I really enjoyed reading this book. Semmelweis was an OB/GYN in 19th Century Vienna. When mothers on the maternity ward die at an alarming rate he sets out to discover the cause. The novel presents a fictional account of his discovery and the resistance he faces with the medical community. As the title suggests his discovery led to a practice that is still in use today. The simple act of washing your hands. I really learned a lot and was surprised that Semmelweis is not more well known The book is very well written and easy to read. Anyone with a interest in medical history and women's health with enjoy this book.

I enjoyed clean hands learning about the difficulties and discoveries of the doctor. Post-partum fever and death was common. Though unsupported, discounted, and unrecognized, the main character, an OB GYN Doctor discovered the cause was contamination via unclean hands and implemented a hand-washing protocol.

A very interesting and fascinating novel based on real characters! I enjoyed it very much. The no el was captivating on several levels: first, Semmelweis and his discovery of unclean hands and their consequences; second, I found extreme interesting to read about obstetrics in a hospital (Vienna, 1850+), the organisation, the treatments, the care; medicine studies (not always clean!); and last but certainly not least, the arrogant power of politics over the medical abilities/necessities.
At the end of the book one can read about the known facts about Semmelweis as well as an outline of medical hygiene.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in medical history based on facts.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.