The Girl In His Shadow

 I read another historical fiction novel called The Girl In His Shadow by Audrey Blake. Audrey Blake isn't really the author. Audrey Blake is the name chosen by the pair of actual authors whose names are Regina Sirois and Jaima Fixsen. These two women met in an on line writing contest. One of them lives in Canada and the other lives in Kansas. The story is based on real people who lived in London during the 1830's and 1840's. Nora Beady is 8 years old. Her parents and sister died of cholera and Doctor Horace Croft takes her to his house to recover. His housekeeper, Mrs. Phipps, takes Nora under her wing. Dr. Croft runs a free clinic from his house in the morning and teaches medicine at St. Bart's Hospital in the afternoons. In his free time he studies anatomy and science and dissection. Nora wants to be useful so she helps Dr. Croft with his work by transcribing his notes, drawing illustrations of body parts, cleaning the clinic and helping patients. Nora is a quick study and Dr. Croft encourages her to think scientifically. At this time it is illegal for women to practice medicine. Dr. Croft brings in a new surgical assistant which brings conflict into the household. The story was engrossing and I enjoyed reading about Nora Beady.