Anatomy by Dana Schwartz Narrator: Mhairi Morrison, Tim Campbell
Series: Anatomy Duology #1
Published by MacMillan Audio on January 18, 2022
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy Romance
Length: 9 hours, 35 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Edinburgh, 1817.
Hazel Sinnett is a lady who wants to be a surgeon more than she wants to marry.
Jack Currer is a resurrection man who’s just trying to survive in a city where it’s too easy to die.
When the two of them have a chance encounter outside the Edinburgh Anatomist’s Society, Hazel thinks nothing of it at first. But after she gets kicked out of renowned surgeon Dr. Beecham’s lectures for being the wrong gender, she realizes that her new acquaintance might be more helpful than she first thought. Because Hazel has made a deal with Dr. Beecham: if she can pass the medical examination on her own, the university will allow her to enroll. Without official lessons, though, Hazel will need more than just her books – she’ll need bodies to study, corpses to dissect.
Lucky that she’s made the acquaintance of someone who digs them up for a living, then.
But Jack has his own problems: strange men have been seen skulking around cemeteries, his friends are disappearing off the streets. Hazel and Jack work together to uncover the secrets buried not just in unmarked graves, but in the very heart of Edinburgh society.
I always like to start my reviews with the reason I picked up this particular book. Sometimes it is the cover, sometimes it is a well-loved author’s latest release, and sometimes it is because the author mentioned her book during her appearance on my favorite game show. That is too specific a scenario to not be true; and it was, in fact, Dana Schwartz’s comments about writing a book about anatomy and Scotland during the Bio-segment of Jeopardy that sent me straight to the internet to find the title. The cover alone would be a reason to pick up this YA novel, but I was immediately intrigued by the premise. Anatomy: A Love Story, the first book in the Anatomy Duology is a blend of historical fiction and romance, with a touch of the macabre. Set in a time when the pursuit of knowledge about the human body was both a scientific marvel and a societal taboo, Dana Schwartz crafts a story that beautifully intertwines the quest for personal and professional identity.
Hazel is a lonely, but fiercely independent, young woman with aspirations of becoming a surgeon. When her schemes to further her medical studies are thwarted, she is forced to continue her education on her own. The best way to understand anatomy is by dissection, and if Hazel wants to become a surgeon, she’s going to need some dead bodies. Meeting the brash and mysterious Jack Currer is serendipitous, as Jack is a Resurrection Man; someone who procures (i.e. digs up) bodies for a price.
Even though she is a bit of a maverick, Hazel still seems authentic to the time period.  Her elevated social status and place of privilege have allowed her the luxury of pursuing her studies. While she is treated with an almost indulgent fondness by those in her immediate circle, it is her determination and passion for medicine that won’t allow her to give up on her dream of becoming a surgeon. As she navigates the challenges posed by societal expectations and the limitations placed on women, I was drawn into her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Jack is an interesting mix of street-smart urchin and vulnerable boy. His cozy home in the theater eaves is at odds with his job as a body snatcher. It is Jack’s character arch I find the most poignant.  It is obvious in his interactions with different characters that he has deep desire for connection. The romance in Anatomy: A Love Story unfolds naturally, adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing the central themes of ambition, friendship, and the complexities of life and death. The chemistry between Hazel and Jack is palpable, yet it is their mutual respect and desire for companionship that truly elevates their relationship beyond mere romantic tension.
Dana Schwartz’s writing is rich with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of place, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of 19th-century Edinburgh. The writing is atmospheric and I enjoyed the throw-back gothic vibe of Hazel’s dungeon laboratory. The author includes important issues such as class disparity, gender roles, and the moral implications of scientific exploration, making the story not just engaging but thought-provoking as well. I think the story would have been just as interesting without the supernatural elements, but it certainly provides an interesting starting point for a follow-up novel.
Overall, Anatomy: A Love Story is an intriguing read which balances romance and historical intrigue. It has a fascinating narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish. The characters are likeable and compelling and I am excited to continue reading this series.
Narration:
I really enjoyed Mhairi Morrison’s performance. I think she created a perfect voice for Hazel, young but serious. She was easy to understand and I found listening at 1.2x ideal for me. I know I will be looking for other books she has narrated.
Listen to a clip:Â HERE
About Tim Campbell
Tim Campbell is an award winning actor and singer who lives in Los Angeles, CA. He works primarily in audiobook narration and voice over and has narrated hundreds of titles spanning almost every genre. He has won or been nominated for almost every major award in the audiobook industry, including most recently a 2018 Audie, a 2019 Audie (nom), a 2019 Voice Arts Award, and several Independent Audiobook and Audiofile Magazine Earphones awards.
He lived and trained in the UK and Germany, narrates as both an American and a Brit, and has studied performance diction in German, Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese, and Latin. He specializes in accents, dialects, and character work and holds three degrees in theater and music as well as graduating from the esteemed two year Great Books Colloquium of Pepperdine University.
In his other, musical life, Tim sings regularly with the LA Master Chorale, Los Angeles Opera, and in studio sessions for TV and Film. Highlights include principal ensemble in Candide at LA Opera, Courfeyrac in Les Miserables at Fresno Grand Opera, Jud in Oklahoma with Cabrillo Music Theater, and Anthony in Sweeney Todd with Pacific Opera Project and singing on the soundtrack for Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker and films such as Creed 2, Venom, and many others.
| Rating Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
 |
| Writing |
|
| Characters |
|
| Dialogue |
|
| Narration (Audio) |
|
| Overall: | |
I've developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while 'reading.
My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb's books set in the Farseer world. Â Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.
Friend me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 Immortality by Dana Schwartz @DanaSchwartzzz @MhairiCMorrison @TimCampbellVO @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - December 6, 2024
- 🎧 Anatomy by Dana Schwartz @DanaSchwartzzz @MhairiCMorrison @TimCampbellVO @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - November 1, 2024
- 🎧 Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty @TheGoodDeath @RecordedBooks #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - October 4, 2024
Ooo, I can see why this one hooked you in. Great review, KC!
This does sound like an intriguing read. I like that there’s a little romance in it, and that time period and Edinburgh setting is another draw. Adding this one to my list. 😀
Nice local, nice characters….good story? Mmmmmmmmm