Thank you so much to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for letting me read an eARC of Anatomy: A Love Story. I saw that this one was a Reese's YA book club pick thing, before I was able to actually read it (because you know your girl didn't get to Anatomy: A Love Story until mid February, so almost a month after it actually came out), so I had really high hopes for this book, which unfortunately, it didn't really live up to.
Anatomy: A Love Story 3/5 Stars
Summary from Goodreads:
Edinburgh, 1817. Hazel Sinnett is a lady who wants to be a surgeon more than she wants to marry.
Jack Currer is a resurrection man who’s just trying to survive in a city where it’s too easy to die.
When the two of them have a chance encounter outside the Edinburgh Anatomist’s Society, Hazel thinks nothing of it at first. But after she gets kicked out of renowned surgeon Dr. Beecham’s lectures for being the wrong gender, she realizes that her new acquaintance might be more helpful than she first thought. Because Hazel has made a deal with Dr. Beecham: if she can pass the medical examination on her own, the university will allow her to enroll. Without official lessons, though, Hazel will need more than just her books – she’ll need bodies to study, corpses to dissect.
Lucky that she’s made the acquaintance of someone who digs them up for a living, then.
But Jack has his own problems: strange men have been seen skulking around cemeteries, his friends are disappearing off the streets. Hazel and Jack work together to uncover the secrets buried not just in unmarked graves, but in the very heart of Edinburgh society.
A gothic tale full of mystery and romance about a willful female surgeon, a resurrection man who sells bodies for a living, and the buried secrets they must uncover together.
Oh man, y'all. I really, really wanted to love this one! I really enjoy everything medical-y and I think the whole concept behind this book was great, but man, I was so incredibly bored during the whole book. I didn't like any of the main characters- Hazel was so self-centered and Jack was so boring. And I get that Hazel wanted to be a surgeon and that was her biggest driving factor, but at the same time, could we get a little more action please? Like it felt as though nothing happened for the first maybe 60% of the book, and that's such a long time to wait for a book to move. I feel like I can't even really write a real review about this book because I didn't think enough happened for it to have a real review! The only saving grace for this book was the setting (I love Edinburgh). I know a lot of people loved this book, so if you like books that are not as plot driven and are super setting heavy and character development heavy, I would definitely check this one out. Again, overall, this was not my favorite book, but I definitely think there are a lot of people who will love this one if they read it!

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to get an ARC of this book, especially since it has such a gorgeous and intriguing cover. This is a bit of a departure from my usual fantasy reads, but I couldn’t resist the storyline!

Although the book had my interest initially, it quickly waned and completely dissolved by the end.

The Pros: What Worked For Me

- The writing style was quite enjoyable. I enjoyed reading from multiple perspectives and the author has a clear talent for creating a good pace for readers.
- The time period was very interesting to me and the subject matter was a great choice, too.
- Hazel and Jack were both very well-developed characters and I liked them both individually.
- The term love story in this novel refers to more than just the obvious romance, but also to Hazel’s love and passion for medicine; this was a fresh take that I appreciated.

The Cons: What I Didn’t Like

- The romance in the story is lackluster. It is pushed off to the side and does not develop very naturally. I couldn’t feel the chemistry between the love interests so it was quite disappointing.
- There were so many subplots going on that it was hard to know what the point of the story actually was.
- There was this whole mystery in the story but I struggled to even connect with that plotline because it was mentioned in passing for most of the story; it was pushed aside.
- More of the story is focused on Hazel’s medical journey, which I personally found interesting, but compared to what the blurb says, it was a let-down.
- The ending was so rushed and the immortality secret, whilst unsurprising based on all the hints the author gave to it, was abruptly brought into the story.
- There were far too many plot holes in this story to count, and this added to my frustration.

I struggled when it came to rating this novel. Was it terribly written? Not at all. In fact, it was a pleasant reading experience on the whole. But the way the story ended and the way important plotlines were just swept aside made it impossible for me to truly enjoy this book.

