Dark, gritty, and unapologetically gothic- Anatomy was just what I hoped I was getting myself into! The themes of the value of human life vs the pursuit of knowledge and power really resonated, but my favorite part by far was the romance. I was invested in Hazel and Jack from the very beginning, and their story's end had me incredibly emotional. A must read for fans of Frankenstein and The Madman's Daughter triology!

I requested this book because I’d liked Dana Schwartz’s journalism, the plot sounded interesting, and (of course) that gorgeous cover! Now that I’ve finished, I’ll say that I’m still a fan of Schwartz’s nonfiction and the cover, but that Anatomy didn’t work for me.

The book was a fairly by the numbers historical romp. I did like the Scottish setting, but I found myself tired of the “I’m not like other girls” spin to the heroine. (A tone that has carried over to both press coverage and some other reviews). While there were certainly women in the early 19th century who entered male-dominated professions, there were also a lot of smart, independent women who thrived in midwifery, domestic spaces, etc. Like many contemporary YAs/romances set in the past, I felt like the heroine’s thoughts/opinions were often indistinguishable from modern ones in ways that seemed jarring. It definitely felt more wallpaper historical than accurate, and it just didn’t work for me. I think I’ll stick to Sarah Waters.

I had high hopes for Anatomy: A Love Story. It for sure did not disappoint. I loved the realness of the characters, the vivid imagery of Victorian England, and the dark academia vibes that it gave off. I devoured this book as fast as I could, because I just could not get enough.

Usually, I don't favor historical fiction but this synopsis and cover were too intriguing for me to resist. This story has great historical context with a realistic depiction of the social standards for different classes and sexes. It's always refreshing to see a woman in medicine and the protagonist is a strong, intelligent and loveable character that will charm you throughout your reading.

I would have enjoyed this more had it been adult since the story would have been darker and more gruesome which would have kept the dark aura of this book. Additionally the story is already considered gruesome for a YA book but had it been adult the revelation at the end could have been more detailed.

Even if I would have enjoyed this book had been more mature, I am definitely buying the hardcover copy of this book for a young sister that wants to become a doctor.

Overall it's a unique YA historical fiction that I would recommend for young teens but I would have been interested in seeing this book in adult fiction.

A gothic Tale about a 16 year old lady who wants to become a surgeon .To do that she has to pass medical exam on her own and she needs help. Enter Jack Currier a resurection man who is trying to make it in Edinburgh. a cross between Alienist and Frankenstein this tale of full of intrigue , mayhem and thrills .

So, going back and reading the synopsis again, this last sentence really stuck out to me:

"Hazel and Jack work together to uncover the secrets buried not just in unmarked graves, but in the very heart of Edinburgh society."

... and I just have to say... They don't do this at all. They don't investigate anything until it's staring them right in their face. Jack notices his friend has gone missing and brings it up once, and then we go further into the book without mentioning Munro again until he shows up at Hazel's doorstep. The corpse with the sewn eyelids? We don't hear about that again unless it's Jack or Hazel remembering their first kiss. They don't investigate anything.

Moving on to the love aspect, I didn't, not once, see the chemistry between Hazel and Jack. It was a lot of telling me about their alleged attraction to each other and not enough showing, so I wasn't invested. I didn't believe it. The progress from friends to partners to saying, "I love you," to each other was too fast, too instant when they only barely knew each other for maybe a few weeks?

Also, for a book that talks about Jack being a "resurrection man" and how often he digs up unmarked graves, that whole thing plays such a minor part in all of this. Like, we see him dig up corpses maybe five or six different times, and then never again.

This whole book was just so all over the place, and it sucks because I was really onboard in the beginning, but then things just kept taking turn after turn after turn for the worse, to the point that I feel like I read two, maybe three, completely different books by the end of it.

I did love the writing, though. It was well written, and the story flowed naturally. The dialogue was a bit too modern for me. The atmosphere in regard to world building was really well described, too. I felt like I was actually in Edinburgh; I could picture most of the places perfectly, with the exception of the Anatomists Society surgical theater building or whatever. That was the only thing that I couldn't get a clear picture on, but the rest was great. Could have been a solid 3 stars from me if everything that happened in the end didn't feel like it came right out of left field.

First, this is such a cool cover! There was just something about this story that kept me hooked. There wasn't a ton going on but there was still an eerie vibe and tension. I related to some of Hazel's experiences as a women who bucks at the expectations and gender norms of her time. The end felt a bit rushed while also being completely bittersweet. I honestly hope we get a follow up. This was a smart, gritty historical story that's so worth your time. Looking forward to more from this author!

