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Nora Beady #2
Chirurgo duktė
Nora Bidi yra vienintelė studentė prestižinėje medicinos mokykloje Bolonijoje. Anglijoje ekscentriško chirurgo Horacijaus Krofto namuose užaugusi ir ten su medicinos paslaptimis susipažinusi mergina yra tikra retenybė, nes devynioliktame amžiuje iš moterų tikimasi, kad jos sėdės namie ir augins vaikus. Tačiau atkakli ir užsispyrusi Nora siekia tapti licencijuota chirurge, o tai stipriai užgauna daugelio jos kolegų vyrų jausmus.
Susidurdama vien tik su priešiškumu Nora iš paskutiniųjų stengiasi išlikti vyrų pasaulyje. Viskas pasikeičia, kai ji susipažįsta su Magdalena Marenko, vienintele moterimi gydytoja Bolonijos ligoninėje. Bendromis pastangomis moterys ima tobulinti novatorišką cezario pjūvio operaciją. Ši procedūra – itin pavojinga, jos tyrimai sudėtingi ir varginantys, tačiau sunkiausia yra ištverti tulžingą vyrų atsaką. Dažnas jų verčiau atiduos savo žmoną likimo valiai nei į patyrusios medikės rankas.
Vieną dieną į Norą kreipiasi pacientė, kuriai gresia mirtis, jei nebus atlikta cezario operacija. Nora supranta, kad jeigu procedūra pavyks, jos darbas galėtų pakeisti pasaulį. Tačiau nesėkmė nušluotų viską: brangias gyvybes, Noros karjerą ir galimybes kitoms moterims užsiimti medicinos praktika.
Susidurdama vien tik su priešiškumu Nora iš paskutiniųjų stengiasi išlikti vyrų pasaulyje. Viskas pasikeičia, kai ji susipažįsta su Magdalena Marenko, vienintele moterimi gydytoja Bolonijos ligoninėje. Bendromis pastangomis moterys ima tobulinti novatorišką cezario pjūvio operaciją. Ši procedūra – itin pavojinga, jos tyrimai sudėtingi ir varginantys, tačiau sunkiausia yra ištverti tulžingą vyrų atsaką. Dažnas jų verčiau atiduos savo žmoną likimo valiai nei į patyrusios medikės rankas.
Vieną dieną į Norą kreipiasi pacientė, kuriai gresia mirtis, jei nebus atlikta cezario operacija. Nora supranta, kad jeigu procedūra pavyks, jos darbas galėtų pakeisti pasaulį. Tačiau nesėkmė nušluotų viską: brangias gyvybes, Noros karjerą ir galimybes kitoms moterims užsiimti medicinos praktika.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,972 reviews
October 3, 2022
In a Nutshell: I liked it, I didn’t love it. The medical details are excellent. The characters failed to make an impression. Why isn’t it revealed anywhere that this is a sequel?!?!?!!? Grrrrrr!!!!
(ETA: The book info is now updated on Goodreads to show up as 'Nora Beady #2'. So the above complaint is no longer valid. But I am not updating the rest of my review because when I read it, there was no indication of its being a sequel.)
Story:
First things first. I had no idea that this was a sequel to ‘The Girl in His Shadow: A Novel’. There is no indication of this on Goodreads, or NetGalley, or even on the book’s cover. The story very clearly continues from the events of the book one. So to put it quite bluntly, I feel cheated.
Second. A book MAY not be advertised as a sequel if it can be read as a standalone. While this story is complete by itself, there are many references to events that happened in the first book. (Please note, only reference, no details.) Most of the characters are from the first book, so there is not much background info on them in this novel. It is assumed that you know them well and hence will understand their behaviour without much elaboration required. I repeat, I feel cheated.
(Just in case my irritation hasn’t made itself evident, let me clarify further. I am a series freak and I avoid reading books out of series order. There are exceptions, of course, but this is when I know that the book is a part of a series and I am aware of the break in the order when I make my choice. This title didn’t award me that knowledge.)
Where the book worked for me:
👌 The medical details are outstanding. Whether it is about the Caesarean section or the other ailments peppered regularly in the story, the doctors’ busy lives and their attempts to learn more using corpses, everything connected to the medical world is enlightening. (It might be better to read the book while you aren’t eating. Some of the procedures will make you queasy!)
👌 The book casts light on the limitations placed on women not just in medical school but also in general society. While we are already aware of the struggles of the women of the past whose battles have allowed us a much better life in the 21st century, it is still good to know more on this topic.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
☠ Ahem… If I had known that it was a continuation and not a standalone as I was led to believe.
☠ If the character backstories had been provided in greater detail so as to not inconvenience those readers who pick this book without reading the first one. All the returning characters felt flat because of this writing choice.
☠ I don’t think the cover suits the book AT ALL! (Actually, even the title left me confused for a long time. It took me almost half the book to understand that the surgeon’s daughter referred to Nora and not Magdalena.)
☠ The book should have established its time period clearly right at the start. Only at the 70% mark is it revealed that the story is set in 1847. (Not sure if I missed an earlier reference in the audiobook.) So until that time, I wasn’t sure where to place the story, though I knew it was in some historical period.
The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 13.5 hrs, is narrated by Susan Lyons. Her narration was good, not outstanding but not bad as well. Actually, her reading felt more like a general reading than a performance. No separate accents, no nuanced distinctions between characters. While all this isn’t a must, it does help enhance the listening experience if well done. Still, it is a decent audiobook and would definitely work for audio newbies as well as regulars.
All in all, I certainly would have enjoyed the story a lot more had I had the chance to know the characters better through the first book. I liked the story but couldn’t establish a connection with a single character, which is quite sad considering there were two strong female characters - Dr. Nora Beady and Dr. Magdalena Morenco.
Recommended to those who have read and loved ‘The Girl in His Shadow’.
3.5 stars, rounding down because my disappointment doesn’t allow me to click that fourth star.
My thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Surgeon's Daughter”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
(ETA: The book info is now updated on Goodreads to show up as 'Nora Beady #2'. So the above complaint is no longer valid. But I am not updating the rest of my review because when I read it, there was no indication of its being a sequel.)
Story:
Nora Beady has arrived at the famed medical school in Bologna to study medicine as her native England doesn’t allow women to become licensed surgeons. She is very clear that on completion of her studies, she will return to her country and practise along with her mentor Dr. Horace Croft. Though the Italian college has opened its doors to women, the biases still remain. Nora has to work harder to show that she is as capable (maybe, even more) to handle surgery, especially in the field of obstetrics, where she is learning the new technique of the Caesarean section under the only female doctor on staff, Dr. Magdalena Morenco.
The story is written in a limited third person point of view of Nora and Dr. Daniel Gibson, her beau who is facing his own problems back in England.
First things first. I had no idea that this was a sequel to ‘The Girl in His Shadow: A Novel’. There is no indication of this on Goodreads, or NetGalley, or even on the book’s cover. The story very clearly continues from the events of the book one. So to put it quite bluntly, I feel cheated.
Second. A book MAY not be advertised as a sequel if it can be read as a standalone. While this story is complete by itself, there are many references to events that happened in the first book. (Please note, only reference, no details.) Most of the characters are from the first book, so there is not much background info on them in this novel. It is assumed that you know them well and hence will understand their behaviour without much elaboration required. I repeat, I feel cheated.
(Just in case my irritation hasn’t made itself evident, let me clarify further. I am a series freak and I avoid reading books out of series order. There are exceptions, of course, but this is when I know that the book is a part of a series and I am aware of the break in the order when I make my choice. This title didn’t award me that knowledge.)
Where the book worked for me:
👌 The medical details are outstanding. Whether it is about the Caesarean section or the other ailments peppered regularly in the story, the doctors’ busy lives and their attempts to learn more using corpses, everything connected to the medical world is enlightening. (It might be better to read the book while you aren’t eating. Some of the procedures will make you queasy!)
👌 The book casts light on the limitations placed on women not just in medical school but also in general society. While we are already aware of the struggles of the women of the past whose battles have allowed us a much better life in the 21st century, it is still good to know more on this topic.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
☠ Ahem… If I had known that it was a continuation and not a standalone as I was led to believe.
☠ If the character backstories had been provided in greater detail so as to not inconvenience those readers who pick this book without reading the first one. All the returning characters felt flat because of this writing choice.
☠ I don’t think the cover suits the book AT ALL! (Actually, even the title left me confused for a long time. It took me almost half the book to understand that the surgeon’s daughter referred to Nora and not Magdalena.)
☠ The book should have established its time period clearly right at the start. Only at the 70% mark is it revealed that the story is set in 1847. (Not sure if I missed an earlier reference in the audiobook.) So until that time, I wasn’t sure where to place the story, though I knew it was in some historical period.
The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 13.5 hrs, is narrated by Susan Lyons. Her narration was good, not outstanding but not bad as well. Actually, her reading felt more like a general reading than a performance. No separate accents, no nuanced distinctions between characters. While all this isn’t a must, it does help enhance the listening experience if well done. Still, it is a decent audiobook and would definitely work for audio newbies as well as regulars.
All in all, I certainly would have enjoyed the story a lot more had I had the chance to know the characters better through the first book. I liked the story but couldn’t establish a connection with a single character, which is quite sad considering there were two strong female characters - Dr. Nora Beady and Dr. Magdalena Morenco.
Recommended to those who have read and loved ‘The Girl in His Shadow’.
3.5 stars, rounding down because my disappointment doesn’t allow me to click that fourth star.
My thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Surgeon's Daughter”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
May 4, 2022
3.5 stars
Whenever we think that women are oppressed, we need to read something that points out quite aptly the struggle women who came before us. It's the nineteenth century where being a doctor is a man's work. Women are considered too weak, too needy, and can't see things of an indelicate nature.