I would still give this author another chance because I can see the talent. But for now, this gets 2/5 stars.

What an intriguing journey that took me out of my reading comfort zone. I’d say this is a historical fiction novel, with a dash of romance and a bit of fantasy. There are major gothic vibes throughout, which I thought perfectly captured 1800s Edinburgh. I loved Hazel and her determination to become a surgeon despite what society and her family expected of her. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but it kept me coming back for more. I didn’t necessarily love the ending. It felt a little out of left field to me, though I think a sequel could potentially redeem that storyline. I’ll definitely be reading more of Dana Schwartz’ work!

4.5

This is a novel of coming of age and breaking barriers. High society-adjacent Hazel is a smart, caring protagonist and complements street-wise Jack’s jaded and amusing nature. The mystery is in the background, as much of the novel centers on Hazel’s ambitions to be a surgeon and her future marital ties to her noble cousin. There is not a real love triangle, but Hazel does have romantic moments with Jack.
Sickness, grief, and the fate of the poor during this historical time in Edinburgh are themes and there is a speculative element. This is an atmospheric and satisfying read.

Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the e-galley. I read along in parts while mainly listening to the audiobook for this review.

TW and CW: mentions of blood and surgery throughout with actual scenes with instruments; uncomfortable/forced kiss; death of a family member

Spoiler: The author did slightly hint at a sequel on the audiobook I listened to

This book felt like it was just missing something that would've made me really like it. The romance was sweet and it was a very different type of historical fiction than I had read in the past, but something about it just didn't quite click for me. It might be my fault for having different expectations coming in to it, but I just couldn't bring myself to love this. I don't regret reading it and definitely had fun, but not a fave.

Anatomy: a love story is an interesting
romance read between a surgeon and a
resurrection man. With being a
healthcare worker I was drawn in just
by the cover! Outstanding!!
@danaschwartzzz novel is full of twists
and turns and the notion of
underrepresented women is a bonus!
This gothic novel of partners in crime is
very intriguing and a must read for
anyone who loves a feminist twist on
Frankenstein!

I had no idea what to expect when I started this book. I love that feeling. And I also love everywhere this book took me and everything it made me feel. Every turn of the page was something new to keep me turning the pages and that was what made this book such a ride. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Anatomy: A Love Story was quite an interesting read. Hazel is a young woman of means in Scotland whose older brother died of Roman Fever and whose parents are pretty much absent. Though she's supposed to be focused on attending social events and finding a husband, Hazel can't tear herself away from her brother's old anatomy books and can't resist sneaking into a surgery demonstration. Hazel is fascinated and decides to try her hand at medical school. However, women aren't welcome, and you need bodies to practice on. This is how she meets Jack, who works at a theater but also supplies fresh bodies to doctors to make extra cash.

While many elements of the plot were quite convenient and the love story was lacking, Anatomy does make for a good discussion about the origins and intentions of the medical field and its treatment of poor people.

What an unexpected delight! I picked up ANATOMY because the beautiful cover grabbed me right away.

Edinburgh, 1817 and Hazel Sinnett longs to be a surgeon, but she’s not allowed due to the times she’s living in, where women had no rights, other than to marry into good standing.

Her desire to learn the body and become a surgeon grows stronger, as Hazel decides to sneak into a surgical presentation and take on classes as her deceased brother.

It was dark and full of gothic elements, with just enough mystery, and I really enjoyed this one! I learned more about the gases that the body releases after death than I ever thought I’d want to know.

*many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

This felt like something I would like, but it didn't grab me. I ended up not finishing this title. I really think that others will enjoy it though.

A YA novel set in 1817 Scotland, about Hazel, a young lady engaged to a viscount but who really wants to be a surgeon, and Jack, a dashing and handsome young Resurrection Man. Of course ladies are not allowed to train as surgeons – unless, perhaps, they dress as men and make friends with the people who can supply corpses to train on. That would be enough plot, but something deadly seems to be happening to Edinburgh's Resurrection Men, and as Hazel and Jack uncover the mystery, the answers turn out to be supernatural.

