Reviewer: Amy Lignor
Title: My Name is Mary Sutter
Author: Robin Oliveira
Publisher: Viking
ISBN-13: 978-0-670-02167-3
Release Date: May 2010
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Fiction
Year/Setting: NY/Civil War Period
Overall Rating: 5.0
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Moderate/Extreme (Wartime Violence)
Robin's Website/Blog: www.robinoliveira.com
Dear Readers:
Doing justice to a book is hard for a reviewer; the desire is strong to put into words the "feel" of a truly superb story, such as this one.
We begin with Mary Sutter. Mary is an intriguing woman; she is plain in looks and in dress; cares almost nothing for the simpering affectations of females in love; and, wants more than anything to travel in the footsteps of her beloved mother, Amelia. Amelia is an independent woman who came from a long lineage of brilliant and respected midwives. The whole female line had the gift to heal people and make expectant mothers come through even the hardest of deliveries alive and well. Of course, Mary wants to take things one step further – she wants to become a surgeon in a medical world that only accepts men. We first meet Mary when she shows up on the doorstep of Dr. James Blevens. He’s in the middle of a horrifying delivery and he can’t help the young woman in her throes of pain. Mary steps in and saves the day – then tells the doctor that her petition has been turned down (again) by the Albany Medical College. She beseeches the man to please help her – let her assist him in his work so she can learn the trade. Unfortunately, the doctor is heading out to join the men in the field, seeing as that the first shot has rung out over Ft. Sumter and the Civil War has officially begun.
We then travel with Mary and Dr. Blevens as they bring the new baby and abandoned mother home to Mary’s house so that Mary and her family can look after the pair until they are healthy enough to go their own way. Dr. Blevens is introduced to Mary’s family including Jenny, her twin sister, who is far more beautiful than Mary. Jenny is hanging on the arm of a man by the name of Thomas Fall. Thomas comes from a long line of farmers and orchard owners and was originally the "man" Mary was going to end up being with – until one day when loss and grief overcame Thomas and he fell into the arms of Jenny. Dr. Blevens also meets the brother, Christian, who is excited to enlist and fight for the North. Amelia, the matriarch of the wealthy family, is scared to death of what is about to come and how quickly she could lose her son to the politics of men.
When the 25th regiment departs, Christian, Thomas, and the doctor are a part of the stream of smiling, excited men who are going to win the war for President Lincoln. Mary still tries with all her heart to find a way to join the War, and administer to the men who will need her help and medical expertise. As the story moves through the tumultuous War years, Mary comes across Dr. William Stipp – a surgeon who Blevens was once the apprentice to – who is working in a broken-down, unhygienic hospital doing his best to save the boys who were once smiling and are now losing their limbs and lives at the feet of the enemy. He hires Mary to help him, and she finally finds herself doing the occupation she loves – even if the environment is one that hurts her heart.
The story of how this family lives, dies, and survives is intricate and extremely well-told. This writer has the ability to turn a simple phrase into handwritten art that sweeps the reader into Mary’s world. We "feel" the pain and desperation that’s inside Abe Lincoln as he discusses his troops and the errors in judgment that his general’s are making. We want to cry with the President as he hears the china clink in the East Room, and grieves for his small son who has been taken away by illness. The details are extremely profound and so realistic. In fact, the story reminded me of when I walked across the fields of Gettysburg and stared at the unending lines of men who gave their lives so that America could become a nation of freedom for all. It brought a lump to my throat when I read about this one woman who reminded me of Clara Barton and Dorothea Dix – women who risked their lives for this nation in a world that – at the time – didn’t appreciate them.
This is one novel that deserves a prominent and permanent place on your bookshelf.
Until next time, Amy
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Amy know.
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