The Surgeon's Daughter puts us alongside Nora Beady, who is the only female medical student at the University of Bologna in Italy. Her male counterparts do not feel that there is any room for women in surgery - they're too delicate. But when Nora meets Dr. Magdalena Morenco and places herself under her tutelage, she just may defy the odds. When she returns to her home in London, Nora faces a whole new set of challenges.

Being a woman in the medical field, I have a real appreciation for the women that Nora represents. Without their courage and relentless efforts to make room for them in a field entirely dominated by men, my life would be very different. I felt a camaraderie with Nora as she fought her way though medical school, facing unfair double standards and prejudices that her fellow male students didn't have to endure, The story itself was well plotted and paced. The writing was such that I was forced to be emotionally invested in Nora and her victories and losses. I was angry for her, I grieved when she grieved, and I celebrated when she celebrated. I appreciate the authors shedding light on this lesser known part of medical history, The stories of those who are bold and trailblazing need never be lost.

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for providing me with a digital copy for review. The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of the author or publisher.

This book is about the first woman doctor in London. It focuses on the History of the cesarean section. I really enjoyed this book and it had a complex story all around. In addition it has a readers guide an author interview and historical note.

Set in the 19th century, The Surgeon's Daughter is a thrilling and riveting book about a female medical student's determination and perseverance in pursuing her calling to become a physician in a man's world at the prestigious school in Bologna. Not only do Nora Beady's teachers ignore her in the classroom but her peers ridicule her. However, a few male colleagues see her determination and promise in women's medicine in particular and applaud her, including Dr. Daniel Gibson and the infamous Dr. Croft. Dr. Magdalena Morenco is her mentor and performs Caesarean sections with her during the times of experimental ether. Erysipelas is a horrifying reality and so are death and sorrow.

The authors write beautifully and highlight realities of medicine and life in the era using thoughtfully-researched rich historical bits. Characters are vividly described. Another of my favourite aspects is the fascinating medicine itself from science and instruments to procedures and recovery. My emotions were fully captured and held whilst reading this breathtaking story. I was eager to reach the end yet I did not want to, wishing to savour each word.

It would be a shame for any Historical Fiction fans to miss out on this. To me it went beyond the historical fiction realm as it reached deeper than many do, including character development.

My sincere thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this phenomenal book!

I loved Audrey Blake’s previous novel about Nora, The Girl In His Shadow, so I was super eager and excited to read The Surgeon’s Daughter. In this book, Nora has been accepted into medical school in Italy and just because she’s on her way to becoming a doctor doesn’t mean it’s smooth sailing. Of course, it’s not! Women are still not accepted in the medical field and her professors treat her with a lack of respect shown to the male students.

What I liked about this story was how C-section surgery was studied and presented. It was a radical idea that was frowned upon though it saved the lives of women. I was nearly biting my nails with anticipation, wanting Nora to triumph.

Here’s the full synopsis:

Nora Beady, the only female student at a prestigious medical school in Bologna, is a rarity. In the 19th century women are expected to remain at home and raise children, so her unconventional, indelicate ambitions to become a licensed surgeon offend the men around her. Under constant scrutiny, Nora’s successes are taken for granted; her mistakes are used as proof that women aren’t suited to the field.

Everything changes when she allies herself with Magdalena Morenco, the sole female doctor on-staff. Together the two women develop new techniques to improve a groundbreaking surgery: the Cesarean section. It’s a highly dangerous procedure and the research is grueling, but even worse is the vitriolic response from men. Most don’t trust the findings of women, and many can choose to deny their wives medical care.

Already facing resistance on all sides, Nora is shaken when she meets a patient who will die without the surgery. If the procedure is successful, her work could change the world. But a failure could cost everything: precious lives, Nora’s career, and the role women will be allowed to play in medicine.

Due out on May 10.

This book was a page turner, at least for me. Having worked in the medical field for over 40 years it’s interesting to see how far the field has come. It annoys me that the men were so narrow minded when it came to female Drs.
I had not read this author’s previous book with the same characters. However it didn’t affect my reading of this book. I enjoyed it. Anyone who likes medical historical fiction will enjoy this book.Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I loved the first novel about Nora Beady’s attempts to practice medicine during a time when females were forbidden to. This new novel sees Nora perusing her medical degree in Italy, a country where, at the time, women were permitted to practice medicine. While this novel had elements from the first book that I continued to enjoy in the second - descriptions of early medical practices and a strong female character - it lacked the same emotional connections between the characters I loved in the first novel (at least until the end when they are all reunited). However, I enjoyed reading on in Nora’s adventures and would recommend this book to students with an interest in the sciences and medicine.

