My Name Is Mary Sutter

A Novel

De: Robin Oliveira

Narrado por: Kimberly Farr

In this stunning historical novel, Mary Sutter is a brilliant, headstrongmidwife from Albany, New York, who dreams of becominga surgeon. Determined to overcome the prejudices against womenin medicine—and eager to run away from her recent heartbreak—Mary leaves home and travels to Washington, D.C. to help tendthe legions of Civil War wounded. Under the guidance of WilliamStipp and James Blevens—two surgeons who fall unwittingly inlove with Mary’s courage, will, and stubbornness in the face ofsuffering—and resisting her mother’s pleas to return home to helpwith the birth of her twin sister’s baby, Mary pursues her medicalcareer in the desperately overwhelmed hospitals of the capital.Like Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain and Robert Hicks’s TheWidow of the South, My Name Is Mary Sutter powerfully evokesthe atmosphere of the period. Rich with historical detail (includingmarvelous depictions of Lincoln, Dorothea Dix, GeneralMcClellan, and John Hay among others), and full of the tragediesand challenges of wartime, My Name Is Mary Sutter is an exceptionalnovel. And in Mary herself, Robin Oliveira has created atruly unforgettable heroine whose unwavering determination andvulnerability will resonate with readers everywhere.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A vivid romantic novel about love, medicine, and the Civil War, My Name is Mary Sutter features an indomitable, memorable heroine whom the reader will root for until the very end."—David Ebershoff, author of The Danish Girl and The 19th Wife

"Think of Mary Sutter as a northern Scarlett O'Hara without the man-killer good looks for feminine wile... [Oliveira] peels back Mary's vulnerable, human side in this intriguing slice of Civil War history."—USA Today

"[A] riveting saga about trying to break a 19th-century glass ceiling."—Good Housekeeping

"Oliveira's debut novel is magnificent historical fiction."—Bookpage

"Compelling voice ... [Oliveira] does a splendid job of reminding us how much the known world has changed ... and how much has not."—Oregonian

"Oliveira deftly depicts the chaotic aftermath of battles and develops her own characters while incorporating military and political leaders of the time. The historic details enrich the narrative without overshadowing Mary's struggles. This well-written and compelling debut will engage all readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in the Civil War."—Library Journal

"The language is beautiful and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout."—(Albany) Times Union

Compelling Civil War Story

If you could sum up My Name Is Mary Sutter in three words, what would they be?

Compelling, educational, and inspiring

Have you listened to any of Kimberly Farr’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to Kimberly Farr previously, reading "The Engagements". She did better with that story than with this one, although she was good one this, too.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

There is a lot of historical detail incorporated into the story, so it requires some concentration. Also, the descriptions of war injuries are quite intense, as are the conditions faced by medical personnel and the soldiers facing battle without supplies or training. A great deal of research went into the writing of the book.

Any additional comments?

Mary Sutter is an interesting and inspiring character, representative of the restrictions women of that time faced if they had ambitions to step outside of the prescribed "woman's place".

Great Civil War Narrative from Women's View

What made the experience of listening to My Name Is Mary Sutter the most enjoyable?

Love the performance by Robin- what a great job with al characters. She voice was perfrct for the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending was so special as she accomplished her goals and got the man she loved but how hard it was to get there. The journey was worth it and even if some parts were very real in surgery.

Any additional comments?

Great historical read on the medical side of the Civil War. I had never thought of the horrible conditions and lack of everything. No one was prepared the wounded men- on both sides.

Civil War from another point of view

The reader and story held my interest. I learned more about women serving in the civil war. Very believable story. I loved they way the author described the scenes. Great details. Can't wait to listen to another one of her books. However I have been unable to find any more she has written. Janet ( Northener)

Great Historical Fiction

Just what you want in historical fiction. A popular Civil War period, but well researched from an unexpected field medicine angle. The story was well crafted, realistic and held my interest right to the end. I loved Mary's unique character, not a typical protagonist. I liked the subtle and awkward romantic themes between Mary and the men in her life, very believable. I also thought the narration was exceptional. Sometimes female readers don't get male voices right, but Kimberly Farr delivered. Finally, I liked the writing. The prose walked the line of being too flowery at points, but I never thought it gratuitous. I will read another Robin Olivera book soon.

5 Stars!

Loved this piece of historical fiction. Well narrated. Mary Sutter is a heroine to admire.