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.

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.

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.

Inspirational / Challenging / Romantic / Emotional / Mysterious

- The Girl in His Shadow is a collaboration between two authors, Jaima Fixsen and Regina Sirois, who write under the pen name Audrey Blake.
- The book delves into the challenges faced by women in medicine during the 19th-century Victorian era, reflecting genuine historical barriers to female practitioners.
- Audrey Blake drew inspiration from real historical advancements in medical science while crafting the richly detailed setting of the novel.

Audrey Blake

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Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The Girl in His Shadow Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Girl in His Shadow Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 7

The Girl in His Shadow Prologue-Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-14

The Girl in His Shadow Chapters 8-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-21

The Girl in His Shadow Chapters 15-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-28

The Girl in His Shadow Chapters 22-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-35

The Girl in His Shadow Chapters 29-35 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Girl in His Shadow Character Analysis

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Themes

The Girl in His Shadow Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Girl in His Shadow Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Girl in His Shadow Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Girl in His Shadow Essay Topics

The Girl in His Shadow

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Girl in His Shadow?

Reading Age

Book Details