by Samantha Greene Woodruff
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Pages: 298
Format: eARC
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: Since her brother took his life after WWI, Ruth Emeraldine has had one goal: to help those suffering from mental illness. Then she falls in love with charismatic Robert Apter—a brilliant doctor championing a radical new treatment, the lobotomy. Ruth believes in it as a miracle treatment and in Robert as its genius pioneer. But as her husband spirals into deluded megalomania, Ruth can’t ignore her growing suspicions. Robert is operating on patients recklessly, often with horrific results. And a vulnerable young mother, Margaret Baxter, is poised to be his next victim.
Margaret can barely get out of bed, let alone care for her infant. When Dr. Apter diagnoses her with the baby blues and proposes a lobotomy, she believes the procedure is her only hope. Only Ruth can save her—and scores of others—from the harrowing consequences of Robert’s ambitions.
Kritters Thoughts: Do you have a preconceived notion of lobotomy? Have you read a book or two takes place where lobotomy is performed? Read this book.
Ruth Emeraldine was born into a family that has a known name. She inherits her family's hospital that they pride themselves in the level of care they give to patients with mental illness. When a cute doctor comes to work for her hospital, they fall in love and marry, but their working honeymoon will change the course of both of their lives as they encounter new avenues of medicine for their patients back in New York.
I went into this book with a vague knowledge of lobotomy and large opinions! This book stretched my thinking and really showed the evolution of this type of surgery. The book and its characters reminded me that most times doctors have the patient at the center and are hoping for a cure to make them better, but with a human involved it can go downhill and fast. I don't want to spoil too much, so I will say read this. This book made me want to go find more that take place at this moment in time and read more about how lobotomy worked and how it didn't and those who were affected by an evolving science.
I was excited to read after I finished that it was Samantha's debut, such a knock out of the park and I sure hope she has more up her sleeve!
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel
Ebook 2022 Challenge: 5 out of 100
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from Wunderkind PR. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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