In 1817, the idea of a woman practicing medicine was almost unthinkable, a direct challenge to centuries of male-dominated tradition. At a time when medical education was reserved almost exclusively for men, women were dismissed as incapable of mastering the complexities of the field. Many people wondered, “Who would be the one to defy these barriers?” Dana Schwartz’s novel Anatomy: A Love Story includes intelligent Hazel Sinnett, who decides to take on this obstacle. By skillfully intertwining romance, historical detail, and gothic mystery into a compelling tale, Schwartz ventures into historical fiction with a fresh, feminist perspective. Her exploration of ambition, gender dynamics, and morality reflects a keen understanding of history and human nature, making this novel a standout.
Set in 1817 in Edinburgh, this story follows Hazel Sinnett, a sharp-witted young woman determined to defy rigidly enforced societal norms. She is a fiercely intelligent and headstrong teenager whose passion for medicine defies the expectations of her time. Despite her privileged upbringing, Hazel is uninterested in the debutante balls and suitors her family envisions for her. Instead, she dreams of becoming a surgeon–a profession obstructed from women in her era.
When her plans to formally study are ruined, Hazel takes matters into her own hands, striking a daring deal with Jack Currer, a rough-edged resurrection man who supplies her with corpses for dissection. “‘It’s a fresh corpse, dug it up just tonight! Ten guineas.’” Together, they navigate Edinburgh’s shadowy underworld, where life and death are closely intertwined.
Hazel herself is a revelation. Her determination to challenge societal norms and carve out a place in a male-dominated field makes her both inspiring and deeply relatable. Yet, Schwartz doesn’t shy away from portraying Hazel’s flaws–her focus on her goals and the moral compromises she makes add depth to her character. Her growing awareness of her privilege and Jack’s harsh reality deepens her journey, making her struggles feel both personal and universal.
The greatest achievement of Anatomy lies in its balance between gothic elements and an ultimately hopeful message. Schwartz reminds us that even in a world constrained by rigid norms, change is possible for those willing to challenge the circumstances. Hazel’s journey, though full of challenges, shows the strength of courage and resilience.
In short, Anatomy: A Love Story is a gorgeously written, deeply affecting novel that dissects the difficulties of love, ambition, and the human spirit with surgical precision. Schwartz has crafted a romance that is both thought-provoking and moving. This tale is a captivating exploration of appreciation, loss, and identity that resonates deeply with readers, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected connections are the ones that change us forever.
