This book is an excellent mix of history and mystery. It is sad and gut-wrenching and it kept me engaged every minute. The story provides an intimate look into factual medical history and finds real people mixed into a fictional story that creates a mythology of its own. It’s also a great reminder of the very real suffering that was endured to bring modern medicine to where it is now. The characters are authentic and brilliant, I loved them and cried for them and I wish I could read this book again for the first time.