58 pages 1 hour read

Audrey Blake

The Girl in His Shadow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake, set in mid-19th century London, follows Nora Beady, an orphan raised by Dr. Horace Croft who becomes a skilled but unrecognized surgeon due to her gender. Her secret work is endangered when Dr. Daniel Gibson joins Croft, leading to revelations about her capabilities and social challenges. Ultimately, Nora chooses to pursue her medical ambitions at the University of Bologna. Descriptions of rape, attempted suicide, and abortion are included.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake receives praise for its compelling portrayal of a woman's struggle in 19th-century medicine, highlighting themes of resilience and ambition. Some critics find its plot predictable, but most appreciate the strong character development and historical accuracy. Overall, it offers an engaging and informative read despite minor clichés.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Girl in His Shadow?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong female protagonists, medical drama, and rich period detail will be captivated by Audrey Blake's The Girl in His Shadow. Fans of The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah will find Blake’s work similarly compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: World

Health / Medicine

Genre

Historical Fiction

Romance

British Literature

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Identity: Femininity