The Secret Life of Dr James Barry: Victorian England's Most Eminent Surgeon by Rachel Holmes

3.97 AVERAGE

literelli's profile picture

literelli's review

5.0
informative reflective slow-paced
becks's profile picture

becks's review against another edition

2.25
informative slow-paced

yyc_heather's review

4.0
A fascinating bio of an amazing historical figure. Holmes makes a convincing case that, rather than previous characterizations of Barry as a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to pursue a medical career, Barry was in fact a trans man and possibly intersex as well. Regardless of his gender, he lived an amazing life as a medical innovator and acquaintance of some of the leading figures of the day.