Anatomy

Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz is a thrilling gothic tale set in Edinburgh during the 19th century. Narrated by Mhairi Morrison and Tim Campbell, this audiobook takes listeners on a journey through the dark streets of the city, where medical practices are frowned upon and corpses are a precious commodity.

The story follows Hazel Sinnett, a young woman who dreams of becoming a surgeon despite the societal norms of the time. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goal, even if it means breaking the law. Jack Currer is a resurrection man, someone who digs up corpses and sells them to medical schools for profit. When Hazel and Jack cross paths, they find that they can help each other achieve their goals.

Hazel has made a deal with renowned surgeon Dr. Beecham, who has agreed to let her continue her medical studies if she can pass the medical examination on her own. Hazel needs access to corpses to study, but Dr. Beecham won't provide her with any. Fortunately, Jack is willing to help her in exchange for her assistance with his own problems. Jack has been noticing strange things happening around the city: his friends have been disappearing, and strange men have been spotted in cemeteries. The city is also experiencing a resurgence of Roman Fever, a deadly disease that decimated the population a few years ago.

Hazel and Jack form an unlikely partnership as they navigate the murky waters of Edinburgh's underworld. As they uncover dark secrets buried deep within the city's society, they realize that they are not safe. Their lives are in danger, and they need to work together to stay alive.

The audiobook is narrated by Mhairi Morrison and Tim Campbell, who bring the characters to life with their performances. Morrison’s narration of Hazel is both captivating and nuanced, capturing the determination and courage of the character. Campbell’s performance of Jack is equally impressive, imbuing the character with a rough charm that makes him instantly likeable.

Schwartz’s writing is engaging and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of Edinburgh in the 19th century. The city is a character in its own right, with its dark streets and secret alleyways providing the perfect backdrop for the story. The author’s descriptions of the medical practices of the time are both fascinating and gruesome, giving listeners an insight into a world that is both foreign and familiar.

One of the strengths of the audiobook is the relationship between Hazel and Jack. Despite their differences, they find that they have more in common than they thought. They are both outsiders, working against the expectations of their respective communities. As they work together, they develop a deep respect and understanding for each other.

Anatomy: A Love Story is a captivating audiobook that combines mystery, romance, and historical fiction to create a compelling tale. The story is full of twists and turns that will keep listeners guessing until the very end. The narration by Morrison and Campbell is superb, bringing the characters to life in a way that is both engaging and entertaining. Overall, this audiobook is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys gothic tales or historical fiction.