One of the professions that women were banned from was that of becoming a doctor. However, in The Surgeon’s Daughter, we find a young woman, Nora Beady, who so desires this position. Nowhere in England will allow her to train so Nora's off to Bologna University in Italy since they allow women.
Her desire is to be a surgeon and one can imagine the barriers that are in place to stop her, from fellow students (all men) to teachers and others.
She is assigned to Magdalana Morenco a well known woman doctor, really the only one, and initially their relationship is tenuous at best. She needs to prove herself and as she moves forward to her desire Together the women use ether, a new way to deter pain and also Caesarean sections, a very dangerous procedure at the time. These methods were considered experimental and the men felt these practices to be barbaric, opposing change in most forms. The men threw invectives, while keeping their very wives away from medical attention they needed.
As they ladies, persevered, one had to wonder about how they could in an environment that seemed to want them to fail.
This was a fine story, a bit too lengthy, but once again pointing to the old world thought that women only belonged in the home catering to the whims of men.
I enjoyed the story that showed strength and perseverance in following the path you desire.
Thank you to Audrey Blake, and NetGalley for the audio version, narrated by Susan Lyons, of this story.
Whenever we think that women are oppressed, we need to read something that points out quite aptly the struggle women who came before us. It's the nineteenth century where being a doctor is a man's work. Women are considered too weak, too needy, and can't see things of an indelicate nature.
One of the professions that women were banned from was that of becoming a doctor. However, in The Surgeon’s Daughter, we find a young woman, Nora Beady, who so desires this position. Nowhere in England will allow her to train so Nora's off to Bologna University in Italy since they allow women.
Her desire is to be a surgeon and one can imagine the barriers that are in place to stop her, from fellow students (all men) to teachers and others.
She is assigned to Magdalana Morenco a well known woman doctor, really the only one, and initially their relationship is tenuous at best. She needs to prove herself and as she moves forward to her desire Together the women use ether, a new way to deter pain and also Caesarean sections, a very dangerous procedure at the time. These methods were considered experimental and the men felt these practices to be barbaric, opposing change in most forms. The men threw invectives, while keeping their very wives away from medical attention they needed.
As they ladies, persevered, one had to wonder about how they could in an environment that seemed to want them to fail.
This was a fine story, a bit too lengthy, but once again pointing to the old world thought that women only belonged in the home catering to the whims of men.
I enjoyed the story that showed strength and perseverance in following the path you desire.
Thank you to Audrey Blake, and NetGalley for the audio version, narrated by Susan Lyons, of this story.
December 20, 2021
The Surgeon’s Daughter is set in 19th century with a heroine who dreams of becoming a licensed surgeon in a time when medicine belongs only to men.
Nora arrives from England to Bologna, Italy, to study medicine, where women are allowed. She quickly learns that allowed doesn’t mean welcomed. She receives nothing but opposition or open hostility.
Dr. Marenco is the only female doctor and whom Nora failed to impress during her assistance. And she wonders how Dr. Marenco was able to “achieve her status as medicine wasn’t a path a woman could take alone; she needed advocates.”
Even if Nora receives her medical degree, she still has to find an English guild that will license her so she can legally work in England.
Dr. Marenco is considered very knowledgeable and well-respected and with Nora’s knowledge of the use of ether, they make groundbreaking steps in once impossible Cesarean section surgery. But it’s still a man’s world and husbands decide if their wives can have this kind of surgery, which is still a very highly risky surgery.
The story of Nora alternates with a story of Daniel, her partner who is in England and who is also a doctor. Both stories are driven by the cases they treat. As the story begins, it gives a short background how Nora was involved with medicine, which was very unusual for women of her time. I enjoyed this part very much and wished that her story, her character was developed more.
The historical background is very interesting as the setting is at the Bologna University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and the cases presented in the story are based on real cases at the time. The struggle of women trying to break in medicine is very real. But at times, it feels that the cases overwhelm the story and that’s why I wished for stronger character-development.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nora arrives from England to Bologna, Italy, to study medicine, where women are allowed. She quickly learns that allowed doesn’t mean welcomed. She receives nothing but opposition or open hostility.
Dr. Marenco is the only female doctor and whom Nora failed to impress during her assistance. And she wonders how Dr. Marenco was able to “achieve her status as medicine wasn’t a path a woman could take alone; she needed advocates.”
Even if Nora receives her medical degree, she still has to find an English guild that will license her so she can legally work in England.
Dr. Marenco is considered very knowledgeable and well-respected and with Nora’s knowledge of the use of ether, they make groundbreaking steps in once impossible Cesarean section surgery. But it’s still a man’s world and husbands decide if their wives can have this kind of surgery, which is still a very highly risky surgery.
The story of Nora alternates with a story of Daniel, her partner who is in England and who is also a doctor. Both stories are driven by the cases they treat. As the story begins, it gives a short background how Nora was involved with medicine, which was very unusual for women of her time. I enjoyed this part very much and wished that her story, her character was developed more.
The historical background is very interesting as the setting is at the Bologna University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and the cases presented in the story are based on real cases at the time. The struggle of women trying to break in medicine is very real. But at times, it feels that the cases overwhelm the story and that’s why I wished for stronger character-development.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2024
4.5 dazzling stars for this well written historical fiction novel. The title and cover enticed me to listen to this audiobook. I basically began to listen to Susan Lyon’s performance of The Surgeon’s Daughter without reading reviews or finding out much about it before I began to listen. Susan Lyon’s performance was well done as she effortlessly switched from character to character. I found out after I completed the audiobook that The Surgeon’s Daughter was the second book that Audrey Blake had written about courageous and determined Nora Beady. Not having read the first book, The Girl in His Shadow, I was not deterred in any way from enjoying The Surgeon’s Daughter. In my opinion, The Surgeon’s Daughter can be read as a stand-alone book. That being said, I decided to listen to the first book, The Girl in His Shadow, just to gain background information about the characters I was introduced to in The Surgeon’s Daughter. Audrey Blake is the pen name for authors Jaima Fixsen and Regina Sirois. Together they have written these two captivating historical fiction novels. They are both on my radar now. The Surgeon’s Daughter was well paced and was enriched with many vivid details of the time period and of how hard it was for a woman to become a doctor in both Italy and England. The story alternated between Nora’s medical training in Bologna, Italy and with Nora’s fiancé, Dr. Daniel Gibson, and the challenges he faced in his medical practice with Dr. Croft.
The Surgeon’s Daughter took place in the early to mid 1800’s, when women with any ambition of pursuing a medical career, were frowned upon, degraded and challenged relentlessly. Nora Beady, the ward of respected and brilliant surgeon, Horace Croft, was one of those women. She had aspired to become a doctor in England but due to circumstances beyond her control, Nora was forced to pursue her medical training in Italy at the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe. She had acted as Dr. Croft’s assistant since he began to teach her when she was merely fourteen years old. Now Nora found herself as the only female student in her medical class. Her goal was to become licensed as a surgeon and then return to home to England to practice beside her mentor, Dr. Croft and her fiancé, Dr. Daniel Gibson. Nora had to work twice as hard as any of her male counterparts in her class even though her medical talent was far superior to them. She was not at all deterred when the male doctors passed her over and chose male medical students instead of herself. Nora excelled in administering ether and was often called upon to demonstrate her knowledge of this or use it in certain surgeries. One day, Nora was attending to a pregnant female patient. The patient was in distress and the birth was proving to be very complicated and beyond Nora’s capabilities. It was then that Nora was joined by Dr. Magdalena Morenco, the only female doctor, and made to assist in performing a cesarean section on the patient. Nora was fascinated and terrified at the same time. Over time, the two women came to respect each other and made a pact to teach each other their noted skill. Nora taught Magdalena how to administer ether and Magdalena taught Nora how to perform cesarean sections.
The Surgeon’s Daughter was very well written. Having two daughters in the medical field and knowing how hard they had to work to get where they are in their careers, I can’t imagine how hard it had been for the women back in the nineteenth century. The Surgeon’s Daughter was so insightful about all the challenges those women faced and the courage and determination they had to have to succeed. This novel focused on the themes of friendship, love, family, resilience, courage, being open to new medical breakthroughs, confidence and caring. I really enjoyed listening to The Surgeon’s Daughter by Audrey Blake and look forward to the next book about Nora Beady and the other well developed and likable characters that the authors brought to life for me. I find myself still thinking about the characters and the story even though I finished the book. I highly recommend this book.
The Surgeon’s Daughter took place in the early to mid 1800’s, when women with any ambition of pursuing a medical career, were frowned upon, degraded and challenged relentlessly. Nora Beady, the ward of respected and brilliant surgeon, Horace Croft, was one of those women. She had aspired to become a doctor in England but due to circumstances beyond her control, Nora was forced to pursue her medical training in Italy at the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe. She had acted as Dr. Croft’s assistant since he began to teach her when she was merely fourteen years old. Now Nora found herself as the only female student in her medical class. Her goal was to become licensed as a surgeon and then return to home to England to practice beside her mentor, Dr. Croft and her fiancé, Dr. Daniel Gibson. Nora had to work twice as hard as any of her male counterparts in her class even though her medical talent was far superior to them. She was not at all deterred when the male doctors passed her over and chose male medical students instead of herself. Nora excelled in administering ether and was often called upon to demonstrate her knowledge of this or use it in certain surgeries. One day, Nora was attending to a pregnant female patient. The patient was in distress and the birth was proving to be very complicated and beyond Nora’s capabilities. It was then that Nora was joined by Dr. Magdalena Morenco, the only female doctor, and made to assist in performing a cesarean section on the patient. Nora was fascinated and terrified at the same time. Over time, the two women came to respect each other and made a pact to teach each other their noted skill. Nora taught Magdalena how to administer ether and Magdalena taught Nora how to perform cesarean sections.
