Anatomy: A Love Story — Content Guide for Parents
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
*INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*
*INSTANT #1 INDIE BESTSELLER*
*INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER*
*A REESE'S YA BOOK CLUB PICK*
"Schwartz's magical novel is at once gripping and tender, and the intricate plot is engrossing as the reader tries to solve the mystery. She doesn't miss a beat in either the characterization or action, scattering clues with a delicate, precise hand. This is, in the end, the story of the anatomy of the human heart." - Booklist (starred review)
Dana Schwartz’s Anatomy: A Love Story is a gothic tale full of mystery and romance.
Hazel Sinnett is a lady who wants to be a surgeon more than she wants to marry.
Jack Currer is a resurrection man who’s just trying to survive in a city where it’s too easy to die.
When the two of them have a chance encounter outside the Edinburgh Anatomist’s Society, Hazel thinks nothing of it at first. But after she gets kicked out of renowned surgeon Dr. Beecham’s lectures for being the wrong gender, she realizes that her new acquaintance might be more helpful than she first thought. Because Hazel has made a deal with Dr. Beecham: if she can pass the medical examination on her own, Beecham will allow her to continue her medical career. Without official lessons, though, Hazel will need more than just her books—she’ll need corpses to study.
Lucky that she’s made the acquaintance of someone who digs them up for a living.
But Jack has his own problems: strange men have been seen skulking around cemeteries, his friends are disappearing off the streets, and the dreaded Roman Fever, which wiped out thousands a few years ago, is back with a vengeance. Nobody important cares—until Hazel.
Now, Hazel and Jack must work together to uncover the secrets buried not just in unmarked graves, but in the very heart of Edinburgh society.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anatomy: A Love Story appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book features prominent depictions of corpses, body dissections, and discussions of anatomy. It includes mentions of blood, pus, and other bodily fluids, as well as illegal operations, kidnappings, and amputations, indicating a moderate level of violence. The book has a frightening tone with elements of horror, including visions and nightmares experienced by the protagonist. The narrative includes recollections of real-life horrors, contributing to a sense of fear.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have violence?
The book features prominent depictions of corpses, body dissections, and discussions of anatomy. It includes mentions of blood, pus, and other bodily fluids, as well as illegal operations, kidnappings, and amputations, indicating a moderate level of violence.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have scary content?
The book has a frightening tone with elements of horror, including visions and nightmares experienced by the protagonist. The narrative includes recollections of real-life horrors, contributing to a sense of fear.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have religious themes?
The book's narrative does not adhere to Judeo-Christian standards regarding life and death, suggesting a critical view of traditional religious beliefs. This framing indicates a departure from conventional religious teachings.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have racial/cultural content?
There are no explicit racial themes or discussions in the book's narrative. The search results do not indicate any focus on race as a central theme.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have profanity?
The book contains a few instances of minor swear words and moderate profanity, including fewer than 10 instances of the name of Deity in vain. Overall, profanity is present but not pervasive.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have climate change?
There are no themes related to climate activism or environmentalism in the book. The search results do not indicate any discussion of climate issues.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have sexual identity?
The book includes themes of marriage and several kisses, but does not delve deeply into sexual content. It is noted that marriage is a semi-major topic, though rarely discussed in a sexual context.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have gender roles?
The book features a strong female lead, Hazel, who challenges gender norms by pursuing a career as a surgeon in a male-dominated society. This feminist framing highlights women's roles in STEM and critiques societal expectations.
Does Anatomy: A Love Story have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly mentioned in the book's narrative. The search results focus on general LGBTQ+ media and do not provide specific content related to 'Anatomy: A Love Story'.
