All in Her Hands
This third entry in the Nora Beady historical series invites readers to witness the day-to-day medical and surgical practice of Dr. Nora Gibson (née Beady) in Victorian-era London. After attending medical school in Italy and being mentored by the only female professor at that institution, Nora returns to London to begin her medical career. She registers as a surgeon in London by using her first initial in place of her full first name, becoming the only practicing female surgeon in London at that time. She spends her days working in a private clinic, mainly attending to burns, bruises, and gynecological care. Nora believes in the skills of midwives and, despite opposition from male physicians, establishes a training program for midwives. Advances in medical care such as using ether as an anesthetic and employing blood transfusions to combat disease are well described. When a severe outbreak of cholera spreads throughout London, Nora elects to remain in place, alongside her surgeon husband, Daniel, to aid the sick despite the risks to herself and her unborn child.
While this is the third entry in a series, sufficient backstory as to Nora’s education, family life, and medical training is provided to allow readers to follow this story. The details of Nora’s day-to-day medical procedures are well-documented, as well as the struggles of midwives to gain recognition for their profession. Readers will feel as though they are witnessing the scope and limitations of medical care provided in Victorian-era London, as well as the obstacles placed in Nora’s path due to her gender. Readers may wish for more internal monologue from Nora and her supporting cast to better understand their thoughts and motivations, but the authentic period detail and demonstration of medical care at that time are quite gripping.
