Reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is historical fiction based on an extraordinary life of which there has been much speculation. An intriguing story based on speculation of what might have been. I come away feeling like I know this person as they are presented but realizing that what I "know" is based on speculation, and may or might not have missed the mark about who this person really was and how they actually felt. Born a woman in a time where only a man could be educated and hold property, Margaret Bulkley ceases to exist, as a young teenager, and becomes the nephew of their late uncle, a famous artist, so that she might attend medical school and create a life not available to women. A woman who was born one lifetime before any women truly had the ability to attend medical school. Born in the time when impersonating a man or having a relationship that appeared homosexual was punishable by death.

arwombat's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

greatskittishbakeoff's review against another edition

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adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

kristendoneaway's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

historically and hysterically inaccurate

wendywbooksareawesome's review

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3.0

I liked this book, loved the subject matter. Very interesting time-period, and the character of Dr. Perry really came through.

katiekath's review against another edition

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3.0

Took about halfway through for me to become really invested in the book, and not much actually happens, but nonetheless I enjoyed the read and felt for our main character. I was frustrated at times by the repetitive descriptions on nature and the lack of description surrounding the plot, which happened so quickly at times and so slowly at others. There are many avenues I wish Levy chose to further explore instead of describing the scenery. However, the author's opacity is perhaps what keeps me lingering in thought about this one even after I've finished.

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