Anatomy: a Love Story, Dana Schwarts, Jonathan Ball Publishers, ISBN: 9780349433370

It’s the early 1800s in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the practice of surgery was still crude, with medical advances often coming at the expense of the dignity of the dead – especially the poor. Ironically, poverty fuelled this grisly trade, as ‘resurrection men’ would sneak into graveyards, stealing bodies for dissection by aspiring surgeons.

Amid this, 16-year-old Hazel Sinnett, who has been raised in privilege but who is deeply passionate about anatomy, dreams of becoming a physician. Her fascination defies convention, and despite her looming engagement to her cousin, Bernard, the son of a viscount, Hazel risks everything by disguising herself in her late brother’s clothes to attend lectures. When she is caught out, she strikes a deal with a renowned physician, Dr Beecham. If she can pass the physician’s exams unaided, he will take her on as an apprentice.

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Facing insurmountable odds, Hazel has no choice but to procure a corpse or two. Fortunately, her morbid curiosities have helped her cross paths with a young grave robber, Jack Currer, whose dire financial circumstances have made him eager to help.

Prepare yourself for a macabre murder-mystery wrapped in haunting charm and a little romance. I loved seeing Hazel’s growth, both in confidence and her willingness to embrace her dreams, however unconventional. For those seeking steamier romance, this remains true to its period, with fleeting touches, lingering gazes and a few stolen kisses.

Dana Schwartz’s writing is effortless yet gripping, and her characters – especially Hazel – are realistic, flawed and likable. I felt compelled to unravel the mystery though the pacing left something to be desired – a slow build led to a rushed ending that felt slightly anticlimactic. While the twist was surprising, a bit more foreshadowing could have added impact.

Despite some predictable elements, this novel was an enjoyable, atmospheric read, and I look forward to the sequel. – Mariclair Smit 4/5 stars

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