The Girl in His Shadow: A Novel

THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

"An exquisitely detailed journey through the harrowing field of medicine in mid-19th century London."--Tracey Enerson Wood, USA Today bestselling author of The Engineer's Wife and The War Nurse

An unforgettable historical fiction novel about one woman who believed in scientific medicine before the world believed in her.

London, 1845: Raised by the eccentric surgeon Dr. Horace Croft after losing her parents to a deadly pandemic, the orphan Nora Beady knows little about conventional life. While other young ladies were raised to busy themselves with needlework and watercolors, Nora was trained to perfect her suturing and anatomical illustrations of dissections.

Women face dire consequences if caught practicing medicine, but in Croft's private clinic Nora is his most trusted--and secret--assistant. That is until the new surgical resident Dr. Daniel Gibson arrives. Dr. Gibson has no idea that Horace's bright and quiet young ward is a surgeon more qualified and ingenuitive than even himself. In order to protect Dr. Croft and his practice from scandal and collapse Nora must learn to play a new and uncomfortable role--that of a proper young lady.

But pretense has its limits. Nora cannot turn away and ignore the suffering of patients, even if it means giving Gibson the power to ruin everything she's worked for. And when she makes a discovery that could change the field forever, Nora faces an impossible choice. Remain invisible and let the men around her take credit for her work, or step into the light--even if it means being destroyed by her own legacy.

Fans of The Other Einstein and The Paris Library will relish this riveting and empowering story about one woman's fight to follow her dreams and build a life--and legacy--beyond what is expected of her.

Praise for The Girl in His Shadow:

"A suspenseful story of a courageous young woman determined to become a surgeon in repressive Victorian England. Fluidly written, impeccably researched, The Girl in His Shadow is a memorable literary gift to be read, reread, and treasured."--Gloria Goldreich, author of The Paris Children

Other Bestselling Historical Fiction from Sourcebooks Landmark:

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris

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384 pages

Average rating: 7.96

99 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Anonymous
Nov 28, 2024
10/10 stars
An important book that shows the sexism that took place in 19th century England. Nora is a force to behold, and I was so glad that she was given the chance that she so well deserved, even though it's a place far away. Her leaving to seek better opportunities elsewhere to be a doctor made me see that her country had betrayed her. Her parting with Croft and Daniel was very realistic, and I could feel the pain on both sides.

What stood out to me most was the fantastic details put into the gruesome ailments and surgeries that happened in this book. A big salute to the author. Definitely looking forward to dive into the next book.

P.S. thought the lack of romance would affect me, but it didn't. Any more than what was givem would have been too much.
Maverick27
Oct 25, 2024
7/10 stars
I love a good medical fiction story. This one did not disappoint! Better than the show House meets Downton Abbey.
Ali Nurmikko
May 14, 2024
2/10 stars
The first 40% of this book was a listless read. It felt like a lot of runaround to set up the importance of the detail of Nora Beady’s existence in Dr. Croft’s home and her risk to his practice, though essential. Once the dialogue was better written for enjoyable conversation between characters, the story alluded to slight romance and heroism. Once the story continued, I enjoyed the strength of Nora Beady as an insistent, knowledgeable, and dignified woman who was overlooked by the outside world. Dr. Croft understood her talents and intellect, as well as the other characters that came to know her more personally. It was a beautiful resolution to see her rise from the shadows in the end.
Sally St Clair
Feb 03, 2024
10/10 stars
Loved the characters, and appreciate the research of Victorian medical practices from the 19th century. Fascinating author(s) notes as well.
yenjii
Jan 25, 2024
8/10 stars
Many thanks to my sister for recommending this read! I feel so silly for not borrowing this when it was part of the Big Library Read on Libby and then had to wait several weeks for a copy!!

I don't normally read historical fiction and have never (?) read medical fiction but this was easy to read and somehow quite exciting? Whilst I didn't feel that compulsion to read, I did enjoy when I sat down and deleved back into Victorian London and the lives of these endearing medical professionals.

I may return to the series to read the second at a later time!

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