STUNNING. IMMERSIVE. EERIE. I loved it. Wandering through the forest felt beautifully surreal, and the entrapment Caesaria feels was so lonely. Going to reread this again and hopefully secure a review for CHIRB!

An interesting and dark novel about early gynecology and a doctor’s first cesarean section, this is not for the faint of heart.

In a gothic tale set in the early days of modern gynecology, a young girl named Caesaria is kept as a trophy by a renowned obstetrician on a remote estate in nineteenth-century Sweden. Living a restricted and fearful life in the doctor's mansion, Caesaria narrates her experiences with its mysterious inhabitants and visitors. The story explores themes of gender warfare and class oppression, as Caesaria reflects on her confinement and lack of connection to the outside world. Through lush and dreamlike prose, author Hanna Nordenhök presents a haunting and mythological tale of one girl's struggle for freedom and understanding.

This was a dark yet incredibly intriguing read. I have always considered myself fortunate to live in this era, where we have access to electricity, running water, food, and established laws.

In the past, they lacked even basic medical knowledge or penicillin. It was truly eye-opening to see how slowly progress occurred over time, with some things remaining unchanged due to seclusion from society.

The main character was depicted as sweet, kind, curious, and obedient. The caretaker attempted to provide a better life for this girl, prompting readers to consider what they would do in her situation.

If you appreciate thought-provoking, dark historical literature, this book is must-read. It will undoubtedly make you grateful for the modern conveniences we often take for granted.

Thank you, Book*hug Press for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I know that most people would like to give Hanna Nordenhök a better review but I can only give her a three star review because until she only let us see what Caesaria saw as a 5 to 7 year old. Through most stories you see what happens throughout the characters life. We only see a brief period during when she was young. She only gives us a brief story that make sense when she gets older.

Locked up in a mansion is both a blessing and a curse for Caesaria. She is rather like a medical guinea pig for the doctor who delivered her .. she being the first to survive.


It is a fabulous insight into the history of gynecology and a doctor who is unsettling and controlling.

Caesaria on the other hand is gentle and naive and doesn't quite understand what is going on around her.

I loved this tale, it is written beautifully and quite poetic. I loved how the story unravelled, revealing the mysteries of the doctor and the visitors who frequebted the mansion.

an unusual read but oh so good..

I thought this was a fascinating read it had that Gothic element that I was looking for and enjoyed about the description. Hanna Nordenhök wrote this perfectly and had that historical fiction element that I was looking for. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their journey, it was interesting to learn about something I really didn’t know. It was a beautifully done novel and hope to read more.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This took me a while to get into, the whole premise of the sleepy, dreamlike wanderings combined with the stark medical was jarring, which of course, was the goal. I found it unsettling, and it definitely kept me on edge.