightful story populated by wonderfully rounded characters and with a really strong sense of time and place. This has a very different feel from Smallest Man - it felt much more character driven with the character of Dorie being right at the heart. She’s courageous, warm hearted, hard working, compassionate..and her story is one that you hope will have a good ending. It also feels very much a social history with wonderful detail about food, dress, employment and …bonesetters. I had never heard of bonesetters! I was rushing straight off to find out more. That is the sign of the best historical fiction..when you are inspired to find out more.
The writing is if anything lighter than the Smallest Man, and sucks you in straight away. At times I really could not put this down because I had to know what happened to Durie.
Hope that there is more on its way from this author!
April 20, 2023
Historical fiction, based on a true story, strong women before their time. Heartwarming story
October 16, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
October 2, 2024
Amazing !! I loved this book so much. The characters were so well drawn out especially Lucinda. Listen on audible, made all the difference to the experience
January 7, 2024
4/4.25
July 26, 2023
Wonderful wonderful wonderful book. Cannot recommend it enough.
December 28, 2023
4-1/2 ⭐️ review at book club
December 11, 2022
I adored Frances Quinn’s debut novel, The Smallest Man when I read and reviewed it in 2020 and was so excited at the prospect of another novel. That Bonesetter Woman is again historical fiction and with a main character that finds herself out of step with everyone else.
Endurance (Durie) Proudfoot has not been blessed with grace nor beauty and speaks as she finds – her honesty often being her downfall. Her elder sister Lucinda is the opposite, graceful and pretty who has no trouble attracting men and whose ambition for the stage is a perfect match for her talents.
Durie however has a talent of her own unfortunately it is not one that women are known for. Her father is a bonesetter, a trade which is traditionally passed from father to son. Even though Durie is much more suited to the task than her brother, she has to take a back seat simply because she is the wrong sex.
For reasons which are unfortunate to say the least, Lucinda and Durie find themselves living in London, with their Aunt Ellen, a sharp minded, straight talking spinster businesswoman with her own bakery. Durie is less suited to baking than she was to sewing and when an opportunity arises to use her bonesetting skills, she does so. Durie begins her new career with enthusiasm. However she may be talented but she is rather naïve in other ways and she will soon need all her self preservation to get her through if she is to succeed both professionally and personally.
I don’t want to delve into the plot on this because Durie’s story really is one that you must discover for yourself. I really took Durie to my heart – I loved her for her compassion and her determination not to give in and felt sadness at the unwise decisions and the prejudice she suffered. Durie and Lucinda really were chalk and cheese, Lucinda was flighty and rather self centred and it was Durie who showed the most humanity when Lucinda turned her back.
With this second book, Frances Quinn has found her place on my list of auto-buy authors. I just love her style of writing which is so very readable – her evocative descriptions bring to life the characters and locations without being overdone nor flowery. This fictional story is also a commentary of the times and is told against the background of women’s rights upon marriage (or rather the lack of), prejudice and misogyny.
I loved this and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Durie is an unforgettable character who undertakes both an epic personal and professional journey and I would love to see another book that follows the future of some of these characters. That Bonesetter Woman will definitely have a place on my favourite books of the year list.
Endurance (Durie) Proudfoot has not been blessed with grace nor beauty and speaks as she finds – her honesty often being her downfall. Her elder sister Lucinda is the opposite, graceful and pretty who has no trouble attracting men and whose ambition for the stage is a perfect match for her talents.
Durie however has a talent of her own unfortunately it is not one that women are known for. Her father is a bonesetter, a trade which is traditionally passed from father to son. Even though Durie is much more suited to the task than her brother, she has to take a back seat simply because she is the wrong sex.
For reasons which are unfortunate to say the least, Lucinda and Durie find themselves living in London, with their Aunt Ellen, a sharp minded, straight talking spinster businesswoman with her own bakery. Durie is less suited to baking than she was to sewing and when an opportunity arises to use her bonesetting skills, she does so. Durie begins her new career with enthusiasm. However she may be talented but she is rather naïve in other ways and she will soon need all her self preservation to get her through if she is to succeed both professionally and personally.
