Anatomy, a love story by Dana Schwartz

'Anatomy' is set in Edinburgh, 1817, a time of advancing medical knowledge, but also a time when the gentleman physician, learned in Latin, was highly esteemed, while the common surgeon was held in lower standing, mixing with the lower classes, and relying on the brute strength of his hands. Hazel is a young lady, destined to marry her cousin Bernard and become Lady Almont, but due to the quirks of her largely neglectful upbringing, is fascinated by the sciences of anatomy and medicine. An early scene sees her experiment on a dead frog, trying to reignite life, in the style of Frankenstein.

The early chapters set the scene for what follows. Hazel is determined to be her own self, and follow her dreams, at a time when women’s future security was dependent on securing an advantageous marriage. Austen’s Sense and sensibility was a novel of the times. Hazel, however, disguised as a man, determines to attend anatomy lectures and surgery demonstrations. Her path crosses with Jack, a resurrection man, who steals bodies from the graveyard for surgeons to dissect. This is the beginning of a romance. But the real love story in this novel is the love of anatomy, and the quest for female autonomy and independence.

This is an unusual novel combining romantic historical fiction with macabre mystery and horror. It is well written with interesting characters and keeps the reader enthralled until the last strange turn of events that suggest there may possibly be a sequel, something I think readers of this novel will no doubt welcome enthusiastically.

Dana Schwartz’s website provides discussion questions about the novel and links to interviews with the author. 

Themes: Anatomy, Surgery, Dissection, Murder, Gender issues, Romance, Gothic fiction.

Helen Eddy