The Girl in His Shadow

I truly enjoyed this peek into 19th century medicine through the eyes of a qualified, yet unlicensed female physician. Nora's character was so nuanced and well-developed, but I found myself drawn to even the most minor characters who seemed incredibly three-dimensional. I especially appreciated that Blake felt no need to "wrap up" the story so to speak -- Nora was given the narrative space to pursue her career and aspirations without a total cliffhanger.

I received a temporary digital advanced copy of The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake from NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author in exchange for an honest review.

After her family succumbs to a pandemic, Nora Beady is taken in by the doctor who treated her, Dr. Horace Croft, one of the best doctors in London. Raised in his home, surrounded by the study of medicine, Miss. Beady begins to assist the doctor and learns far more than ever anticipated. In a time where practicing medicine without a license, and as a female, she takes an extreme risk if anyone was to find out. Dr. Croft takes on an assistant despite Miss. Beady's hesitations and her secret could be revealed and with it, her love of medicine may be taken away from her forever.

A story unlike many in its time, The Girl in his Shadow is a terrific read filled with suspense. The characters were well developed and highly enjoyable. As a non-medical professional, its science and detailed procedures are comprehensible and interesting. The Girl in His Shadow is a must read for lovers of nineteenth-century London looking for a fresh perspective and to get out of the stuffy ballrooms of the Ton.

This book was received as an ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Landmark in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just in time for Women's History Month, this was just the book I needed to read. During the time of the 19th century when medicine was developing and booming more than ever, I loved the passion and fire Nora had throughout the book demonstrating her skills and knowledge as a surgeon but politics were not on her side and women were not viewed as influential in the medicine field. I just can't imagine watching someone else take over your foster dad's business and destroy everything you have done which in Nora's case, put her patients at risk. But perseverance always prevails and Nora makes an incredible discovery that could change the world of medicine as we know it and Nora will finally be seen in the medical world and take back for what is rightfully hers. This book was so inspiring that many women across the world will be inspired to reach for their dreams.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Have you ever read the prologue of a book and known instantly that it was going to be a five-star read? That was this novel for me. Blake writes in a way that is rich and captivating. The attention to detail and vivid descriptions transport readers to the gritty and disease-ridden world of 19th century London, drawing them in with well-rounded characters and a plot that feels fresh and exciting. It is obvious that this is an immaculately researched story and while the subject nature could have been unsettling, it was instead, absolutely riveting. I simply could not put it down!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advance read. This has been my favourite read of the year, so far!