The Surgeon’s Daughter was very well written. Having two daughters in the medical field and knowing how hard they had to work to get where they are in their careers, I can’t imagine how hard it had been for the women back in the nineteenth century. The Surgeon’s Daughter was so insightful about all the challenges those women faced and the courage and determination they had to have to succeed. This novel focused on the themes of friendship, love, family, resilience, courage, being open to new medical breakthroughs, confidence and caring. I really enjoyed listening to The Surgeon’s Daughter by Audrey Blake and look forward to the next book about Nora Beady and the other well developed and likable characters that the authors brought to life for me. I find myself still thinking about the characters and the story even though I finished the book. I highly recommend this book.
April 12, 2022
Unable to study medicine in England, Eleanor Beady travels to Italy with her companion Mrs. Phipps to attend the University of Bologna. Nora is the ward of legendary English surgeon Dr. Horace Croft and she's been his unqualified assistant.
Nora still faces terrible discrimination in Italy, the professors choose male medical students to answer questions, assist in procedures and despite her knowledge and experience. Her situation improves when she meets Dr. Magdalena Morenco, she’s the only female doctor employed at the hospital and she specializes in treating women. Dr. Morenco wants to improve her technique in preforming revolutionary Caesarean section surgery, by making it pain free and increase the chances of both the mother and baby surviving. Most doctors at the time thought natural childbirth was the only option, the womb was considered sacred, shouldn’t be tampered with and even though they didn't have one!
Nora misses home, her mentor Dr. Croft and her romantic interest Dr. Daniel Gibson, who are busy expanding the clinic at 43 Queen Street and are facing financial and health difficulties. Lady Athena Rawlston has been advised to not get pregnant, she almost died during her last pregnancy and she seeks Nora’s help when she returns to England. Nora literally holds two lives and her career in medicine and the future of all aspiring female doctors around the world in her hands.
I received a copy of The Surgeon’s Daughter by Audrey Blake from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an honest review. A well written story about women trying to study and work in a male dominated field in the nineteenth century, the discrimination they faced, despite the obvious advantages they had over men (smaller hands) and women wanting to be treated by other women. I highly recommend this and the first book in the series The Girl in his Shadow if you have an interest in the history of women practicing medicine and Nora's character is the perfect role model for girls interested in STEM and five stars from me.
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Nora still faces terrible discrimination in Italy, the professors choose male medical students to answer questions, assist in procedures and despite her knowledge and experience. Her situation improves when she meets Dr. Magdalena Morenco, she’s the only female doctor employed at the hospital and she specializes in treating women. Dr. Morenco wants to improve her technique in preforming revolutionary Caesarean section surgery, by making it pain free and increase the chances of both the mother and baby surviving. Most doctors at the time thought natural childbirth was the only option, the womb was considered sacred, shouldn’t be tampered with and even though they didn't have one!
Nora misses home, her mentor Dr. Croft and her romantic interest Dr. Daniel Gibson, who are busy expanding the clinic at 43 Queen Street and are facing financial and health difficulties. Lady Athena Rawlston has been advised to not get pregnant, she almost died during her last pregnancy and she seeks Nora’s help when she returns to England. Nora literally holds two lives and her career in medicine and the future of all aspiring female doctors around the world in her hands.
I received a copy of The Surgeon’s Daughter by Audrey Blake from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an honest review. A well written story about women trying to study and work in a male dominated field in the nineteenth century, the discrimination they faced, despite the obvious advantages they had over men (smaller hands) and women wanting to be treated by other women. I highly recommend this and the first book in the series The Girl in his Shadow if you have an interest in the history of women practicing medicine and Nora's character is the perfect role model for girls interested in STEM and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
May 23, 2022
Nora Beady, desires to be surgeon, however it is early in the 19th century whereby it is frowned upon for a women to have a career, as they all should be at home being housewife's, and looking after their children.
Nora (Eleanor) was raised by the infamous surgeon Dr. Horace Croft and his love of his work, has influenced Nora. Nora was assisting in Dr. Croft's surgeries, which was shunned upon. Nora then had to leave London and travel to Bologna Italy whereby she is recruited by Dr. Perra at the Bologna University and received a position in the Medical School. Although Nora is accepted as a student, she is treated poorly by the staff and the students, as after all she is a female.
Nora meets a female Dr. in Bologna, Dr. Magdalana Morenco, she is a highly skilled surgeon and has performed multiple surgeries including caesareans. Dr. Perra reccomends to Nora to request to be trained and tutored by Dr. Morenco to assist with accelerating her doctorate.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for this advanced audio. This book is available to purchase from May 10th, 2022
3 Stars: It was a good book and well-crafted. I would recommend it to the right person.
Please visit my blog and facebook page to see all of my past and future book reviews.
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Nora (Eleanor) was raised by the infamous surgeon Dr. Horace Croft and his love of his work, has influenced Nora. Nora was assisting in Dr. Croft's surgeries, which was shunned upon. Nora then had to leave London and travel to Bologna Italy whereby she is recruited by Dr. Perra at the Bologna University and received a position in the Medical School. Although Nora is accepted as a student, she is treated poorly by the staff and the students, as after all she is a female.
Nora meets a female Dr. in Bologna, Dr. Magdalana Morenco, she is a highly skilled surgeon and has performed multiple surgeries including caesareans. Dr. Perra reccomends to Nora to request to be trained and tutored by Dr. Morenco to assist with accelerating her doctorate.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for this advanced audio. This book is available to purchase from May 10th, 2022
3 Stars: It was a good book and well-crafted. I would recommend it to the right person.
Please visit my blog and facebook page to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
https://kyliesbookaddictreviews.blogs...
March 4, 2024
I am definitely in a nursing/doctor/surgery mode right now. The Surgeon's Daughter is about Nora, a 19th century med student who isn't taken seriously because she's a woman. She is capably mentored by Magdalena, a sole female doctor.
The medical details are incredible and often stopped my breath. Nora and Magdalena operate on many women in the throes of troubled labor and childbirth.
I listened to this on audiobook and it is very capably narrated by Susan Lyons.
At the same time, I was reading the book, The Women, by Kristin Hannah which is about women nurses in the Vietnam War. Many people felt women weren't allowed in 'Nam and aren't familiar with the role they played in helping to save lives.
I just started listening to the audiobook, Lady Tan's Circle of Women which is about women and Eastern medicine practices in the 1400s.
The medical details are incredible and often stopped my breath. Nora and Magdalena operate on many women in the throes of troubled labor and childbirth.
I listened to this on audiobook and it is very capably narrated by Susan Lyons.
At the same time, I was reading the book, The Women, by Kristin Hannah which is about women nurses in the Vietnam War. Many people felt women weren't allowed in 'Nam and aren't familiar with the role they played in helping to save lives.
I just started listening to the audiobook, Lady Tan's Circle of Women which is about women and Eastern medicine practices in the 1400s.
August 8, 2022
.4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Before starting my review I want to make it clear that this is the 2nd in the Nora Beady series, The Girl in His Shadow being the first. I point this out because I had no idea! Due to Ms. Audrey Blake’s excellent writing skills Nora’s past is seamlessly woven into the narrative. I never felt like I was missing a piece of the story!
I loved this novel. The story, the strong female protagonist and the descriptions of early medical practices combined into an engrossing tale that had me hooked from the very beginning!
It’s the mid 19th century. It’s a time when gently raised young women,ie wealthy or upper middle class, were expected to be demure and submissive to the will of first their fathers and then their husbands. Their role is to be mere adornments for the men. The activities they were permitted to pursue were the genteel arts of watercolors, painting, knitting and all forms of needlework. Definitely NOT anatomical dissection and drawing from corpses and the pursuit of medicine or surgery as a career! Of course in real life there were a handful of courageous and impressive women who did just that and succeeded! It is these women that Ms Blake honors with her book.
We meet Miss Eleanora Beady (Nora for short) in Bologna,Italy. She is from England and is in her second year studying medicine and surgery at the prestigious University of Bologna. A degree from them just might help her practice in England where the guilds block women from joining. She has given up a lot to come here. Mainly leaving 2 men behind that are important to her for three years while she studies. The first is the famous Dr. Horace Croft, Nora’s guardian and mentor. He took her in at a young age when her parents died and introduced her to and induced in her a love of medicine. The second is Dr. Crofts’ young associate Dr. Daniel Gibson her boyfriend and hopefully future husband.
It does not come as a surprise when Nora faces bigotry and discrimination from most of her professors and fellow students. Though more knowledgeable and talented than most, she is seldom selected for procedures and often derided when she advocates for herself. This begins to change when Dr. Magdalena Morenco, returns from a trip to Cairo. Dr. Morenco is a pioneer of Caesarian sections. This procedure so common and safe today was at that time considered barbaric and gruesome. It also had a low success rate. Dr. Morenco plans to change that. Soon Nora is working with her and has found in her a mentor.
Though it sounds like I have given away the whole story in truth I’ve only scratched the surface. It’s a wonderful historical fiction with some romance and even some suspense replete with a villain.
I do have to place a caution here though. The subject matter contains many descriptions of medical procedures that today are seen as brutal. But remember the medical field truly was in it’s infancy. Doctors were just beginning to use Ether as an anesthesia, prior to this, as described in the book, nothing was used. Pain management wasn’t even thought about let alone practiced. And the use of sterile technique was years away from discovery as was the knowledge that microorganisms caused disease and infection. The book describes much of this and though I personally found it all fascinating not all will.