This was not my cup of tea, I am sorry to say. It was difficult to get into for me. and the writing was very dense, and the story dragged :( I think that a lot of people may enjoy it, just not me.

I loved the atmospheric setting here as well as the anatomy content. There were lots of dark and amazing things and I thoroughly enjoyed the graveyard kisses!

Dark and atmospheric with a strong female lead you root for. I loved the historical Edinburgh setting and the gothic vibe. The story was a bit slow for me in places and I didn't really feel the romance the way I expected to. Though the writing is beautiful.

A beautiful gothic love story/mystery full of guts and gore? What more could I ask for? I was originally drawn to this for the cover, but stayed for the plot. It’s almost hard to put into words how I felt about this book.
I found myself at one point thinking that nothing was happening in the best way despite so much happening at once! I really did end up loving Hazel’s character and her strong female presence as she push her way past the men of this story to pursue her dreams.
The only criticism I have is the ending seems to go from 0 to 100 very quick and very suddenly, but somehow still end abruptly. I do enjoy the bittersweet feeling of the end, I feel like there could have been better build up to it. Overall a great read for me. Definitely 4.5 stars!
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this! #netgalley #anatomy

I really enjoyed this book. At times I was off struck by Hazels witty sharp comments.
Over all.

At first I wasn't sure if Id like it. But this book give the empowerment to a young woman back in Edinburgh 1817.
I really like the plot when you you have a bit of of crossdressing int it. Think Yentl, but for Physiology and biomechanics.
I recommend anyone read this books that wants to have girl power, and is a feminist. 😉📚😍

I flew through this book and enjoyed every second of it. It was fast-paced and just mysterious enough to keep reading.

I did wish there was a little more chemistry between the two main characters, but they were both precious angels. I thought the ending was rushed and the pacing was off, but the last lines still managed to destroy me.

Even though this book wasn't technically groundbreaking, it still has my heart.


P.S. Is this cover not the most beautiful one you've ever seen? One of my favorites of the year.

When you love a book but just want to talk to the person who approved the title with "A Love Story" in it and gently shake them.

In 1817 Edinburgh, Hazel Sinnett wants nothing more in life than to be a surgeon. Marriage has little appeal to her, even though she's been betrothed to her cousin since childhood. At home, her eldest brother died of a terrible sickness a few years ago, leaving her mother to lavish all her attention on Hazel's youngest brother. But Hazel uses this to her advantage by sneaking out of the house to enroll in an anatomy course, disguised as a boy. And surprise surprise, she's good at it. Also surprise surprise, secrecy only lasts so long. When she is discovered, Hazel accepts a wager: pass the physician's exam at the end of term, and she'll be given a prestigious apprenticeship with the top surgeon of the era. Fail, and no woman will ever be accepted to the field.

I do not know why the title has "A Love Story" in it ... because it's not. Like, not even close. And it's really the only beef I have with this book. I saw the author caught some well-deserved flack over an article about subverting romance tropes where she talked about how she wrote a romance she wanted to see, but this is not a love story. I don't know how else to say it. Is there a romance? Absolutely. It is the centre of the story? Nope. It doesn't really crop up until halfway through and has little bearing on the plot itself, so, reader beware if you're coming into this thinking it's some star-crossed lovers thing.

As much as that confused me, it did not take away from how much I enjoyed this book! While not a romance, I did ship the couple that formed in the end. I thought they were super cute and balanced well. Now, what this really was is a gothic novel, and it was more than I hoped it would be. Atmospheric, seemingly well-researched, and surprisingly gruesome. This did not hold back from the anatomical side of things. There are descriptions of surgeons cutting off limbs and sticking their hands inside decaying chest cavities from Hazel's POV, and people sneaking into graveyards and digging up freshly buried corpses to sell to surgeons on Jack's POV. It was gross, but weirdly well executed. Like, I dig it—PUN INTENDED.

What struck me the most about this book is how much I loved the main character. Hazel is absolutely one of those "I don't want to be like the other girls" characters. Especially when we consider the time period and that women don't really get to follow their dreams. Hazel is one of so many characters out there like this, but she felt refreshing. Maybe it's because she's willing to buy a corpse and crack it open on her own to study. I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but the girl has my utmost respect. I was rooting for her to absolutely smash the patriarchy from almost the first page, and couldn't have been more thrilled to follow along with her.

I think part of the reason why I enjoyed this so much is because of the excellent audiobook narration. Wednesday Books was kind enough to provide me with an audio copy, and Mhairi Morrison absolutely killed it. Her accent was so soothing to listen to and she really brought the story and its characters to life!

