Anatomy: A Love Story (The Anatomy Duology, 1)

What are your options in 1817 if you are from a titled family, your greatest desire in the world is to become a surgeon, you have re-read an old copy of the best surgical book around to prepare yourself, and you have been told being a surgeon isn’t possible because you are female? Unless of course, you can pass the medical examination without taking the classes and learning the dissections. Hazel Sinnett knows reading the latest tome will only get her so far but having dead bodies to dissect like the students in the class . . .Enter Jack Currer, one of the local resurrection men who exhumes freshly buried bodies and sells them to the anatomy school. Can he find bodies for Hazel while staying out of reach of whoever is kidnapping resurrection men? Hazel and Jack work together to solve the mystery of the missing men, while their romance slowly builds. Hazel hones her medical skills caring for local villagers, some of whom have vague dreams of being treated by local doctors. Another mystery they come to solve together. I loved Hazel and Jack! Although they were from different backgrounds, their characters are so likeable. They were perfect for each other.Dana Schwartz has crafted an amazing story that I could not put down. I loved the gothic feel of the story as it added to the mystery surrounding the storyline. Hawthornden Castle is the perfect backdrop for Hazel’s home! The anatomical and historical aspects are thoroughly researched and well-written. Her narrative easily places you in the side streets and back alleys of Old Edinburgh. You are completely immersed in the surgery amphitheater as Dr. Beecham anesthetizes his patient and conducts surgery.I thoroughly enjoyed Anatomy: A Love Story! Hazel’s courageous spirit and tenacity make her a worthy opponent for any adversary. I am definitely looking forward to the sequel to see more of the dark, murky world Ms. Schwartz has created.

I really wanted to love this book. Although I did enjoy both the writing and story line. It felt at times slightly half thought out. The ending was not at all what I had expected or felt like the book had built up to. Kind of felt like the ending was never really written. Overall worth the read, but was slightly disappointed.

The setting is early 1800’s. Hazel is fascinated with science and specifically medical applications. She sneaks in to watch a medical lecture because women aren’t allowed to attend. Jack scrapes by with odd jobs, such as digging up recently buried bodies to sell for medical studies. Hazel and Jack meet when he helps her sneak into a medical presentation. Hazel later disguises herself as a young gentleman so she can attend classes to become a physician. She’s found out but the professor makes a deal with her and gives her some help to prepare for the physician’s exam. Her family is away so she can study as much as she wants. She also begins treating people that aren’t taken care of by the hospital. She ends up treating patients with Roman Fever; a plague that seems to be appearing again. Jack brings exhumed bodies to Hazel for studying and live patients for her to treat. Jack and Hazel become close, even though she’s been betrothed to a viscount’s son since she was a child. Jack and Hazel get involved in the horrible experimentation of an eccentric doctor and everything gets turned upside down for both of them. I love Jack and Hazel. They’re both strong and selfless and they have an adorable relationship. I would love a sequel to be written to continue the story but at this point, I can’t see any sign of that happening. A mix of mystery and historical fiction to be enjoyed, 5 stars!

This was one of those books that ended up being a little bit different than I thought it would. First, I didn’t realize that it would include fantasy elements. I’m not sure if I should have, but it only became somewhat apparent to me toward the end, and that threw me a little bit. I guess because I had assumed that it was more of a historically set fiction. Personally, I think it would have been stronger if the fantastical elements had been embraced earlier on. And the characters were interesting, although I did not totally feel that the romance between them was organic. I think I would almost have preferred that it just stayed as a friendship.Overall, it was a pretty decent book. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t send me over the edge.

I bought this book after picking it up and putting it back on several trips to the bookstore. When I finally bought it, it awaited it's time to be read on my lengthy TBR list. However, another reader mentioned it comparable to a favorite of my 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓, and I was convinced to pump it up on my list. I was not disappointed! The detail in the medical knowledge, as well as the research the author did on the 19th century, was well worth it! Despite the ending not going the way I dreamed it to, this book was great! I would recommend it to anyone.

I knew I would enjoy the subject matter because I love a good gothic novel, especially in the vein of Frankenstein. This was so much more and I thoroughly enjoyed it, in fact I couldn't put it down!

Lindo e super delicado , achei uma leitura fluida com enredo muito interessante…

I needed more historical fiction on my shelf, so I decided to give this duology a go, and I was absolutely hooked! Here we meet Hazel, a young woman who'd rather be a surgeon than marry. She soon crosses paths with a man named Jack who works as a "resurrection man" who could be able to help her achieve her dream. But bodies have been disappearing, and soon it's up to Hazel and Jack to find out the truth.This was a haunting Gothic story, and I'm excited to see what happens in the sequel!

Le livre se lit très facilement et c'est presque impossible de le poser une fois commencé! une vrai pépite, je me réjouis de lire le suivant pour suivre les aventures de Hazel et Jack!

No spoilers