Though I cannot praise the writing skill enough I do have one small complaint about some of the terminology used. For example, the book describes a late term abortion of a fetus to save the mothers life as a craniotomy I can find no such reference in my personal library of medical history books or on the internet. I believe the proper term is cranioclast. It is for this and several other inconsistencies that I have dropped a half a star.
I do not know if this will be an ongoing series but if so I will definitely continue. I will also be reading the first book and will probably reread this one after.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, RB Media and NetGalley. This fact in no way influenced my review.
Before starting my review I want to make it clear that this is the 2nd in the Nora Beady series, The Girl in His Shadow being the first. I point this out because I had no idea! Due to Ms. Audrey Blake’s excellent writing skills Nora’s past is seamlessly woven into the narrative. I never felt like I was missing a piece of the story!
I loved this novel. The story, the strong female protagonist and the descriptions of early medical practices combined into an engrossing tale that had me hooked from the very beginning!
It’s the mid 19th century. It’s a time when gently raised young women,ie wealthy or upper middle class, were expected to be demure and submissive to the will of first their fathers and then their husbands. Their role is to be mere adornments for the men. The activities they were permitted to pursue were the genteel arts of watercolors, painting, knitting and all forms of needlework. Definitely NOT anatomical dissection and drawing from corpses and the pursuit of medicine or surgery as a career! Of course in real life there were a handful of courageous and impressive women who did just that and succeeded! It is these women that Ms Blake honors with her book.
We meet Miss Eleanora Beady (Nora for short) in Bologna,Italy. She is from England and is in her second year studying medicine and surgery at the prestigious University of Bologna. A degree from them just might help her practice in England where the guilds block women from joining. She has given up a lot to come here. Mainly leaving 2 men behind that are important to her for three years while she studies. The first is the famous Dr. Horace Croft, Nora’s guardian and mentor. He took her in at a young age when her parents died and introduced her to and induced in her a love of medicine. The second is Dr. Crofts’ young associate Dr. Daniel Gibson her boyfriend and hopefully future husband.
It does not come as a surprise when Nora faces bigotry and discrimination from most of her professors and fellow students. Though more knowledgeable and talented than most, she is seldom selected for procedures and often derided when she advocates for herself. This begins to change when Dr. Magdalena Morenco, returns from a trip to Cairo. Dr. Morenco is a pioneer of Caesarian sections. This procedure so common and safe today was at that time considered barbaric and gruesome. It also had a low success rate. Dr. Morenco plans to change that. Soon Nora is working with her and has found in her a mentor.
Though it sounds like I have given away the whole story in truth I’ve only scratched the surface. It’s a wonderful historical fiction with some romance and even some suspense replete with a villain.
I do have to place a caution here though. The subject matter contains many descriptions of medical procedures that today are seen as brutal. But remember the medical field truly was in it’s infancy. Doctors were just beginning to use Ether as an anesthesia, prior to this, as described in the book, nothing was used. Pain management wasn’t even thought about let alone practiced. And the use of sterile technique was years away from discovery as was the knowledge that microorganisms caused disease and infection. The book describes much of this and though I personally found it all fascinating not all will.
Though I cannot praise the writing skill enough I do have one small complaint about some of the terminology used. For example, the book describes a late term abortion of a fetus to save the mothers life as a craniotomy I can find no such reference in my personal library of medical history books or on the internet. I believe the proper term is cranioclast. It is for this and several other inconsistencies that I have dropped a half a star.
I do not know if this will be an ongoing series but if so I will definitely continue. I will also be reading the first book and will probably reread this one after.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, RB Media and NetGalley. This fact in no way influenced my review.
May 2, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and RB Media for this audiobook ARC.
When Nora faces the challenge of not being able to attend Medical School in England she travels to Italy to obtain her medical license where she is faced with numerous challenges and the need to prove herself.
When her mentor Dr Horace Croft falls ill she has to speed up her studies in the hope to obtain her degree and rush home to see Dr Croft before in his failing health.
This is a really riveting story of young woman in the 19th Century, were ladies are not meant to work and not suited for this field. It tells the story of Nora's successful journey and what she had to endure to get there. I loved the insight into how the hospitals worked and the challenges they faced.
Packed and ongoing until the end, I loved it!
When Nora faces the challenge of not being able to attend Medical School in England she travels to Italy to obtain her medical license where she is faced with numerous challenges and the need to prove herself.
When her mentor Dr Horace Croft falls ill she has to speed up her studies in the hope to obtain her degree and rush home to see Dr Croft before in his failing health.
This is a really riveting story of young woman in the 19th Century, were ladies are not meant to work and not suited for this field. It tells the story of Nora's successful journey and what she had to endure to get there. I loved the insight into how the hospitals worked and the challenges they faced.
Packed and ongoing until the end, I loved it!
May 18, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for an egalley in exchange for an honest review. I actually received this book when it was in the Read Now section of the platform
Nora Beady has left England, her beloved guardian and her first love to pursue her medical dreams to become a surgeon in 19th century Italy. But even in a medical college that allows women to learn new and exciting procedures, Nora faces one obstacle after another.
This was a great historical novel with a compelling heroine and a plot that was very intriguing. The very type of novel that keeps me sitting on my couch even when the washer and dryer remind me that I have laundry to do.
Goodreads review published 28/04/22
Expected Publication Date 10/05/22
Nora Beady has left England, her beloved guardian and her first love to pursue her medical dreams to become a surgeon in 19th century Italy. But even in a medical college that allows women to learn new and exciting procedures, Nora faces one obstacle after another.
This was a great historical novel with a compelling heroine and a plot that was very intriguing. The very type of novel that keeps me sitting on my couch even when the washer and dryer remind me that I have laundry to do.
Goodreads review published 28/04/22
Expected Publication Date 10/05/22
February 13, 2022
I was so thrilled to discover this book! After The Girl in His Shadow I wasn’t ready to let these characters go and I’m so thankful I didn’t have to!
Much like their first book, Audrey Blake takes us back into the world of 19th century medicine once again through the eyes and capable hands of Nora Beady and Dr. Daniel Gibson. I was sad to see the pair part ways at the end of book one and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel with them so far apart.. But I quickly became engrossed in their separate lives. Nora studying medicine at the prestigious University of Bologna and battling sexism and self doubt and Daniel battling a diphtheria outbreak and constant ridicule from his colleagues, back in London. I did however adore the little glimpses we got into their communication which made their longing for life to return to normal, with each other, feel more real.
The medical cases were fascinating, if not incredibly graphic and the relationships developed throughout kept the story moving beautifully. It’s a bit of a slog though and while that word often conjures negative feelings I’d say this was one journey that was made better for it. Much like book 1, The Surgeon’s Daughter is heavy in a lot of ways. But the writing is beautiful and the characters continue to jump from the page and warm your heart.
I still don’t think I’m ready to say goodbye to Nora, Daniel, Dr. Croft or Mrs. Phipps but I am certainly glad to have had more time with them all!
Thank you to Netgalley and Casablanca Landmark for a copy in exchange of an honest review!
Trigger warnings
Graphic descriptions of traumatic births, deaths and various other medical issues involving both adults and children can be found throughout.
Choking, stillbirths, death of children
Much like their first book, Audrey Blake takes us back into the world of 19th century medicine once again through the eyes and capable hands of Nora Beady and Dr. Daniel Gibson. I was sad to see the pair part ways at the end of book one and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel with them so far apart.. But I quickly became engrossed in their separate lives. Nora studying medicine at the prestigious University of Bologna and battling sexism and self doubt and Daniel battling a diphtheria outbreak and constant ridicule from his colleagues, back in London. I did however adore the little glimpses we got into their communication which made their longing for life to return to normal, with each other, feel more real.
The medical cases were fascinating, if not incredibly graphic and the relationships developed throughout kept the story moving beautifully. It’s a bit of a slog though and while that word often conjures negative feelings I’d say this was one journey that was made better for it. Much like book 1, The Surgeon’s Daughter is heavy in a lot of ways. But the writing is beautiful and the characters continue to jump from the page and warm your heart.
I still don’t think I’m ready to say goodbye to Nora, Daniel, Dr. Croft or Mrs. Phipps but I am certainly glad to have had more time with them all!
Thank you to Netgalley and Casablanca Landmark for a copy in exchange of an honest review!
Trigger warnings
Graphic descriptions of traumatic births, deaths and various other medical issues involving both adults and children can be found throughout.
Choking, stillbirths, death of children
June 30, 2022
This is a follow-up to “The Girl in His Shadow” although nowhere does it say so which caused me some confusion when I started to read this book. It would have been nice to let readers know this.
It is the nineteenth century and women are expected only to marry well and produce off-spring.
We find Nora (from “The Girl in His Shadow”) the only female student at medical school in Bologna, Italy. Even in Italy a female medical student is not taken seriously, but Nora has already been trained by the best, her British mentor, the esteemed Dr. Croft.
When Nora meets Magdalena Morenco, the only female doctor on staff, she finds a new mentor and is introduced to the possibilities of the Cesarean section – a surgery that is mostly untried at this time, but offers great possibilities for women struggling with natural child birth.
Nora faces resistance even in Italy but concludes her studies and gains her diploma whereupon she returns to England where she must face yet another obstacle to be admitted into the Royal College of Surgeons.
There is enough background so that if you did not read the previous book you will still be able to follow Nora’s progress and enjoy this book for what it is: The struggle of a nineteenth century female intent on studying and practicing medicine knowing she will face nothing but ridicule from the male establishment.
I must admit I do not understand the title “The Surgeon’s Daughter” – to whom is the author referring?
It is the nineteenth century and women are expected only to marry well and produce off-spring.