I will admit, I'm a tiny bit disappointed in the ending. It was a little rushed and honestly, I wanted more closure. Still, the rest of the book was so entertaining that I'm willing to brush aside five minutes worth of grumbling on my part. It was a good ending all the same, and I would totally read more from this author in future.

First of all the cover of this book is absolutely STUNNING.

This is a gothic story set in Scotland about a young female named Hazel that wants to be a surgeon in a time when only males are allowed to study anatomy. Hazel will do almost anything to study anatomy and become a physician, including buying bodies from grave-robbers.

There is a little bit of a love element in this story but most of it is focused on Hazel finding a way to become a physician. So if you're not a romance reader don't let the "A Love Story" portion of the title stop you from picking this one up!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC of this lovely book.

Book Review- Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
January 30, 2022
Anatomy: A Love Story is a young adult historical novel about a Scottish girl that dreams of being a physician despite the fact that this a not an acceptable career for a girl from a titled family in 1817. It has elements of dark gothic romance and the supernatural.

In 1817 Edinburgh families both rich and poor are still recovering from a devastating virus (the Roman Fever) that swept through and killed many including Hazel’s older brother George. Her mother has never come out of mourning, her father is off serving in the Royal Navy and she is loosely engaged to her cousin Bernard. When an opportunity to secretly attend physician classes arises plus to take the all important final exam Hazel jumps at the opportunity dressed in her late brother’s clothes.

Jack Currer works backstage at the local theatre and steals the bodies of the recently deceased to sell to the school when there aren’t enough hanging victims to work on. Jack and Hazel will be thrown together as the city faces another outbreak of Roman Fever plus strange reports of the poor waking up with hazy recollections of being worked on by doctors. It will be up to Hazel to use her medical skills to treat the local victims, manage growing feelings for Jack and decide her future within the limitations put on by society.

Anatomy: A Love Story is a dark tale filled with medicine, science, romance and historical detail about the reality of the people of Edinburgh both rich and poor. I enjoyed both Hazel and Jack’s characters along with their sense of humor the romantic chemistry between them. My only critique was the storyline involving Hazel’s treating of locals within her home and her total autonomy while her mother was away that felt a little unrealistic and unlikely. But, overall I enjoyed this book and recommend it to readers of all ages that like historical novels with plucky, smart heroines and dark deeds.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This gothic historical fiction is centered around Hazel, a 16 year old woman who lives in Edinburgh Scotland with her mother and younger brother. She has always had an obsession with anatomy and wants to be a surgeon despite the fact that no women are allowed to study to become doctors.
In order to study and pass her exam, she must have dead bodies to look at. Enter Jack, who earns extra money by taking bodies from their graves at night.
This was such a quick read with amazing details to keep the story moving. There were some surprise details that really added to the story. The ending, however, felt very rushed to me- especially when compared to the rest of the book. It left me feeling that I was missing something
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for my review copy of this book. All opinions are my own

Hazel wants to be a doctor at a time when women are seen as no more than birth givers. Throughout the book, Hazel works with Jack, a grave robber to study for her physician's exam. She begins to treat many patients at her family home in order to gain experience. Through this venture, she notices that some of the people she treats share a common experience where they see a man with one eye. She eventually uncovers a plot to give rich, paying patients body parts taken from poor people.

I felt that the story was a bit disjointed. Initially, it felt like a historical romance, but then somewhere around the 60-70% mark, it became a fantastical story about immortality and class. I felt like Hazel's relationship with Jack was abrupt in both its beginning and end. I also felt that we never really got closure on her relationship with Bernard. She didn't confront him, he didn't reveal himself to be the ultimate villain, he just kind of faded away. I was somewhat upset at the sudden framing of Jack and his subsequent, equally sudden execution. I am, however, happy about the fact that he didn't die because of the immortal potion and that he is now living in New York.

What a fantastic read! I absolutely devoured this book. The cover was a big draw, and finding out it was 1800's Scotland?? Yes please! I absolutely love books about women rising above their station and striving to be more than just a pretty face in a man's world, and this one delivers. It has the perfect balance of romance, and feminism with the latter not being too overpowering.

Anatomy: A Love Story so beautifully written. I really enjoyed this one from the start. Hazel is smart, cunning, and so determined to become a doctor in a mans world. She lets nothing stop her. I loved how there is romance and secondary characters like Jack but his part of the story is the back drop to hazel. the end took a creative twist I hadn't seen coming. The atomoshphere is perfect with eerie tones of grave robbing, surgeries and social standings. A fantastic read, I'm really looking forward to more by this author!


Thank you to Wednesdaybooks and netgalley for my free copy for review.