My Name Is Mary Sutter
By Robin Oliveira
- Release Date: 2010-05-13
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
An enthralling historical novel about a young woman's struggle to become a doctor during the Civil War
In this stunning first novel, Mary Sutter is a brilliant, headstrong midwife from Albany, New York, who dreams of becoming a surgeon. Determined to overcome the prejudices against women in medicine-and eager to run away from her recent heartbreak- Mary leaves home and travels to Washington, D.C. to help tend the legions of Civil War wounded. Under the guidance of William Stipp and James Blevens-two surgeons who fall unwittingly in love with Mary's courage, will, and stubbornness in the face of suffering-and resisting her mother's pleas to return home to help with the birth of her twin sister's baby, Mary pursues her medical career in the desperately overwhelmed hospitals of the capital.
Like Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain and Robert Hicks's The Widow of the South, My Name Is Mary Sutter powerfully evokes the atmosphere of the period. Rich with historical detail (including marvelous depictions of Lincoln, Dorothea Dix, General McClellan, and John Hay among others), and full of the tragedies and challenges of wartime, My Name Is Mary Sutter is an exceptional novel. And in Mary herself, Robin Oliveira has created a truly unforgettable heroine whose unwavering determination and vulnerability will resonate with readers everywhere.
Reviews
A True Heroine of the Civil War
5By Author Sherry JonesRobin Oiliviera has created an unforgettable heroine in Mary Sutter, a midwife who, through sheer determination and force of will, becomes a surgeon. To get there, she pursues the battlefields of the Civil War to minister to the wounded and dying, and to learn the arts of medicine and surgery. Her ambition doesn’t come without a price — many prices — but Mary is always, first and foremost, true to herself. Oliviera’s writing is deft, detailed, and beautiful. This book and its sequel, THE WINTER SISTERS, kept me up far past my bedtime many nights. I highly recommend both books!My name is Mary Sutter
5By JenniebeachA wonderful historical novel. Great read! I highly recommend it!My name is Mary Sutter
5By MallapertGreat story. Beautifully written. Loved every minutes.So good I couldn't put it down!
5By AlvaCar8910Definitely worth the read!! I completely loved this book and everything about it. It deserves a full five star from everybody that's how good it is. It left me feeling a plethora of emotions from front to back cover. I was sad and bauling my eyes out on one page and feeling inspired and rejuvenated the next page.My name is Mary sutter
5By AmazingismymiddlenameLoved it! Very inspiring for women. Historically interesting as well.My Name is Mary Sutter
5By Joie P. Lake Bluff,ILThis was an excellent book which gave keen insight on how unprepared the North was to handle the troops and wounded. the shortage of foos, deplorable sanitary condition were real eye openers. however these conditions set the mark for improving control over armies and health standards. I recommend this book as an excellent novel and worth your time to read. Joie P. Lake Bluff, ILWonderful story!
4By EnhbkWhat great book! I really had a difficult time putting it down, the history, the description of the conditions in the field " hospitals"--really enjoyed it!My Name Is Mary Sutter
5By SilbzI didn't want it to end, a love story surrounded by the devastation of the Civil War. Every character becomes unforgettable.My name is Mary Sutter
5By Laneybug71197Awesome!!!! Didn't want it to end! Can envision this as a movie or mini-series~Thank You for a great read.
5By Oh, for pete's sake!This book is lovely in its pace, it's fidelity to history, and its loyalty to good character development. Mary Sutter is a strong and admirable protagonist. I was sorry when I was done with the book.