I don’t want to delve into the plot on this because Durie’s story really is one that you must discover for yourself. I really took Durie to my heart – I loved her for her compassion and her determination not to give in and felt sadness at the unwise decisions and the prejudice she suffered. Durie and Lucinda really were chalk and cheese, Lucinda was flighty and rather self centred and it was Durie who showed the most humanity when Lucinda turned her back.
With this second book, Frances Quinn has found her place on my list of auto-buy authors. I just love her style of writing which is so very readable – her evocative descriptions bring to life the characters and locations without being overdone nor flowery. This fictional story is also a commentary of the times and is told against the background of women’s rights upon marriage (or rather the lack of), prejudice and misogyny.
I loved this and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Durie is an unforgettable character who undertakes both an epic personal and professional journey and I would love to see another book that follows the future of some of these characters. That Bonesetter Woman will definitely have a place on my favourite books of the year list.
April 26, 2023
Endurance Proudfoot knows she is no beauty - tall and ungainly, broad and muscular, she's very different from her delicate beautiful sister Lucinda. However, this makes Durie perfect for learning the family trade - bonesetting. But when Lucinda gets into trouble and is shipped off to an aunt in London, Durie is made to go with her and leave her bonesetting dreams behind. But Durie uses her skiulls in London's wealthy circles to get noticed but this also means she attracts the wrong sort of attention.
This was such an enjoyable audiobook - I really loved Durie's POV and she is someone that is very easy to like and to root for. Coincidentally, I ended up reading a few books all set in the 1750s-1800s around the same time but set in different areas of London, and within different social classes but it made me feel like I had a really well-rounded view of London during this time and it improved my reading experience.
I did find Lucinda a very annoying character, not to mention spoiled and selfish but I enjoyed the maturity growth and character development in her by the end of the novel. And Durie also learns (the hard way) that just because she is good, honest and straight-talking, it doesn't mean everyone is.
This book is a real testament to real women who have come before us and had to find a way to pave their way and make a living in a world that was occupied by men who didn't want to move over to make room. Durie's endurance and strength despite every obstacle that is thrown at her from heartbreak, betrayal and unfair accusations against her character, is brilliant to read despite it being hard to witness all these hard things.
I loved the romance between Durie and George, the tenderness and innocence between them and the way George really truly saw Durie for exactly who she is and loved her for it. I won't say too much about the other romance in the other book other than that every step of the way of it gave me the feeling of dread and there was one part where I felt I couldn't even go on as I was so afraid for Durie - I just didn't want her to get hurt!
This is a brilliant, quieter type of historical fiction novel and I will be reading the author's other book as soon as I can!
This was such an enjoyable audiobook - I really loved Durie's POV and she is someone that is very easy to like and to root for. Coincidentally, I ended up reading a few books all set in the 1750s-1800s around the same time but set in different areas of London, and within different social classes but it made me feel like I had a really well-rounded view of London during this time and it improved my reading experience.
I did find Lucinda a very annoying character, not to mention spoiled and selfish but I enjoyed the maturity growth and character development in her by the end of the novel. And Durie also learns (the hard way) that just because she is good, honest and straight-talking, it doesn't mean everyone is.
This book is a real testament to real women who have come before us and had to find a way to pave their way and make a living in a world that was occupied by men who didn't want to move over to make room. Durie's endurance and strength despite every obstacle that is thrown at her from heartbreak, betrayal and unfair accusations against her character, is brilliant to read despite it being hard to witness all these hard things.
I loved the romance between Durie and George, the tenderness and innocence between them and the way George really truly saw Durie for exactly who she is and loved her for it. I won't say too much about the other romance in the other book other than that every step of the way of it gave me the feeling of dread and there was one part where I felt I couldn't even go on as I was so afraid for Durie - I just didn't want her to get hurt!
This is a brilliant, quieter type of historical fiction novel and I will be reading the author's other book as soon as I can!
January 3, 2025
Great story and writing; the style was very similar to Quinn’s The Smallest Man, which I also loved. The characters are so well described and developed that it’s easy to feel attached to some (and the opposite for others). One plot point frustrated me so much but made me need to keep reading in the hope that it eventually resolved itself.
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