I was already hooked after reading just a few sentences in the prologue.

Story takes place in London in 1800s when it was illegal for women to practice medicine. They had to do it anonymously or in the shadow of husbands or other close family male member.
This story was about Nora Beady. Her whole family died during the cholera pandemic. When Dr. Horace Croft found Nora in her family house, she was very sick but still alive. She recovered and Dr. Croft together with his housekeeper decided to raise her. Thirteen years later, Nora was helping Dr. Croft in the clinic. Nobody knew about her involvement in surgeries. Her knowledge about scientific medicine was better than some of the doctors in London but her talent had to be kept in secret. They were careful not to reveal Nora's involvement until that one emergency that had happened which could bring huge changes in the medical field. And Nora was involved in it.

One of the top best books I've read this year. Brilliantly written. Beautiful historical fiction about strong and talented woman. This was the book that I couldn't put down. The plot was very engaging and reading about medical experiments, surgeries and scientific researches performed at that time of the history was extremely interesting. I truly believe that most people would like this book.
I highly recommend it. ( )

I found this to be an engaging story largely due to the quirky characters and their desire to continuously learn and advance medical science. 4.25/5 ( )

Interesting story with medical accuracy but at pg 300 I could foresee the melodrama of the supervillian was taking over the narrative. DNF ( )

This author was new to me but I'm so glad I took a chance and read this book. I was immediately sucked into the story as the main character, Eleanor, loses her entire family but it taken in by the doctor who attempts to treat them. She's already survived cholera, now she must survive living in a doctors household with all manner of gruesome things - severed fingers in jars and the like - scattered about. She ends up not just surviving but thriving as she discovers she has an aptitude for medical work. However it is the mid-1800's and in England it is illegal for woman to practice medicine so she has to keep her efforts a secrets. But then a new apprentice doctor arrives to live with them and Eleanor wonders if she will able to keep her talents a secret - or if she even wants to.
I loved the historical details, the strong female character who defies societies conventions, and the realistic interpersonal relationships depicted in this book. There is also a sequel, which I hope to read soon! ( )

The Girl in His Shadow tells the story of Nora Beady, orphaned by a pandemic and taken in by a quirky but skilled doctor. He functions more as mentor than father for his ward, and she quickly gets involved in his work with both live and dead people. When Dr. Croft takes on an assistant, Nora must figure out how to continue her work, some of which is illegal. All three of them end up in trouble, in the end, but we also see how the world is changing in its attitudes even as some would drag their feet. Author Audrey Blake is a pseudonym of Jaima Fisxen and Regina Sirois. I picked it up as it is part of the Big Library Read happening now until July 27.

The authors created rich historical fiction that celebrates the pioneers in medicine--women like Nora who hear the calling and ignore convention and men like Croft who are willing to learn and experiment, both opening themselves to criticism and even professional censure. The authors have written a second volume, The Surgeon's Daughter, as Nora continues her pursuit of medicine. I am looking forward to reading it.