Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
The Gist
Dana Schwartz’s Anatomy: A Love Story is a historical romance with elements of gothic horror and medical intrigue. Unfortunately, it falls short of delivering on its ambitious premise. Set in 19th-century Edinburgh, the novel follows Hazel Sinnett, a young woman determined to become a surgeon in a world where such aspirations are nearly impossible for women. While this setup holds promise, the novel struggles to balance its many themes, resulting in a disjointed and underwhelming read.
The Details
One of the most noticeable issues with Anatomy is the pacing. The novel often feels sluggish, with long stretches where little happens to advance the plot. Despite the dark and eerie atmosphere Schwartz tries to cultivate, the story lacks the tension and suspense one would expect from a gothic novel. Moments that should have been gripping, particularly those involving grave robbing and medical experimentation, feel rushed or underdeveloped, leaving the reader unsatisfied.
Hazel, the protagonist, lacks depth and growth over the course of the novel makes her difficult to connect with. Her determination to become a surgeon is admirable, but her journey feels too convenient. It has obstacles that seem to melt away without much conflict or struggle. As a result, Hazel’s character arc lacks the complexity and emotional stakes necessary to keep readers invested in her success.
The romantic subplot between Hazel and Jack, a resurrection man who supplies bodies for medical research, is another weak point. While the concept of a romance against the backdrop of grave robbing is certainly unique, the chemistry between the two falls flat. Their relationship feels underdeveloped and lacks the emotional depth to make it truly compelling. The romantic tension that should have driven part of the story feels forced, and their interactions are often predictable or clichéd.
Moreover, the historical setting, while atmospheric in parts, feels more like window dressing than an integral part of the story. The novel fails to fully immerse the reader in 19th-century Edinburgh. The social and medical constraints of the time are not explored as deeply as they could have been. This superficial treatment of the setting and historical context detracts from the book’s overall impact.
The Verdict
Overall, Anatomy: A Love Story is ultimately a novel that promises more than it delivers. It touches on themes of gender inequality, medical history, and gothic romance, but none of these elements are explored with enough depth or complexity to make the story memorable. While the book may appeal to fans of light historical fiction with a gothic flair, those looking for a truly gripping tale will likely be left disappointed.