We find Nora (from “The Girl in His Shadow”) the only female student at medical school in Bologna, Italy. Even in Italy a female medical student is not taken seriously, but Nora has already been trained by the best, her British mentor, the esteemed Dr. Croft.
When Nora meets Magdalena Morenco, the only female doctor on staff, she finds a new mentor and is introduced to the possibilities of the Cesarean section – a surgery that is mostly untried at this time, but offers great possibilities for women struggling with natural child birth.
Nora faces resistance even in Italy but concludes her studies and gains her diploma whereupon she returns to England where she must face yet another obstacle to be admitted into the Royal College of Surgeons.
There is enough background so that if you did not read the previous book you will still be able to follow Nora’s progress and enjoy this book for what it is: The struggle of a nineteenth century female intent on studying and practicing medicine knowing she will face nothing but ridicule from the male establishment.
I must admit I do not understand the title “The Surgeon’s Daughter” – to whom is the author referring?
February 16, 2022
The Surgeon's Daughter has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, and I am thrilled to say that it absolutely lived up to expectations. Last year, I completely fell in love with The Girl in His Shadow and I wasn't ready to part ways with these characters! The Surgeon's Daughter picked up where we left off and gave me all the same feelings -- a courageous woman who is ready to fight for her right to practice medicine, an incredible historical setting, drama that kept me flipping pages, and medical stories that are gritty but authentic.
The Surgeon's Daughter is beautifully written and had me fully invested in the characters. I can only imagine how tricky it is to write a long-distance love story but it worked! (And you know a book is well-written when you want to jump into the pages and punch the villain in the nose... Vickery! Gah.) While this book can be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommend going back and grabbing a copy of The Girl in His Shadow first!
Full of heart and perseverance, courage and determination, I wholeheartedly recommend The Surgeon's Daughter to historical fiction fans. Another gorgeous novel by Audrey Blake!
The Surgeon's Daughter is beautifully written and had me fully invested in the characters. I can only imagine how tricky it is to write a long-distance love story but it worked! (And you know a book is well-written when you want to jump into the pages and punch the villain in the nose... Vickery! Gah.) While this book can be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommend going back and grabbing a copy of The Girl in His Shadow first!
Full of heart and perseverance, courage and determination, I wholeheartedly recommend The Surgeon's Daughter to historical fiction fans. Another gorgeous novel by Audrey Blake!
March 17, 2022
American, Regina Sirois and Canadian, Jaima Fixsen, the writing duo with the nom de plume, Audrey Blake, have done it again!
In this sequel, they’ve taken us to 43 Great Queen Street, London and allowed us to watch Daniel and Dr. Horace Croft in action. We are able step to the operating table as they diagnose erysipelas, tetanus and diphtheria (child strangler) and operate on femoral hernia, bladder stones, and strangulated hernia.
They’ve also taken us to medical school in the late 1800s in Italy. The catalyst for this move begins with the challenges in the surgeon’s guild when it was discovered that Nora Beady had been illegally trained by her guardian, Dr Croft, and was (gasp!) assisting in operations. Thankful for connections, Nora is recruited by Dr. Salvio Perra, a teacher at the University of Bologna, and offered a place in the prestigious Italian medical school. Although women are accepted into this program, she still faces oppression. She blossoms under the only female doctor on staff, Dr. Magdalena Morenco, and works with her to improve Cesarean section operations.
I was shocked at the pressure put on Nora, characteristic of what female doctors of the time faced. If she actually was allowed a place at the operating table (and not fetching pillows) and it was successful, it was never talked about. If she failed at the operating table, it was proof for the males that she (women) shouldn’t be there. Women have come a long way and, yes, there are still miles to go. It left me appreciative of my university degree and respect received in my career as well as thankful for parents who raised me to be a strong woman. A STEM teacher, I find myself making a point to encourage female students with promise to pursue a career in the field. This took me back to Nora and although she didn’t have a mother as she grew up, she had many ‘mothers’ in her life; those who stepped up with guidance and love. We have a responsibility after reading this book - encourage and foster a love of learning, a sense of determination and appreciate the power of passing the torch to others.
This riveting historical novel brings to light the reality of a doctor’s life in the late 1800s:
“A doctor’s life, it often seemed, was a series of gambles mixed alternately with unsolvable and unnecessary problems.”
I’m confident Miss Beady’s journey is not over yet and I (fingers crossed) anticipate another 5-star installment in her road to a successful surgeon.
I was gifted this advance copy by Audrey Blake, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
In this sequel, they’ve taken us to 43 Great Queen Street, London and allowed us to watch Daniel and Dr. Horace Croft in action. We are able step to the operating table as they diagnose erysipelas, tetanus and diphtheria (child strangler) and operate on femoral hernia, bladder stones, and strangulated hernia.
They’ve also taken us to medical school in the late 1800s in Italy. The catalyst for this move begins with the challenges in the surgeon’s guild when it was discovered that Nora Beady had been illegally trained by her guardian, Dr Croft, and was (gasp!) assisting in operations. Thankful for connections, Nora is recruited by Dr. Salvio Perra, a teacher at the University of Bologna, and offered a place in the prestigious Italian medical school. Although women are accepted into this program, she still faces oppression. She blossoms under the only female doctor on staff, Dr. Magdalena Morenco, and works with her to improve Cesarean section operations.
I was shocked at the pressure put on Nora, characteristic of what female doctors of the time faced. If she actually was allowed a place at the operating table (and not fetching pillows) and it was successful, it was never talked about. If she failed at the operating table, it was proof for the males that she (women) shouldn’t be there. Women have come a long way and, yes, there are still miles to go. It left me appreciative of my university degree and respect received in my career as well as thankful for parents who raised me to be a strong woman. A STEM teacher, I find myself making a point to encourage female students with promise to pursue a career in the field. This took me back to Nora and although she didn’t have a mother as she grew up, she had many ‘mothers’ in her life; those who stepped up with guidance and love. We have a responsibility after reading this book - encourage and foster a love of learning, a sense of determination and appreciate the power of passing the torch to others.
This riveting historical novel brings to light the reality of a doctor’s life in the late 1800s:
“A doctor’s life, it often seemed, was a series of gambles mixed alternately with unsolvable and unnecessary problems.”
I’m confident Miss Beady’s journey is not over yet and I (fingers crossed) anticipate another 5-star installment in her road to a successful surgeon.
I was gifted this advance copy by Audrey Blake, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 10, 2022
While this book is fiction, the history about the topics, people and places was utilized throughout resulting in a richer reading experience. Nora’s goal is to become a licensed surgeon. But this is the 1850s and women were to be wives and mothers. Period. Nora was “adopted” by Horace Croft, one of the finest surgeons in England. He has taught her since she came to live with him. Hands-on. Training by doing. She is quite ready for medical school.
BUT, knowing she would never be accepted into any medical school in England, Dr. Croft sends her to the University of Bologna’s medical school, where a woman is on staff. But Nora is a rarity, she is the only female. She is not accepted by her teachers or fellow students.
Any mistake, perceived or real, is proof women should not be studying medicine. Nora’s successes were ignored. But she did have one distinct advantage, she was extremely knowledgeable about administering ether. Many doctors did not accept ether; knowing how to administer it was key.
The female doctor on the staff had just returned — Magdalena Morenco who has performed a Cesarean (extremely rare) while away. A woman appears at the hospital who has been in labor for an exceedingly long time. Magdalena orders Nora to administer ether and assist in a Cesarean. And that is the beginning of Nora’s belief in herself.
This is only a small part of this book. There is so much more. Dr. Croft’s battles with an envious and far less learned doctor. Daniel, Nora’s almost-finance, who works with Dr. Croft. How a diphtheria epidemic is handled. Midwives knew so much about birth, but their knowledge was ignored by the medical profession.
You will be reminded how little the medical world then knew about germs. Instruments were “wiped off” and put away for next use. No wonder so many died of sepsis. How hospitals turned away patients if they could not pay, even when the doctors knew it meant death.
I discovered in “A Conversation with the Authors” at the end of the story, a previous book, The Girl in His Shadow, covers the period with Dr. Croft, Nora and Daniel before Nora goes to Bologna.
Be sure to read the “Historical Notes” at the end of the book as well as the “A Conversation with the Authors” for facts about this era in women in medicine. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and the oldest university in continuous operation in the world. The first Cesarean where both mother and baby survived was performed by a British person was done by an English woman posing as a man.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction that is steeped in fact. The medical procedures described in The Surgeon’s Daughter were pulled from actual cases written in that period.
I received a complimentary e-ARC* copy of The Surgeon’s Daughter from the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, via NetGalley. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars.
Cover rating: Good but does not convey anything medical. The silhouette has the woman in a field. The story takes place in towns, not in the country.
Series & number:(Unknown when review published) #2.
Pages: Unknown, est. over 300.
Publish date: May 10, 2022.
#TheSurgeonsDaughter #AudreyBlake #NetGalley
e-ARC* — electronic Advanced Reader Copy.
Current Blog Link: https://lyndapbookreviews.com/
BUT, knowing she would never be accepted into any medical school in England, Dr. Croft sends her to the University of Bologna’s medical school, where a woman is on staff. But Nora is a rarity, she is the only female. She is not accepted by her teachers or fellow students.
Any mistake, perceived or real, is proof women should not be studying medicine. Nora’s successes were ignored. But she did have one distinct advantage, she was extremely knowledgeable about administering ether. Many doctors did not accept ether; knowing how to administer it was key.
The female doctor on the staff had just returned — Magdalena Morenco who has performed a Cesarean (extremely rare) while away. A woman appears at the hospital who has been in labor for an exceedingly long time. Magdalena orders Nora to administer ether and assist in a Cesarean. And that is the beginning of Nora’s belief in herself.
