Set in the 19th century, The Surgeon's Daughter is a thrilling and riveting book about a female medical student's determination and perseverance in pursuing her calling to become a physician in a man's world at the prestigious school in Bologna. Not only do Nora Beady's teachers ignore her in the classroom but her peers ridicule her. However, a few male colleagues see her determination and promise in women's medicine in particular and applaud her, including Dr. Daniel Gibson and the infamous Dr. Croft. Dr. Magdalena Morenco is her mentor and performs Caesarean sections with her during the times of experimental ether. Erysipelas is a horrifying reality and so are death and sorrow.

The authors write beautifully and highlight realities of medicine and life in the era using thoughtfully-researched rich historical bits. Characters are vividly described. Another of my favourite aspects is the fascinating medicine itself from science and instruments to procedures and recovery. My emotions were fully captured and held whilst reading this breathtaking story. I was eager to reach the end yet I did not want to, wishing to savour each word.

It would be a shame for any Historical Fiction fans to miss out on this. To me it went beyond the historical fiction realm as it reached deeper than many do, including character development.

My sincere thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this phenomenal book!