To be honest with you all: I did not realize this was YA when I started reading it, and I probably wouldn't have picked it up if I had known. Nothing wrong with YA novels, but I haven't been in the mood for them lately and <I>Anatomy</i> is EXTREMEMLY YA. I'm sure this accident influenced my review, and if you <i>are</i> in the mood for YA, you'll probably like <i>Anatomy</i> much more than I did.

Hazel is very much the standard plucky historical heroine, with exactly the right modern views even if it makes no sense for her to hold them. My favorite example in this book is that she just knows the medical establishment is too dismissive of local folklore, and we really should test out these herbal teas because there's probably something to them. Why does Hazel think this? How is she so confident? Schwartz couldn't even give her, like, a convenient nanny who had the best home remedies so there was some explanation for Hazel's views. Nope, she just has the right opinion because of course she does. The historical research in general is shallow, though not more so than the characters. Hazel's fiancé comes off particularly badly; his personality completely changes from scene to scene, so he can do whatever the plot requires at that moment. He's dumb but amiable, he's a vicious sexual assaulter, he's kind, he's obsessed with looks and easily jealous, he's her childhood friend who appreciates her quirks, he's her bitter enemy. Etc. The plot is riddled with holes (why is Hazel's mom willing to leave her alone in the house for months at a time? why does Hazel think inoculation can only happen with healing cases? how many bodies do Hazel and Jack think she needs to get through anatomy school? why does Jack become a skilled rider after getting on a horse twice?), but at a certain point it was all so implausible that I stopped caring.

Overall, it's not badly written, and if you're in the mood to read a cheesy romance about a nerdy girl and her homeless suitor in Regency clothes, <i>Anatomy</i> is a pleasant way to pass an afternoon. I just wanted something darker and deeper.

(Also, how do you write a novel about resurrection men in Edinburgh and not even mention Burke & Hare?)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4643787654

I really enjoyed this book! It had so many things I was looking for, but also quite a few surprises! It was a bit eerie but also sweet and lovely and I adored all the history woven in with the narrative. I adore! Hazel and Jack! The pacing was a bit slow for me at first, but then I got to where I couldn't put it down! All in all, a great read!

I was drawn immediately to this book because what a BEAUTIFUL cover it has! Truly, Wednesday's design team has outdone themselves.

The story of Hazel Sinnett is very interesting, although I found it a bit slow for the first half. Her determination to be a physician when women were expected to stay home was truly admirable. I really loved her character and I did really like reading about her life in the early 1800's which is a time I haven't read about in many books. I did feel that a few of the main twists were a little too obvious based on all the background we received early on and I also felt the ending was a bit abrupt but I am hoping for a sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Books/Wednesday Books, and Dana Schwartz for an e-arc of Anatomy: A Love Story in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the early 1800s, Hazel wants nothing more than to be a surgeon in a time when women were not allowed in the medical field. Disguised as her brother, she attends the lectures of renowned surgeon Dr. Beecham, but after her secret is discovered and she is kicked out, Hazel enlists the help of resurrection man, Jack. Jack brings Hazel the bodies of the recently deceased for her to continue her studies and keep her on her path of becoming a full fledged surgeon. But Jack has his own worries. Strange men have been seen in the graveyards and his fellow resurrection men have been going missing. Hazel and Jack must work together to solve the mystery of the missing men.

Anatomy: A Love Story was a great gothic, atmospheric read. Reading about medical practices in the early 1800s was particularly interesting, especially from the perspective of a woman who was not allowed to take part in the field. I loved Hazel’s spunk and tenacity, her determination to do whatever it took to pursue her dreams. The mystery behind the disappearances of the Resurrection Men was very interesting and I wasn’t expecting it to end how it did, but I really enjoyed the aspect that was introduced. I wish that it was a little more present throughout, though. This is definitely for people who enjoyed books like the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco.