This is only a small part of this book. There is so much more. Dr. Croft’s battles with an envious and far less learned doctor. Daniel, Nora’s almost-finance, who works with Dr. Croft. How a diphtheria epidemic is handled. Midwives knew so much about birth, but their knowledge was ignored by the medical profession.
You will be reminded how little the medical world then knew about germs. Instruments were “wiped off” and put away for next use. No wonder so many died of sepsis. How hospitals turned away patients if they could not pay, even when the doctors knew it meant death.
I discovered in “A Conversation with the Authors” at the end of the story, a previous book, The Girl in His Shadow, covers the period with Dr. Croft, Nora and Daniel before Nora goes to Bologna.
Be sure to read the “Historical Notes” at the end of the book as well as the “A Conversation with the Authors” for facts about this era in women in medicine. The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and the oldest university in continuous operation in the world. The first Cesarean where both mother and baby survived was performed by a British person was done by an English woman posing as a man.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction that is steeped in fact. The medical procedures described in The Surgeon’s Daughter were pulled from actual cases written in that period.
I received a complimentary e-ARC* copy of The Surgeon’s Daughter from the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, via NetGalley. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars.
Cover rating: Good but does not convey anything medical. The silhouette has the woman in a field. The story takes place in towns, not in the country.
Series & number:(Unknown when review published) #2.
Pages: Unknown, est. over 300.
Publish date: May 10, 2022.
#TheSurgeonsDaughter #AudreyBlake #NetGalley
e-ARC* — electronic Advanced Reader Copy.
Current Blog Link: https://lyndapbookreviews.com/
May 23, 2025
Had to read this second book after the first introduced us to the challenges a female faced in becoming a doctor. This was or is a chosen Library Read internationally.
Lots of good medical history, personal challenges and victories that come at cost and in the darkest times. This was a good read.
Lots of good medical history, personal challenges and victories that come at cost and in the darkest times. This was a good read.
March 16, 2022
This book is a fictionalized and personalized account of a female medical student in the nineteenth century. Even as she is ridiculed and bullied at every turn, she demonstrates that she can make a big difference in the care and treatment of patients. Having been raised by a noted surgeon after her parents died in an epidemic, she has a much greater understanding of the field than her fellow students. She also shares a love with another medical student who has returned to London while she must continue on in Italy. The descriptions of conditions and treatments of the day are spot on but may not be comfortably appreciated by non-medical readers. Excellent read.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Sourcebooks Landmark via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Sourcebooks Landmark via NetGalley. Thank you!
June 26, 2022
In order to stay current with "comparables", I seek out releases about women in medicine soon after publication. I had high hopes for the continuation of the main character, Nora, from The Girl in His Shadow, thinking the story of her attending medical school in Bologna Italy in the 1800s would be fascinating. Alas, I felt a bit of a bait and switch from the title. Nearly half the book followed the challenges of Nora's mentor, "the surgeon" and her love interest back in London. While the topics were interesting (treating children with diptheria, financial challeges and professional rivalries), I felt Nora's story only brushed the surface of her life as the only female medical student in a foreign country, alone except for a housekeeper as her chaperone. 3.5 stars
August 19, 2022
The sequel to The Girl in His Shadow, The Surgeon’s Daughter by Audrey Blake (a nom de plume used by the writing team of Regina Sirius and Jaima Fixsen) follows Eleanora Beady’s move to Italy to study medicine at the University of Bologna, having been refused the opportunity in England.
As the only woman in the class, Nora has few allies among her classmates and professors, but is determined to prove herself in an accelerated program and return to England with her medical license so that she can practice alongside her guardian, Dr Horace Croft, and her paramour, Dr Daniel Gibson. Nora is excited when she finds a mentor in Dr. Magdalena Morenco, whose study of caesarean birth procedures dovetails neatly with Nora’s interest in anaesthesia, though her goal is nearly thwarted by a jealous professor.
Though Nora ultimately returns to London triumphant, she discovers Croft and Gibson are under pressure due to the actions of a vindictive colleague, ill-health, and financial stress. With the viability of their Great Queen Street clinic in question, when Nora is asked by a heavily pregnant Lady Woodbine to perform a caesarean, she is all too aware that failure to save both mother and baby could end not only her own fledgling career, and the careers of those she loves, but also the future of women in medicine.
The Surgeon’s Daughter is a reminder of how primitive surgical treatment was in the mid 19th century, with the survival of patients often due more to good luck than good management. Drawing on medical case studies from the era, Blake offers vivid descriptions of injuries and illnesses, and the often barbaric processes used to treat them. It was difficult to read about children suffocating from Diphtheria, and as someone who gave birth via an emergency caesarean section, the thought of enduring the surgery, and recovery, without anaesthetic and pain management is horrifying, and the only alternatives then available to save mother or child (rarely both), no less so.
Naturally, Blake explores the barriers women faced in pursuit of higher learning in a period when their role in society was very narrowly defined by marriage, and motherhood. Only a handful of European institutions would accept women who wanted to study medicine, and even then they were rarely welcome. Nora’s experience of exclusion, sexism and misogyny was common (and barely improved for a century), and England’s first female doctors all gained their licence to practice from overseas institutions, as they were refused entry in England.
I wanted to understand more about Nora’s student experience though, other than just being a target of misogyny, and perhaps see some character change, or growth. I thought the pace of Nora’s narrative was uneven, and some crucial elements, particularly the period where she was under the tutelage of Moreno, felt underdeveloped. Though I was engaged by the action and tension in Croft and Gibson’s chapters, I also felt that it pulled too much focus from Nora’s story.
As a well researched piece of historical fiction, I found The Surgeon’s Daughter to be interesting and enjoyable.
As the only woman in the class, Nora has few allies among her classmates and professors, but is determined to prove herself in an accelerated program and return to England with her medical license so that she can practice alongside her guardian, Dr Horace Croft, and her paramour, Dr Daniel Gibson. Nora is excited when she finds a mentor in Dr. Magdalena Morenco, whose study of caesarean birth procedures dovetails neatly with Nora’s interest in anaesthesia, though her goal is nearly thwarted by a jealous professor.
Though Nora ultimately returns to London triumphant, she discovers Croft and Gibson are under pressure due to the actions of a vindictive colleague, ill-health, and financial stress. With the viability of their Great Queen Street clinic in question, when Nora is asked by a heavily pregnant Lady Woodbine to perform a caesarean, she is all too aware that failure to save both mother and baby could end not only her own fledgling career, and the careers of those she loves, but also the future of women in medicine.
The Surgeon’s Daughter is a reminder of how primitive surgical treatment was in the mid 19th century, with the survival of patients often due more to good luck than good management. Drawing on medical case studies from the era, Blake offers vivid descriptions of injuries and illnesses, and the often barbaric processes used to treat them. It was difficult to read about children suffocating from Diphtheria, and as someone who gave birth via an emergency caesarean section, the thought of enduring the surgery, and recovery, without anaesthetic and pain management is horrifying, and the only alternatives then available to save mother or child (rarely both), no less so.
Naturally, Blake explores the barriers women faced in pursuit of higher learning in a period when their role in society was very narrowly defined by marriage, and motherhood. Only a handful of European institutions would accept women who wanted to study medicine, and even then they were rarely welcome. Nora’s experience of exclusion, sexism and misogyny was common (and barely improved for a century), and England’s first female doctors all gained their licence to practice from overseas institutions, as they were refused entry in England.
I wanted to understand more about Nora’s student experience though, other than just being a target of misogyny, and perhaps see some character change, or growth. I thought the pace of Nora’s narrative was uneven, and some crucial elements, particularly the period where she was under the tutelage of Moreno, felt underdeveloped. Though I was engaged by the action and tension in Croft and Gibson’s chapters, I also felt that it pulled too much focus from Nora’s story.
As a well researched piece of historical fiction, I found The Surgeon’s Daughter to be interesting and enjoyable.
April 22, 2022
Nora's Challenge
Inspirational, historical and page turning. This story of one woman's fight for the career which is her life's passion is brilliant. I spent all day reading this book , I just could not put it down.
Nora, has been working under the great surgeon Doctor Horace Croft. She was not allowed to attend medical school in England so was taught in secret by her guardian Dr. Croft, who took her in when she was orphaned. Now with Dr. Croft's help she has been accepted to medical school in Bologna, Italy. She soon finds that although women are allowed to study at the university they are not welcomed.
She finds she must not only do well in her studies and her work, but she must excel more so than any of the other students. Putting up with prejudice from the other students who are all male, she fights her way . When she gains the trust of the only woman Doctor on staff, Dr. Marenco, she tutors with her and they work together to perfect a surgery to help pregnant women in time of distress. This is to be called the Cesarean Section. They also worked on perfecting the use of Ether in these surgeries which although used in England had been a new concept in Italy.
At home in England her fiancée Daniel works with Dr. Croft to help children with diphtheria. They must fight the other doctors, especially Dr. Vickery who wants to use traditional methods of treatment and scoffs at the newer methods that Daniel and Dr. Croft are working on.
I applaud the brave pioneers in medicine that pushed the limit to find new and better ways to treat those with illness, never giving up and working long hours to save the ill. New and improved methods of treatment saved so many lives.
It was sad to see the reception and the prejudice that Nora received just because she was a woman. The prejudice still exists to a certain extent but now women have the freedom to embrace their dreams and go for the career they have a passion for. Although some still think women should be home being wives and mother's only there are those now that believe women can excel at careers that only men were allowed before. I think women still have a ways to go to break through that prejudice that still exists but we are forging foreword. It is because of the brave women in history that today we have that chance.
This was a truly inspiring book and I am so fortunate to have had the chance to read it. I would definitely recommend it to all women and men as well.