This is a fascinating look at medicine in the 1840s when ether was just starting to be used for surgeries. The story follows Eleanora Beady, an orphan raised and trained by one of the premier surgeons in England, Horace Croft, as she studies for her medical degree at the University of Bologna. While the path to her degree in Italy is not easy, it is a little more accepted than at home in London. Why she ended up going to Italy and what she learns about cesaerean sections under the tutelege of a brilliant woman doctor make this a very interesting read. The other half of the story follows a fellow student of Dr. Croft, Daniel Gibson, as he works with Horace and struggles to help patients despite hindrances from Dr. Vickery, who is a rival of Horace Croft. There is a romance between Daniel and Nora, but that is less the focus of the story than the medical advances that are taking place then.
This presents a detailed look at the struggle of women in the medical field and of the way medicine was changing during this period. A nice read.

I loved “The Girl in His Shadow” and was happy to receive an ARC of this sequel. This was very well written and chronicles the struggles of women trying to enter the medical field in the 19th century. I enjoyed the continuing saga of Nora.

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.

historical-fiction, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, medical-doctor, education, internship, women-in-science, medical-treatment, 19th-century*****

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!

Nora Beady is a woman (strike one) who lives in the 1800's (strike two) who has been educated by none other than Dr. Horace Croft (strike three) and wants nothing more than to become a licensed doctor herself (strike four). This story plunges you right back in time as Nora struggles to find her way in a world that does not believe she belongs, at least, not with her knowledge and skill, and yet, Nora approaches all that is thrown at her with a realistic indomitable spirit and wisdom, that you can't help but to cheer her on. What I didn't know before reading this, is that it follows the previous book The Girl in His Shadow. But I couldn't tell when I jumped headfirst into reading this book. It stands alone very well. Well written and a delight to read.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

The Surgeon's Daughter follows the story of a young woman named Nora. Nora was raised by a surgeon who cared for her late parents. Growing up Nora has a fascination with her guardians profession. Now Nora has grown up and is studying at a university in Italy to get her Doctors degree. I really enjoyed this book! It was a bit longer than I expected but every page was exciting with twists and turns. I was very intrigued with all the information I learned from this book. A great read for anyone!

What a fantastic continuation of this (hopefully) series. I absolutely love the characters - they have become book family to me! And Nora is smart, determined and strong - she is very quickly becoming one of my favorite book heroines. The writing is beautiful and flows so well, and the descriptions of people, places and things in the book are detailed enough to transport the reader into the story, but succinct enough to keep the pacing at an enjoyable speed. Woven throughout the novel are themes of grief, love, societal expectations, regret and hope. There are also moments of fun and humor. Horace Croft will forever be in my heart. I highly recommend this novel, but think that you should definitely read the first book, A Girl In His Shadow, first.

What a great story of women trying to practice medicine in the 19th century. It is about their dreams, courage, battle against close minded men and their groundbreaking surgery. An excellent story.

This book was sent to me electronically for review by Netgalley. This is an amazing book with details that are somewhat unbelievable. I felt as if I were in the setting...with the characters. What would happen next? Historical writing at its best. I look forward to more books by this author.

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!

Nora is in Bologna seeking the medical degree that she could not get in London. This book is based in the 19th century and she is leading the future charge for women in medicine. I loved that this book was well researched in regards to the medicine of the time. This book really kept my interest and I grew to become invested in the story. The only criticism that I would have would be regarding cause and effect. It seemed like the book was forcing the discrimination practices against women as opposed to actually identifying it by behavior and barriers. It just really seemed like the obstacles were just easy things instead of years of oppression and ignorance. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley. I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more from this author.

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.

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This book is important to learn this history of females in the medical field and their accomplishments.

Bottom line,
we need more books like this!

Audrey Blake steps back into the 19th century medical world with Nora Beady and Dr. Daniel Gibson.
Being a woman in the 1840’s has certain expectations; wife, mother and homemaker. Nora wants more, to become a surgeon.
Traveling from England to Italy to study medicine, she is the only female student and not accepted by her male classmates. Her ambitions and actions are frequently questioned and scrutinized.
When she meets Dr. Magdalena Morenco, she has found an ally. On her journey, Nora faces sexism, challenging medical cases and moments of facing her own self doubt. With Dr. Morenco she will witness groundbreaking steps in anesthesia, surgical techniques; the risky c-section and the development and entry of women
practicing medicine.
Alternating with the story of her partner Dr. Gibson who remained in England, their lives are surrounded by their patients, the cases they handle and the experiences that they share.
Identifiable characters steeped in gripping detail Audrey Blake knows how to bring her readers the best of historical fiction. Much enjoyed and highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.