I couldn't finish this. It's not terrible, if you're into that sort of thing. I like the feminist aspects of the storyline. The historical fiction aspect doesn't seem particularly well-researched, more like a setting to fit the concept. If you're squeamish, the concept might bother you: there is some detailed discussion of surgery, dissection, and stealing bodies from graves

Hoping I'll pick this book up again someday and try again but ultimately I don’t think this book is a good match for me, personally. DNFed.

In Edinburgh in the early 1800s a young society woman, Hazel, who wants to be a surgeon but is being forced to marry, meets a destitute "resurrection man" named Jack.

Hazel disguises herself as a man to attend medical lectures, but she is discovered and kicked out. She then makes a wager with the professor that she will take the physician's examination anyway, and if she passes, he will allow her to become his apprentice. However, if she wants to pass the exam, she needs bodies to study... Enter Jack who, as a resurrection man, is able to provide her with recently buried bodies that he steals from their graves to sell to physicians for study, and maybe other nefarious purposes. Away we go!

Anatomy is a plot-driven young adult novel that I enjoyed for its strong and determined heroine, hell-bent on following her dream. And the cover is gorgeous! :)


(Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced reading copy.)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely LOVED this book!

I am a sucker for strong-willed women in historical stories. No man is going to stand in your way! Get it, girl!

Hazel wants to be a surgeon, but women are not allowed to be surgeons, doctors, lawyers, or anything that requires the usage of the brain. This will not deter her, though. She dresses as a boy, goes to lectures, and is determined to learn everything she can. She is, of course, found out, and instead of being turned away completely, the professor strikes a deal with her. If she can pass the surgical examination at the end of term, while studying alone, she can become his intern.
In order to study on her own, she needs human corpses to practice on. Luckily, the Roman plague has returned, so bodies are in large supply. Hazel teams up with Jack Currer, a resurrection man, to supply her with corpses. Once she starts performing autopsies, she discovers that something is definitely not right with these corpses.
While tending to the sick people of the town, avoiding a betrothal to her cousin, and studying for the surgical examination, Hazel also uncovers the truth behind the mysterious happenings with her corpses.

The gothic atmosphere, the strong main character, and the caring sidekicks... it was all just amazing!
I loved that for the most part, society is the villain in this story. The twist of there being an actual villain only made it more interesting.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I was able to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
***
Anatomy by Dana Schwartz is (for now) a stand-alone novel that follows headstrong Hazel Sinnett on her quest to be a surgeon more than she wants to follow the path of the duties of a lady and her chance encounter with resurrection man Jack Currer. What follows is an atmospheric tale set in Edinburgh in the 1800s following the outbreak of a disease that is taking the people of the city… but might not be the only thing making the people disappear. Jack has heard tales and noticed the disappearance of many of those he’s known, someone seems to be taking people too, for what he doesn’t know,
Hazel is a lady of import and Jack is someone who knows the city in a more intimate way and together the two are going to discover all sorts of secrets, and Hazel is going to work hard to acquire the skills of a knowledgeable surgeon.
***
I enjoyed this story. I always like the story of a plucky female character with goals of things she shouldn’t be doing but her interest for it is worth more than societies disdain for her doing it. Hazel has goals and while she is headstrong she also is fighting doubts and fears and has plenty of moments of weakness. The setting was a fascinating period of time for me and as someone who loves history and has traveled to Edinburgh in the past the story was quite evocative and all the more enjoyable for it.
The ending took a bit of a turn I had not expected and while not bad definitely changed the tone of the book a bit and leaves the reader with a question, which is where my noting of for now this story is a stand alone, but with the chance to be revisited.

I knew I was going to love it from the beginning, and even though the love story sneaks on you while fully focused on Hazel's journey, it leaves you shaken in the best way in the end. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to discover this story.