Thanks to Audrey Blake for writing this inspiring book, to Sourcebooks Landmark for publishing it and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
Inspirational, historical and page turning. This story of one woman's fight for the career which is her life's passion is brilliant. I spent all day reading this book , I just could not put it down.
Nora, has been working under the great surgeon Doctor Horace Croft. She was not allowed to attend medical school in England so was taught in secret by her guardian Dr. Croft, who took her in when she was orphaned. Now with Dr. Croft's help she has been accepted to medical school in Bologna, Italy. She soon finds that although women are allowed to study at the university they are not welcomed.
She finds she must not only do well in her studies and her work, but she must excel more so than any of the other students. Putting up with prejudice from the other students who are all male, she fights her way . When she gains the trust of the only woman Doctor on staff, Dr. Marenco, she tutors with her and they work together to perfect a surgery to help pregnant women in time of distress. This is to be called the Cesarean Section. They also worked on perfecting the use of Ether in these surgeries which although used in England had been a new concept in Italy.
At home in England her fiancée Daniel works with Dr. Croft to help children with diphtheria. They must fight the other doctors, especially Dr. Vickery who wants to use traditional methods of treatment and scoffs at the newer methods that Daniel and Dr. Croft are working on.
I applaud the brave pioneers in medicine that pushed the limit to find new and better ways to treat those with illness, never giving up and working long hours to save the ill. New and improved methods of treatment saved so many lives.
It was sad to see the reception and the prejudice that Nora received just because she was a woman. The prejudice still exists to a certain extent but now women have the freedom to embrace their dreams and go for the career they have a passion for. Although some still think women should be home being wives and mother's only there are those now that believe women can excel at careers that only men were allowed before. I think women still have a ways to go to break through that prejudice that still exists but we are forging foreword. It is because of the brave women in history that today we have that chance.
This was a truly inspiring book and I am so fortunate to have had the chance to read it. I would definitely recommend it to all women and men as well.
Thanks to Audrey Blake for writing this inspiring book, to Sourcebooks Landmark for publishing it and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
July 14, 2022
Historical fiction about a woman’s quest to become a doctor in England in the mid 1800s. Nora Beady was raised by the famed surgeon Horace Croft after her family perished in the cholera epidemic of 1832. He mentored her as well as parented her, teaching her the skills of a doctor. But since she was a woman, she could not go to medical school in England. So he sent her to Bologna, Spain to get her medical license. There she encounters more discrimination and resentment, but she is also mentored by two esteemed doctors: Magdalena Marenco and Salvio Perra. She also had to leave behind her beau, Dr. Daniel Gibson, who works with Dr. Croft and is facing a diphtheria epidemic back home.
The story alternates between Nora’s life in Bologna and Daniel‘s life in London. Both face challenges that would break lesser people. Although their romance is a part of the story, it doesn’t detract from the important issues; it just stays in the background and humanizes the two characters.
This book explores issues such as women’s rights, misogyny, medical care, loyalty and ambition. I love that Nora will not be deterred by anything or anyone in her quest to become a doctor. The book also explores the development of the cesarean section which now saves so many lives, but at the time was a dangerous operation.
This book is actually a sequel to “The Girl in His Shadow”, which I discovered that I already own! I received this ARC ebook from Sourcebooks’ Early Read program in exchange for a review. The book absolutely can be read as a stand alone novel, which is good, since I haven’t read the first book yet.
The author is “Audrey Blake”, which is a non de plume for two authors: Regina Sirois and Jaima Fixsen. Ladies: don’t hide your lights under a bushel! Write together under your own names!
One thing to note about the Early Reads program: you apparently only have the ebooks for a limited time, maybe 2 months, and then they are no longer available. I learned this the hard way, which is why I ended up reading this book out of order.
This book is a definite recommend, and soon I’ll read the first book, which I really own.
The story alternates between Nora’s life in Bologna and Daniel‘s life in London. Both face challenges that would break lesser people. Although their romance is a part of the story, it doesn’t detract from the important issues; it just stays in the background and humanizes the two characters.
This book explores issues such as women’s rights, misogyny, medical care, loyalty and ambition. I love that Nora will not be deterred by anything or anyone in her quest to become a doctor. The book also explores the development of the cesarean section which now saves so many lives, but at the time was a dangerous operation.
This book is actually a sequel to “The Girl in His Shadow”, which I discovered that I already own! I received this ARC ebook from Sourcebooks’ Early Read program in exchange for a review. The book absolutely can be read as a stand alone novel, which is good, since I haven’t read the first book yet.
The author is “Audrey Blake”, which is a non de plume for two authors: Regina Sirois and Jaima Fixsen. Ladies: don’t hide your lights under a bushel! Write together under your own names!
One thing to note about the Early Reads program: you apparently only have the ebooks for a limited time, maybe 2 months, and then they are no longer available. I learned this the hard way, which is why I ended up reading this book out of order.
This book is a definite recommend, and soon I’ll read the first book, which I really own.
August 28, 2023
Mám pocit, že o Nore Beadyovej by som dokázala čítať donekonečna. Ak by aj vyšlo 20 dielov o jej živote, tak tých 20 kníh by som hltala. Aj teraz by som si priala pokračovanie… No v najlepšom zrejme treba naozaj končiť a tak môžem len povedať, že Chirurgova dcéra nesklamala, ba priam naopak prekonala všetky očakávania. Výborné :)!
June 13, 2024
"Mergina jo šešėlyje" man paliko tikrai puikų įspūdį, tad be jokios abejonėd pažintį mielai pratęsiau
Prestižinėje medicinos mokykloje Bolonijoje Nora yra vienintelė ten besimokanti mergina. Nora augo chirurgo Horacijaus Krofto namuose, tad skalpelis jai puikiai pažįstamas.
Deja, bet daugelis žmonių mano, jog medicinoje moterims vietos nėra..
Nora tvirtai pasiryžusi tai pakeisti. Ši jauna moteris tiki, jog moterys gali tapti ne ką blogesnėmis chirurgėmis negu vyrai.
Šioje knygoje pasakojama apie Noros mokslus Bolonijoje. Kaip jai sekėsi integruotis į gana vyrišką kompaniją ir išbandymus, kuriuos teko patirti. Atrastą draugystės džiaugsmą bei patirtą pažeminimą. Tai tik maža dalis to, su kuo Norai teko susidurti.
Kaip žinote gyvenimas nestovi vietoje, tad gyvenimas virte virė ir Anglijoje. Danieliui taip pat teko susidurti su kitais priešiškai nusiteikusiais gydytojais. Horacijaus karštas būdas prie to taip pat prisidėjo..
Buvo be galo įdomu skaityti apie Noros įgytas žinias bei atliekamas cezario pjūvio operacijas. Trumpai tariant, tai buvo puikus istorijos tęsinys, tačiau ši istorija mane intrigavo truputį mažiau. Bet abi knygos man tikrai patiko. Ir abi jos vertos skaitytojų dėmesio.
Prestižinėje medicinos mokykloje Bolonijoje Nora yra vienintelė ten besimokanti mergina. Nora augo chirurgo Horacijaus Krofto namuose, tad skalpelis jai puikiai pažįstamas.
Deja, bet daugelis žmonių mano, jog medicinoje moterims vietos nėra..
Nora tvirtai pasiryžusi tai pakeisti. Ši jauna moteris tiki, jog moterys gali tapti ne ką blogesnėmis chirurgėmis negu vyrai.
Šioje knygoje pasakojama apie Noros mokslus Bolonijoje. Kaip jai sekėsi integruotis į gana vyrišką kompaniją ir išbandymus, kuriuos teko patirti. Atrastą draugystės džiaugsmą bei patirtą pažeminimą. Tai tik maža dalis to, su kuo Norai teko susidurti.
Kaip žinote gyvenimas nestovi vietoje, tad gyvenimas virte virė ir Anglijoje. Danieliui taip pat teko susidurti su kitais priešiškai nusiteikusiais gydytojais. Horacijaus karštas būdas prie to taip pat prisidėjo..
Buvo be galo įdomu skaityti apie Noros įgytas žinias bei atliekamas cezario pjūvio operacijas. Trumpai tariant, tai buvo puikus istorijos tęsinys, tačiau ši istorija mane intrigavo truputį mažiau. Bet abi knygos man tikrai patiko. Ir abi jos vertos skaitytojų dėmesio.
February 21, 2023
The Surgeon’s Daughter-Audrey Blake
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The beautiful and satisfying sequel to Blake’s “The Girl in His Shadow” follows Nora Beady across the sea to Bologna, Italy as she attends the prestigious and inclusive University of Bologna to continue and formalize her already excellent medical skills. She is pursuing an official Medical Degree that is not available to her in her home country of London, England, as women were not allowed to practice Medicine at the time.
This story follows Nora as she battles prejudice, injustice, vile rumors and roadblocks to her education, simply for being a woman. Her alliance and friendship blooms with the famous Magdalena Morenco, a world renown surgeon in the field of Obstetrics as she teaches her the newly discovered art of the cesarean section.
I love this book, all the characters and the rich plot that has followed Nora for 2 books. She is brave, intelligent, outspoken and skilled… all the things men have warned women of being for centuries.
💃🏻🩺👩🏼⚕️🩻👶🏼🍼🇮🇹⛪️📚🎓📝🖌️🔪☕️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The beautiful and satisfying sequel to Blake’s “The Girl in His Shadow” follows Nora Beady across the sea to Bologna, Italy as she attends the prestigious and inclusive University of Bologna to continue and formalize her already excellent medical skills. She is pursuing an official Medical Degree that is not available to her in her home country of London, England, as women were not allowed to practice Medicine at the time.
