The Anatomy Lesson: A Novel by Nina Siegal

Final Rating: 3.7/5

   
   The novel opens as the church bells of Amsterdam are ringing on January 31, 1632 and before the final midnight bells chime, the delicate balance between life and death will be examined by individuals who all have a connection to a lost soul. The reader will encounter several voices ranging from the learned and hardened to the desperate and impassioned all seeming to debate or represent religion, philosophy, professionalism or the fascination with the macabre. Narrations switch with each passing chapter and depending on the patient reader you may enjoy the fluctuations of personalities and views including a modern view of the craftsmanship of the painting The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Dialogue unfortunately takes on the modern style in a few passages that seems to clash with the fascinating philosophical approaches of the characters however this may be excused if the reader has a solid interest in the research and topic of the novel; the painting that was commissioned to represent the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons, a golden age of medical discovery and an entertaining story revolving Amsterdam. Although not generally a light tale, one of the novel central messages appeals to the search for humanity and redemption of the lost. There is also a key theme of soul searching that can be interpreted several ways but like the famous painting this novel is based on, the interpretation is up to viewer.

* I would like to thank Doubleday Books publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Anatomy Lesson: A Novel