Bibliography: Oliviera, Robin. (2010).  My Name is Mary Sutter.  New York: Viking Adult. ISBN: 978-0670021673

Plot Summary:   Young Albany midwife Mary Sutter wants nothing more then to study to be a surgeon.  But the idea of female doctors is still foreign to most, and no one will take her as a student or apprentice.  At the beginning of the Civil War, she sees an opportunity where others see adventure or struggle.  Too young for the nursing corps, a chance meeting with the secretary of state leads her to a military hospital where she works tirelessly beside a surgeon to save as many lives as she can.

Critical Review:  There is something compelling and fascinating about the ideas, people, and events in this book.  This is not a romantic view of the Civil War or of women entering a field once closed to them.  Matter of fact, some of the horrible details and descriptions are part of what makes this a compelling read.  Combine that with real people and events from history, a set of very human characters who give perspective to what is happening, and even a love story and this book moves beyond just a Civil War story.  It is both epic and intimate at the same time, quite an accomplishment.  The mix of real historical people and events with the characters in the story contribute to this as do the detailed descriptions of life in military camp, of the military hospital, and the battlefield.

The most compelling of all is the character of Mary.  From almost the beginning, she is torn between what she desires most in the world, studying to become a surgeon, and the rest of her life, her family-twin sister, mother, brother; and romance-neighbor next door, various men she encounters along her way.  She is determined and she won’t give up till she gets what she wants.  And yet we see her work till she almost makes herself ill, worry about her loved ones in the war, rush home to be with her pregnant sister, show grief and guilt over her actions.  The ending is very satisfying, but I won’t give it away.

Review Excerpts: “From a variety of perspectives…the novel offers readers a picture of a time of medical hardship, crisis, and opportunity. Oliveira depicts the amputation of a leg, the delivery of a baby, and soldierly life; these are among the fine details that set this novel above the gauzier variety of Civil War fiction.”–Publisher’s Weekly

“Oliveira deftly depicts the chaotic aftermath of battles and develops her own characters while incorporating military and political leaders of the time. The historic details enrich the narrative without overshadowing Mary’s struggles.”–Library Journal

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