This story follows Nora as she battles prejudice, injustice, vile rumors and roadblocks to her education, simply for being a woman. Her alliance and friendship blooms with the famous Magdalena Morenco, a world renown surgeon in the field of Obstetrics as she teaches her the newly discovered art of the cesarean section.
I love this book, all the characters and the rich plot that has followed Nora for 2 books. She is brave, intelligent, outspoken and skilled… all the things men have warned women of being for centuries.
💃🏻🩺👩🏼⚕️🩻👶🏼🍼🇮🇹⛪️📚🎓📝🖌️🔪☕️
September 8, 2022
Practicing medicine in the 1840’s, certainly not like today. Be forewarned, this book is not for the faint of heart. Book 2 dragged on, I feel this story could have been told in one book. A successful ending though. Great character development and research, that is what gave these two books a four star rating for me. Interesting story about the author/authors at the end of this book,
July 6, 2025
Tikiuosi bus daugiau knygų su šiais puikiais knygos veikėjais. :)
July 7, 2023
Historical fiction. Book #2 & gave it 3 stars.
University of Bologna, Italy 1846. Nora, now nearly 25,
had been a medical student for 1 year now. She received
push-back from male doctors and students, such as Pozzi,
b/c she was a woman. (The students called each other by
their last names.) There was a language barrier. Even a
gifted female obstetrician, Dr. Marenco, acted hostile -
what to do? Dr. M complained Nora needed to be quicker
in surgery.
Re-cap. In book #1, Dr. Croft took in orphan Nora, whose
family died of cholera. Croft had a charity clinic, worked
as a St. Bart's surgeon in London & had wealthy patients
too. His nemesis, St. Bart's Surg. Chief, Dr. Vickery, clashed
with Croft & Croft's mentee Dr. Daniel Gibson. Nora learned
surgery from Croft but had no credentials/ license. Croft,
who had angina, pd for Nora to attend medical school. His
housekeeper, Mrs. Phipps, accompanied Nora to Italy as her
chaperon.
Nora trained at the Grand Hospital of Life+ Death. Catholic
sisters worked there + a nun was pharmacy chief. Nora had
successes and failures in surgery. Dr. M insisted on meeting
Nora in a church. The church scene seemed like it belonged
in another story. Later Dr. M taught Nora to do a C-section &
allowed her to join her special class. A rumor spread about
Nora & her married mentor, Professor/ Dr. Salvio Perra,
hospital president.
Nora & Daniel loved each other & exchanged letters. She felt
homesick and worried about Croft. Harry made up for his
betrayal in the 1st book.
My favorite scene? Nora's 4 Italian professors grilled her
for 6+ hours, asking her any/ every medical question, to
see if she qualified for an early diploma.
Revised.
University of Bologna, Italy 1846. Nora, now nearly 25,
had been a medical student for 1 year now. She received
push-back from male doctors and students, such as Pozzi,
b/c she was a woman. (The students called each other by
their last names.) There was a language barrier. Even a
gifted female obstetrician, Dr. Marenco, acted hostile -
what to do? Dr. M complained Nora needed to be quicker
in surgery.
Re-cap. In book #1, Dr. Croft took in orphan Nora, whose
family died of cholera. Croft had a charity clinic, worked
as a St. Bart's surgeon in London & had wealthy patients
too. His nemesis, St. Bart's Surg. Chief, Dr. Vickery, clashed
with Croft & Croft's mentee Dr. Daniel Gibson. Nora learned
surgery from Croft but had no credentials/ license. Croft,
who had angina, pd for Nora to attend medical school. His
housekeeper, Mrs. Phipps, accompanied Nora to Italy as her
chaperon.
Nora trained at the Grand Hospital of Life+ Death. Catholic
sisters worked there + a nun was pharmacy chief. Nora had
successes and failures in surgery. Dr. M insisted on meeting
Nora in a church. The church scene seemed like it belonged
in another story. Later Dr. M taught Nora to do a C-section &
allowed her to join her special class. A rumor spread about
Nora & her married mentor, Professor/ Dr. Salvio Perra,
hospital president.
Nora & Daniel loved each other & exchanged letters. She felt
homesick and worried about Croft. Harry made up for his
betrayal in the 1st book.
My favorite scene? Nora's 4 Italian professors grilled her
for 6+ hours, asking her any/ every medical question, to
see if she qualified for an early diploma.
Revised.
August 30, 2022
It was a worthy continuation of The Girl in His Shadow. It was emotional, nerve-wracking, outright devastating at some points and teeming with knowledge about how the medicine and the role of women wanting to practice it looked like in the 19th century. I was completely swept in the stories of both the doctors and their patients.
While it was already touched upon in the first book, the sequel focused more heavily on the medical care women in childbirth in those times. While enlightening, personally it was really hard for me to read as I have a young child and plan another pregnancy. But I'm really glad when this kind of important subject finds its place in literature.
The characters were definitely believable, realistic and well-developed, even if sometimes frustrating. I especially loved doctor Marenco and I'm dreaming about a spin-off novel about her. When it comes to the main character, while I definitely rooted for her and sympathized with her, I was vexed by her at times.
One minor complaint. While this is a serious story about struggling against difficult challenges, I felt that at some point there were too many catastrophes falling on Nora's and her family's heads all at once. Especially one of those somewhat spoiled my appreciation of the book.
I would without doubt read more, should the authors decide to write more books in the series.
While it was already touched upon in the first book, the sequel focused more heavily on the medical care women in childbirth in those times. While enlightening, personally it was really hard for me to read as I have a young child and plan another pregnancy. But I'm really glad when this kind of important subject finds its place in literature.
The characters were definitely believable, realistic and well-developed, even if sometimes frustrating. I especially loved doctor Marenco and I'm dreaming about a spin-off novel about her. When it comes to the main character, while I definitely rooted for her and sympathized with her, I was vexed by her at times.
One minor complaint. While this is a serious story about struggling against difficult challenges, I felt that at some point there were too many catastrophes falling on Nora's and her family's heads all at once. Especially one of those somewhat spoiled my appreciation of the book.
I would without doubt read more, should the authors decide to write more books in the series.
May 10, 2022
I do not have enough praises for this book! The characters have strong backbones making the story strong and entirely believable. In my opinion the authors have done an excellent job. Their research task must have been mammoth but the pathos, the angst, the maddening frustrations, and deeply demeaning-of-women essence of the times as portrayed in this historical fiction, oozes out of the pages' pores and about knocks you over. Like, "A female doctor? NOT on my watch!"
This was the general male reaction just as much as a female one. Female doctors, female lawyers or female anything else should not be, except for ornamental housewives and/or mothers, being the acceptable vocation for any intelligent woman back in the day of the mid-to-late 1800's and early 1900's when these struggles came more to the fore.
The main protagonist Nora, overcame these great odds with the help of Horace, Daniel, Harry, Pozzi, Perra and the invincible M. Marenco and a handful of other cheerleaders such as Mrs. Phipps and Mrs. Crawford. Together, this troop pulled together to overcome the tsunamis of prejudices against women and even against innovative male doctors.
Yes, there is an element of romance that threads its way throughout the narrative. However, it does not supercede the main issues being addressed such as the woman being in formerly male-only positions, performing caesareans, trying to help diphtheria sufferers and so on. Seeing how iron sharpens iron between the characters is refreshing, in how they support and lift each other up for their good and to goad each other to do their diligent best and succeed with excellence.
The author of this book is labeled as Audrey Blake, yet this superb tale is the concoction and collaboration of two women in cohoots. I hope they will co-author more historical novels to blow us readers out of our complacent chairs. Women these days have much to be thankful for and it is well and good to have such valiant pioneers of the past who endured so much, documented in such memorable fashion and to help us realize what victories have been achieved, in great part, because of the courageous women of the past who stood resolute. The Surgeon's Daughter is just such a monument. Well done, Audrey Blake!
Since this story has some grit to it, there are some discussion questions to think through at story's end. There's a spiel about the research material involved and referenced, along with the regular addenda of acknowledgements and about the authors' sections. I hope any future readers will be as enthralled with this story as I have been.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
This was the general male reaction just as much as a female one. Female doctors, female lawyers or female anything else should not be, except for ornamental housewives and/or mothers, being the acceptable vocation for any intelligent woman back in the day of the mid-to-late 1800's and early 1900's when these struggles came more to the fore.
The main protagonist Nora, overcame these great odds with the help of Horace, Daniel, Harry, Pozzi, Perra and the invincible M. Marenco and a handful of other cheerleaders such as Mrs. Phipps and Mrs. Crawford. Together, this troop pulled together to overcome the tsunamis of prejudices against women and even against innovative male doctors.
Yes, there is an element of romance that threads its way throughout the narrative. However, it does not supercede the main issues being addressed such as the woman being in formerly male-only positions, performing caesareans, trying to help diphtheria sufferers and so on. Seeing how iron sharpens iron between the characters is refreshing, in how they support and lift each other up for their good and to goad each other to do their diligent best and succeed with excellence.
The author of this book is labeled as Audrey Blake, yet this superb tale is the concoction and collaboration of two women in cohoots. I hope they will co-author more historical novels to blow us readers out of our complacent chairs. Women these days have much to be thankful for and it is well and good to have such valiant pioneers of the past who endured so much, documented in such memorable fashion and to help us realize what victories have been achieved, in great part, because of the courageous women of the past who stood resolute. The Surgeon's Daughter is just such a monument. Well done, Audrey Blake!
Since this story has some grit to it, there are some discussion questions to think through at story's end. There's a spiel about the research material involved and referenced, along with the regular addenda of acknowledgements and about the authors' sections. I hope any future readers will be as enthralled with this story as I have been.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
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